Maroo is a young girl of the semi-nomadic Madeleine people living at the end of the last Ice Age. Her name means "Little Ptarmigan," linking her to a clever bird-goddess in her tribe's mythology. Dutiful and responsible, she helps care for her younger siblings and deeply respects the traditions and authority of her elders. Her natural caution balances her growing responsibilities within the family unit.

Otak is Maroo's energetic and proud younger brother who is eager to prove himself as a future hunter. He longs for adventure, wishing to see dangerous animals like cave lions, and closely observes the adult men to learn their tracking skills. His impulsive ambition sometimes leads to conflict with his more cautious sister.

Old Mother, whose true name is Irimgadu, is the matriarch of the family and their principal source of knowledge. She possesses a lifetime of experience surviving the harsh Ice Age environment, knowing how to read weather signs and locate edible plants. She preserves the family's spiritual beliefs, acting as the storyteller who connects the children to their heritage.

Areg is the primary hunter and leader of his small family group, providing physical sustenance and a strong sense of security. He is a confident, strong man who also shows a playful, loving side, often teasing his children. He is a skilled drummer, using his decorated instrument to play complex rhythms that bring the community together during celebrations.

Tikek is Maroo's mother, characterized by her devotion to her family and her quiet resilience. Pregnant at the start of the spring migration, her physical vulnerability slows the family's travel, but she endures the harsh conditions to care for her children. She possesses a fierce protective instinct and focuses intensely on keeping her family safe from prehistoric dangers.

Vorka is Areg's younger brother and a contributing adult male in the family's small traveling group. He operates somewhat in his older brother's shadow, presenting a quieter and less assertive demeanor than the confident Areg. He marks the passage of days on a bone amulet and crafts musical instruments like pipes and whistles for the children during peaceful summer months.

Rivo is a wild dog pup rescued by Maroo and Otak during their summer migration. The children clean and bandage his injured leg, gradually taming him despite the adults' initial skepticism about feeding another mouth. His name means "friend," reflecting his transition from a snarling, fearful pup into a cooperative companion.

Nimai is Maroo and Otak's little sister. She is young, observant, and stays close to the older girls and Old Mother to forage for herbs, roots, and berries. She shares a playful bond with her family, interpreting natural phenomena through the tribe's spiritual beliefs.

Baby Areg is Tikek's youngest child, born while the family camps by the Mediterranean Sea. His impending arrival dictates the family's slower travel pace during the summer and delays their departure for the autumn hunting grounds.

Sovi is a leader of another small group within the Madeleine people. He organizes their travel to the seashore and sets signal fires to guide other groups, acting as a steady and respected elder within the broader tribal community.

Tevo is one of the hunters in the Madeleine tribe. He participates in the spring killing that brings necessary food to the hungry community before they split into smaller groups for the summer.

Avni is a woman in the tribe who assists with childbirth and travels with Sovi's group during the summer migration to the sea.

Keriatek is an elder in the tribe who resides at the autumn camp. He helps make communal decisions regarding the integration of new members and animals into the tribe's seasonal settlements.