A ten-year-old orphaned boy from Virginia who relocates to the Nebraskan prairie. He possesses a romantic, imaginative disposition that allows him to deeply connect with the vast, wild environment. Eager to explore his new surroundings, he forms an immediate fascination with the neighboring immigrant families. He soon prefers their company to the society of his American-born peers.

A fourteen-year-old Bohemian immigrant girl who arrives in America with her family. She is pretty, with warm eyes and curly brown hair. Industrious and eager to learn English, she tackles grueling farm work with immense physical energy. She represents the vitality and the severe struggles of the frontier immigrant experience.

Ántonia's father, a tall and refined Bohemian immigrant who formerly worked as a skilled weaver and violinist. He struggles profoundly with the harsh realities of prairie life. Deeply homesick, he yearns for the culture and friendships he left behind in Europe, remaining stubbornly dignified despite his family's impoverished circumstances.

Jim's fifty-five-year-old grandmother, an energetic pioneer woman who manages her household with lively intelligence. She extends practical charity to her struggling immigrant neighbors, often walking the property with a cane to kill rattlesnakes. She provides stability and warmth for her family in the isolated environment.

Jim's dignified, white-bearded grandfather who serves as the patriarch of the Burden family. He is taciturn and deeply religious, communicating his wise and surprisingly tolerant views largely through his evening prayers. He oversees a prosperous farm and treats his hired hands with fairness.

A fair-skinned Norwegian immigrant girl who grows up in poverty on the prairie. Determined to escape the endless labor of farm life, she takes an interest in fashion and town society. Her gentle manner and violet eyes attract significant attention from local men.

A wealthy, unscrupulous moneylender in Black Hawk who preys on vulnerable immigrant farmers and female domestic workers. He is hypocritical, licentious, and fiercely quarrels with his equally unpleasant wife.

Ántonia's mother, a pragmatic Bohemian immigrant who pushed her family to relocate to America to secure better opportunities for her eldest son. She struggles with housekeeping on the frontier and frequently exhibits a grasping, envious attitude toward her more established neighbors.

Ántonia's nineteen-year-old brother. He is physically strong but views the world with suspicious eyes. As the focus of his mother's ambitions, he embraces the role of a strict household leader and frequently prioritizes his own success over his sisters' comfort.

An Austrian immigrant and hired hand on the Burden farm who resembles a cowboy from a dime novel. Having led an adventurous life in the Far West among mining camps and cattle outfits, he entertains Jim with thrilling stories and practical riding lessons. He works diligently alongside the Burdens despite low pay.

An illiterate teenage farmhand from Virginia who travels West to work for Grandfather Burden. He acts as young Jim's caretaker during the train journey. Despite possessing a quick temper and initial prejudices against foreigners, he is highly loyal and soft-hearted.

Ántonia's younger sister, a pretty and obedient girl who shares Ántonia's sweet nature. She frequently tags along on Ántonia and Jim's childhood adventures and takes over English lessons when her sister is forced to work the fields.

Ántonia's youngest brother. Born with webbed fingers, he frequently makes odd noises. He is entirely harmless and relies entirely on his family for care.

A tall, fierce-looking Russian immigrant who works as a farmhand. He suffers from a persistent, wasting cough and harbors a terrifying secret from his past in Russia involving a wedding party and famished wolves.

A fat, short, and friendly Russian immigrant who grows watermelons and entertains visitors by playing the harmonica. He struggles with mounting debt due to the exorbitant fees charged by the local moneylender.

A dishonest Bohemian immigrant who takes financial advantage of his newly arrived countrymen. Because he is the only person who speaks their language, the Shimerdas are entirely dependent on him despite his exploitative practices.

A short, sturdy Norwegian immigrant who lives next door to the Burdens in Black Hawk. She is a lively, musical, and independent woman who runs a busy household, though she completely defers to her demanding husband when he is home.

An autocratic, successful businessman in Black Hawk. He expects total devotion from his wife when he is present and is highly exacting with his eldest daughter, who works as his chief clerk.

The Harlings' eldest daughter, who is nearly as tall as her father. She possesses exceptional business acumen and serves as a highly capable judge of credit for local farmers.

Wick Cutter's wife, described as a terrifying, raw-boned woman with prominent, hysterical eyes. She is childless, highly suspicious of her husband, and engaged in a constant, hostile battle of wills with him.

An immigrant girl who comes to town to work at the local hotel, catering to traveling salesmen. She is friendly with the other hired girls and enjoys the lively atmosphere of town life.

A handsome, sincere Bohemian homesteader in his early twenties. He arrives to support his countrymen during a crisis, impressing the Burdens with his frank and manly faith.

A passenger conductor on the railroad who is known locally as a ladies' man. He courts Ántonia when she is living in town, presenting an image of respectable success.