Pippi is a nine-year-old girl who lives entirely on her own, free from adult supervision and social expectations. She possesses extraordinary physical strength and boundless optimism, believing her deceased mother watches her from heaven and her missing father rules an island. Recognizable by her bright orange braids, oversized shoes, and mismatched stockings, she approaches daily life with extreme independence and creativity. She turns regular chores into games and effortlessly overpowers bullies, burglars, and strongmen who cross her path.

Tommy is a well-brought-up, obedient boy who lives next door to Villa Villekulla. He is the braver and bolder of the two Settergren siblings, eager to jump into any wild idea Pippi suggests. His friendship with Pippi gradually makes him more confident and willing to break out of his highly structured routine.

Annika is Tommy's sister, a neatly dressed girl with lovely flaxen hair and white shoes. Though more reserved and cautious than her brother, she actively participates in Pippi's unconventional games and outings. She deeply admires Pippi's bravery and gradually develops her own sense of courage during their adventures.

Mr. Nilsson is Pippi's pet monkey, whom she brought with her from her time sailing the seas with her father. He accompanies Pippi on almost all of her daily excursions. He serves as both a companion and a physical assistant in Pippi's unusual problem-solving methods, such as helping string a rescue rope in a tree.

The horse is a large animal that Pippi purchased with her gold upon moving to town. Pippi keeps him on her porch and frequently demonstrates her strength by lifting him whenever she pleases. He provides transportation for her trips into town and quietly observes her chaotic lifestyle.

Mrs. Settergren is the mother of Tommy and Annika, representing the polite, rule-bound adult society of the town. She attempts to include Pippi in normal social events but quickly loses patience with the girl's inability to follow basic etiquette, eventually asking her to leave a gathering.

Pippi's father is a sailor who traveled the world with his daughter, collecting exotic treasures. Though he was lost at sea, Pippi adamantly believes he survived and currently rules over an island. He originally purchased Villa Villekulla for them to live in together upon their retirement from sailing.

Bloom is a transient thief who arrives in town completely unaware of Pippi's legendary strength. He and his partner target Villa Villekulla after noticing a young girl counting a suitcase of gold. He ends up outmatched by her physical abilities and is forced into an impromptu dancing session to earn his release.

Thunder-Karlsson is a burglar who attempts to steal Pippi's suitcase of gold under the cover of night. He quickly learns that targeting a nine-year-old girl is a mistake when she easily overpowers him. After being defeated, he obliges her request to play music on a comb while she dances.

The Mighty Adolf is billed as the strongest man in the world and serves as the star attraction at the local circus. He issues an open challenge and a cash prize to anyone who can defeat him in a wrestling match. His pride takes a serious blow when Pippi steps into the ring and effortlessly tosses him aside.

The local schoolteacher is a patient woman who tries her best to integrate Pippi into formal education. She attempts various subjects from arithmetic to drawing, but struggles to manage Pippi's wild stories and utter disregard for rules. She eventually realizes that the standard classroom environment cannot accommodate a child like Pippi.

Bengt is a well-known local bully who picks on weaker children in the town. He mocks Pippi's orange hair and unusual clothing when she interrupts his attack. He quickly faces consequences when Pippi physically lifts him into a tree.

Willie is a small boy in the town who becomes the target of a group of bullies led by Bengt. He is rescued when Pippi intervenes and physically removes his attackers, earning her protection going forward.