Pollyanna is an 11-year-old orphan who recently lost her missionary father and has been sent East to live with her only surviving relative. Having grown up in poverty in the West, she possesses a remarkably sunny outlook. She constantly plays the "glad game," a coping mechanism taught by her father that involves finding something to be glad about in any situation, no matter how difficult.

Miss Polly is a wealthy, unmarried 40-year-old woman living alone in the grand Harrington residence in Beldingsville. She has cultivated a stern, fussy demeanor and largely acts out of a strict sense of moral duty rather than affection. Still holding onto past resentments regarding her family, she agrees to take in her orphaned niece strictly out of obligation.

Nancy is Miss Polly's hired maid, originally from a farm called The Corners. Forced into service after her father's passing, she is warm-hearted and instantly sympathetic to the orphaned child coming to live in the cold mansion. She provides a grounded, common-sense perspective on the household's strict atmosphere.

Old Tom is the elderly gardener and right-hand man at the Harrington estate. Having worked for the family for decades, he remembers a time when the Harrington sisters were young and Miss Polly was less severe. He carries a deep loyalty to the family name.

Mrs. Snow is a poor, chronically ill, and bedbound woman in Beldingsville. She is known throughout the village as a serial complainer who rejects comfort and expects the worst out of life. Her constant demands exhaust those around her.

John Pendleton is a wealthy, solitary man who lives in a large house on Pendleton Hill. Rumored to be a miser who travels to foreign countries, he keeps to himself and maintains a gruff, unapproachable exterior. His large, empty house mirrors his isolated life.

Jimmy Bean is a ragged local orphan who longs for a real home. Unlike children hoping for an easy charity placement, he possesses a strong sense of pride and is determined to work hard for his keep, refusing to see himself as a beggar.

Dr. Thomas Chilton is a tall, broad-shouldered physician in Beldingsville. Despite his cheerful professional demeanor and dedication to his patients, he lives a somewhat lonely life in a sparse boarding house and harbors quiet sadness over his personal history.

John Whittier was a poor missionary minister in the West and the devoted father of Pollyanna. He is the originator of the "glad game," having used it to maintain his own spirits and comfort his daughter in the face of poverty, bereavements, and difficult living conditions.

Jennie was the eldest of the Harrington sisters. She defied her wealthy family's expectations by marrying a poor minister instead of a rich local suitor. She moved West, where she faced a difficult pioneer life and passed away before her husband.

Mrs. Payson is a socially marginalized woman in the village, recognized by her heavily dyed hair, bright makeup, and cheap jewelry. Living on the brink of divorce, she is largely shunned by the respectable, wealthy citizens of the town until she crosses paths with Pollyanna.

Timothy is Old Tom's son and a reliable employee of the Harrington household. He handles the estate's horse and buggy, running errands into town and serving as a quiet witness to the daily changes in the mansion.

Milly is Mrs. Snow's daughter and primary caretaker. She spends her days trying to appease her mother's constant demands and complaints, a taxing position that leaves her weary but dutiful.

Paul Ford is the local minister in Beldingsville. He struggles with his parish's ongoing scandals and poor attendance, leading to moments of deep professional despair. He wishes to help his community but often feels overwhelmed by their hypocrisy and faults.