Thomas is a young World War I soldier from rural England who spends a night in a barn reflecting on his childhood. Deeply loyal to his family, he carries a heavy burden of guilt regarding his father's tragic death. He is observant, sensitive, and deeply attached to his older brothers and their shared friend, Molly.

Charlie is Thomas's older brother, serving as a protective and resilient mentor figure in the family. He possesses a strong sense of justice and routinely stands up against unfair treatment, whether defending his brother from bullies or challenging unreasonable authority figures.

The eldest of the Peaceful brothers, Big Joe survived infant meningitis, which left him with an intellectual disability. He is gentle, cheerful, and frequently sings his favorite nursery rhyme, "Oranges and Lemons." His well-being acts as the emotional center of the Peaceful household.

A kind and caring girl who grows up alongside the Peaceful brothers, seeking the warmth and affection she lacks in her own home. She becomes an inseparable part of their childhood adventures and forms an intertwined bond with both Thomas and Charlie as they navigate adolescence.

The wealthy, authoritarian landlord who holds immense power over the Peaceful family and their rural community. He is callous and vindictive, frequently using his position to manipulate situations to his advantage and enforce his will upon his tenants.

Mrs. Peaceful's aunt, who moves into the cottage to help care for the boys but quickly imposes strict and cruel rules. The boys secretly name her after the villain in Little Red Riding Hood due to her harsh demeanor and her condescending treatment of Big Joe.

A cruel, authoritarian military leader who oversees the recruits' training with physical and verbal abuse. He uses fear and harsh punishment to maintain control, quickly earning the deep resentment of the soldiers under his command.

The devoted matriarch of the Peaceful family who fiercely protects her sons and holds the household together. Following her husband's death, she accepts a demanding job as a lady's maid to ensure her family can remain in their home, demonstrating her pragmatism and deep maternal love.

Thomas's late father was a hardworking woodsman who tragically lost his life in a logging accident. His sacrifice to save young Thomas leaves a profound impact on the family, particularly Thomas, who retains the memory of his father's death as a persistent source of guilt.

An authoritarian teacher at the local school who manages his classroom through fear and rigid discipline. He utilizes a booming voice and strict commandments to intimidate the older students, enforcing an atmosphere of absolute conformity.

A compassionate and nurturing teacher responsible for the younger students, including Thomas. Her kind demeanor differs noticeably from the harshness of the older boys' teacher, and she takes a genuine, caring interest in her pupils' well-being.

A benevolent military officer who commands the soldiers when they reach Belgium. He demonstrates genuine empathy and concern for his men, earning their respect and loyalty while serving as a noticeable difference to the brutality they faced in training.

A young recruit from the Peaceful brothers' hometown who volunteers alongside them. He experiences the same harsh realities of military training and trench warfare, bonding with the other men in their regiment over shared hardships.

Another recruit from the Peaceful family's local village who joins the war effort at the same time. He serves in the trenches with Thomas and Charlie, representing the young men of their community drawn into the conflict.

A peer from the Peaceful brothers' hometown who often clashes with them in their youth. He later enlists in the military during the same recruiting march that Thomas witnesses in the market square.

A sixteen-year-old waitress who briefly connects with Thomas during his time on the front lines. Her friendly presence provides Thomas with a rare sense of normalcy and a brief escape from the miseries of trench warfare.