Dick is a 14-year-old orphaned bootblack working on the streets of New York City. Despite his unwashed appearance and ragged clothes, he possesses a handsome face and a sharp intellect. He earns his living polishing boots but often squanders his income on theatre tickets or treating friends to meals. Deep down, he maintains strict moral boundaries against stealing and cheating.

Mr. Greyson is a wealthy businessman representing the respectable upper class of New York society. He recognizes innate integrity in the street boys and takes an active interest in their moral development. He introduces youths to church services and provides vital character references.

Frank is a 14-year-old boy raised in comfortable circumstances with indulgent parents. He is well-educated and initially unfamiliar with the harsh realities of city life. He feels genuine compassion for those less fortunate and treats others with respect regardless of their social standing.

Micky is a stout, red-haired bootblack from the impoverished Five Points district. He acts as the reckless leader of a gang of street ruffians and has already served time on Blackwell's Island. He harbors a jealous hatred for anyone who attempts to improve their station in life.

Henry is a 12-year-old boy forced onto the streets as a bootblack following the death of his father. Raised in an educated environment, he possesses a natural timidity that makes the rough street life difficult. He reads widely and seeks a way to return to the respectable life he once knew.

Jim is a coarse-looking, sallow-complexioned bartender with a penchant for spending more than he earns. He drinks heavily and seeks easy ways to acquire wealth without putting in honest labor. He dreams of making a quick fortune in California.

Johnny is a 14-year-old bootblack who fled his family home to escape an abusive, alcoholic father. He is good-natured but utterly lacks the energy and natural sharpness that distinguish other street workers. He prefers the bustle of the city but struggles to support himself within it.

Mr. Whitney is a prosperous 50-year-old gentleman who worked his way up from poverty to wealth through study and invention. He believes deeply in social mobility and the value of hard work. He provides practical advice and initial financial assistance to help others start their own journeys toward respectability.

Ida is the pretty, nine-year-old daughter of a wealthy merchant. She represents the respectable, sheltered world of upper-class youth. She displays a friendly curiosity toward people from outside her social sphere.

Roswell is a genteelly dressed 14-year-old who views himself as an aristocrat. He disdains manual labor and looks down on those who work in the streets. He believes that his status as a gentleman's son entitles him to better employment.

Tom is a young bootblack who works diligently to support his family. Unlike many boys on the street, he never wastes his earnings on extravagances. He faces dire circumstances when his mother breaks her arm and cannot work.

James Rockwell is a wealthy New York City merchant and a devoted father. He is unable to swim, making him desperate when a crisis occurs on the water. He commands significant business resources and values courage and quick thinking in others.

Limpy Jim is a street boy who associates with Micky Maguire's rough gang. He engages in gambling and street skirmishes. He represents the less scrupulous side of the city's youth population.

Mr. Hatch is a dishonest store clerk who attempts to swindle customers by claiming their money is counterfeit while pocketing the genuine bills. He preys on individuals he assumes lack the social standing to defend themselves.

Ephraim Smith is an experienced criminal and con artist operating in New York City. He uses false urgency and fraudulent documents to trick unsuspecting visitors out of their cash.

Mrs. Mooney is the landlady of a shabby but functional lodging house. She runs her business practically and observes the comings and goings of her varied tenants.