Liberty is the deuteragonist, a talking, time-traveling horse who guides Rush Revere and his students through their historical adventures while providing humor throughout the novel. His supernatural abilities, which include creating time portals, becoming invisible, and even briefly stopping time, allow the characters to witness historical events firsthand. His origin, tied to a lightning strike during the Revolutionary War, mystically links him to the very birth of the nation. His name reflects the importance of freedom in the novel, and he strongly values his own independence. He is fiercely independent and challenges Rush Revere when he feels his autonomy is threatened, arguing that being forced to act against one’s will “is not what freedom is about” (30). This connection to personal liberty aligns him directly with the theme of The Courage of Independent Thought.

Despite his historical knowledge, demonstrated when he recites the Preamble to the Constitution from memory, Liberty maintains a playful and often mischievous personality. He is perpetually hungry and easily distracted by food, from the apples in Holland to the promise of Thanksgiving dinner. This anachronistic humor, such as his desire for a Veggie Supreme sandwich, makes the historical narrative more accessible and entertaining for young readers. His antics, like getting wooden shoes stuck on his hooves or accidentally crushing Elizabeth’s phone, create minor conflicts and add levity to the story. Liberty’s personality and abilities remain consistent throughout the novel. His combination of wisdom, childlike appetites, and steadfast loyalty makes him an important companion during the group’s historical adventures.

Tommy White is the story’s most prominent character whose outlook changes significantly over the course of the novel. He is introduced as a stereotypical “class clown” and jock, initially bored by and cynical toward history, dismissing it as “not exciting” (8). His journey from a disengaged student to an active and enthusiastic participant in history is central to the book’s purpose. His initial skepticism reflects the views of someone who finds history unrelatable, and his transformation illustrates the impact of Revere’s immersive teaching methods. His curiosity is first sparked by the fantastic appearance of a talking horse, showing his preference for action and adventure over passive learning.

Beneath his disruptive exterior, Tommy possesses a surprising intellect and a developing sense of empathy. He reveals his “science geek” side when he theorizes a complex scientific explanation for Liberty’s time travel, challenging the simple jock stereotype. As he travels through time, he moves beyond seeing history as a series of events and begins to connect with the people involved, expressing concern for William Bradford’s family and admiration for Myles Standish’s bravery. Within the novel, Tommy inspires the Pilgrims to abandon their communal economic system by introducing the idea of a competitive “county fair,” where individual effort is rewarded. His actions contribute to the novel’s exploration of the theme The Failures of Communal Living. By the end of the narrative, Tommy’s perspective has completely shifted, and he eagerly anticipates his next historical adventure.

William Bradford is a historical mentor figure who represents the ideal of the “Brave Pilgrim.” As a leader of the Plymouth colony, he provides the primary source of information regarding the Pilgrims’ motivations, hardships, and principles. His character is shaped by his strong faith, which he views as the guiding force behind the Pilgrims’ journey and survival. He interprets events like the rescue of a man overboard as a “divine sign” (76) and remains resilient in the face of immense personal tragedy, such as the death of his wife, Dorothy. This steadfastness makes him a moral and spiritual anchor for the colony while reflecting the novel’s emphasis on faith as a cornerstone of American identity.



Beyond his faith, Bradford is depicted as a courageous and pragmatic leader. He is instrumental in creating the Mayflower Compact to ensure order and self-governance among the colonists. His most significant action in the narrative is his decision to abandon the colony’s initial communal economic structure in favor of private land ownership. He explains that the “common store” system bred discontent and discouraged hard work, and that the shift to individual enterprise was the “turning point” for the colony’s success. This portrays him as the central figure in the novel’s argument that a free-market system contributed to the colony’s success. Bradford remains consistent in his faith, leadership, and commitment to the colony throughout the story, reflecting the novel’s portrayal of him as a principled and well-developed historical figure.

Freedom is a perceptive and empathetic companion on the time-traveling adventures. Initially a quiet student who sits in the back of the class, she grows to become a key participant. She possesses a unique, intuitive gift that allows her to perceive things others cannot, such as sensing Liberty’s presence when he is invisible and communicating non-verbally with animals. This ability sets her apart and suggests a deeper, more spiritual connection to the world around her.

Freedom provides a compassionate counterpoint to Tommy’s more action-oriented perspective. She is the first to articulate the emotional weight of the Pilgrims’ sacrifices, particularly the courage it took for the Bradfords to leave their son behind. Her empathy extends to both humans and animals, and she treats historical figures with reverence and kindness, as seen when she gifts her feather to Somoset. She is also courageous, standing up to the bully Elizabeth and proving to be a skilled and strategic chess player. As the story progresses, she becomes more confident and actively involved in the historical adventures, demonstrating growing self-confidence and initiative.

Captain Myles Standish is portrayed as a historical figure who represents the military strength and pragmatism of the Plymouth colony. As the community’s military leader, his primary focus is on defense, protection, and order. He is depicted as being sterner and more cautious than the diplomatic William Bradford, often holding his musket at the ready and displaying suspicion toward outsiders like Somoset. He is a man of action, saving Tommy from falling overboard and disciplining the mischievous Billington boys. Standish also becomes a mentor to Tommy, promising to teach him sword fighting, a practical skill that complements Rush Revere’s more academic lessons. Throughout the novel, he remains a disciplined and dependable protector whose practical approach and no-nonsense demeanor remain consistent.

Elizabeth Sherman is a minor antagonist and a foil to the main student characters. As the principal’s daughter, she behaves with an air of entitlement and arrogance, belittling Rush Revere and bullying the more reserved Freedom. Her character reflects a preference for conformity and deference to established authority. She openly suggests the Pilgrims should have simply obeyed King James, reflecting the novel’s contrast between obedience to authority and independent thinking. Her attempts to expose Liberty and discredit Revere are motivated by a desire to maintain the status quo and her own position of social power within the school. Throughout the novel, Elizabeth remains an arrogant and dismissive character whose actions consistently create conflict for the protagonists.

Squanto is a benevolent historical guide whose arrival is important to the Pilgrims’ survival. Having learned English after being kidnapped and taken to Europe, he acts as a translator and cultural bridge between the colonists and Massasoit’s people. William Bradford describes him as an “instrument” sent from God, and he generously teaches the Pilgrims how to plant corn, fish, and otherwise adapt to the New World. His tragic backstory provides context for the devastation of the native population by disease, while his generosity, knowledge, and willingness to assist the Pilgrims make him an important ally throughout their early struggles.

Principal Sherman is an archetypal authority figure who reflects the formal and unimaginative educational system that Rush Revere’s methods challenge. He is initially skeptical of Revere and automatically assumes the worst of Tommy, viewing him as a troublemaker. His inability to see Liberty the horse, even when his daughter insists the animal is present, reflects his limited willingness to accept the extraordinary experiences that Revere and his students encounter. He is a minor, often comical, obstacle whose traditional outlook contrasts with Revere’s teaching style.