Bright Morning is a fourteen-year-old Navajo girl living in Canyon de Chelly. She eagerly anticipates the arrival of spring, viewing it as an opportunity to prove her maturity by shepherding her mother's important flock of sheep. Intelligent and deeply connected to her homeland, she possesses strong instincts and a cautious awareness of outside threats. She stubbornly refuses to accept the loss of her dignity, even when faced with overwhelming hardships.

Tall Boy is a young, highly regarded Navajo warrior in Canyon de Chelly. Known for his bravery and hunting skills, he easily attracts the admiration of his peers. He takes great pride in his traditional role as a protector, which shapes his stubborn and determined personality when his people face external threats from white soldiers and slavers.

Bright Morning's Mother is a respected woman in the Navajo village who holds considerable social standing due to her large flock of sheep. She is practical, demanding, and highly protective of her daughter. She holds strong, outspoken opinions about suitors and the encroaching forces threatening their home.

Bright Morning's Father is a Navajo elder who tends to be more passive than his wife. He trusts authority figures and attempts to maintain a hopeful outlook during crises. He frequently advises his family to accept their difficult circumstances rather than resist them.

Running Bird is a young Navajo girl and one of Bright Morning's closest companions. She is playful and lighthearted, frequently teasing Bright Morning about marriage prospects and her mother's sheep. She shares in the terrifying experiences that disrupt their peaceful lives in the canyon.

White Deer is a Navajo girl who watches her sheep alongside Bright Morning and Running Bird. She joins in friendly banter, teasing her friends about their futures and providing a sense of normalcy in the canyon.

Rosita is a captive servant girl from an unknown tribe living in a white settlement. She attempts to convince other captives that life as a servant is pleasant and encourages compliance with their mistresses.

Nehana is a captive Nez Percé girl living in a white settlement. She possesses a rebellious spirit, flatly rejecting her enslavement and actively seeking ways to resist her captors.

Mando is a young Navajo warrior and a loyal companion to Tall Boy. He rides alongside his friend to assist in defending their people from threats in the wilderness.

Bitter Water is the medicine man of the Navajo village in Canyon de Chelly. He relies on spiritual objects and traditional cleaning methods to treat the sick and wounded.

Old Bear is the elder head of the Navajo village. He attempts to protect his people by reasoning with the hostile white soldiers and placating their demands.

Little Rainbow is a young Native American woman who meets Bright Morning during a grueling journey. She struggles under the severe physical toll of carrying two small children through harsh conditions.

Meadow Flower is the small child of Little Rainbow. She requires constant care and carrying during a difficult journey, prompting others to step in and assist her mother.

Tall Boy's Father is a resourceful Navajo elder. He uses his bartering skills, such as trading a turquoise belt for a horse, to provide for his family during difficult times.

Bright Morning's Grandmother is an elderly member of Bright Morning's family. She endures severe physical hardships alongside the rest of the tribe when they are forced to march away from their canyon.