Sophia is a 12-year-old girl living in British-occupied New York City. Her brother is missing in action, and her father is incapacitated by a gunshot wound. To support her family, she takes an apprenticeship at a local print shop. She harbors strong patriot sympathies but struggles to reconcile her political beliefs with her growing affection for the British lieutenant quartered in her home.

John André is a polite and artistic British lieutenant quartered in the Calderwood home. He plays the flute, writes poetry, and presents a sharp contrast to the harsh realities of the occupying army. His gentlemanly demeanor complicates the patriot sympathies of his hosts, especially Sophia.

William is Sophia's beloved older brother. An educated young man who attended King's College, he joined the patriot forces early in the revolution. He goes missing following the British attack on Brooklyn, plunging his family into a state of continuous fear regarding his fate.

Hiram is Sophia's father, a scrivener who works for local publishers in New York City. A quiet patriot sympathizer, his ability to support his family is severely threatened when he is shot by a British soldier. His injury forces the family into financial instability.

Molly is Sophia's mother. She struggles with intense anxiety regarding her son's disappearance and her husband's sudden injury. She attempts to keep her family safe while navigating the stressful reality of hosting an enemy officer in their home.

A young patriot who maintains a strong commitment to the American cause. He is a close peer of the Calderwood family.

A quiet man who frequents the print shop where Sophia works. He acts as a silent business partner at the King's Crown coffee shop and takes a careful, deliberate interest in Sophia's political leanings.

A publisher of the Mercury and owner of a local print shop. He provides Hiram with remote work and hires Sophia as an apprentice to help her family survive the economic hardships of the occupation.

Publisher of the Gazette in New York City. He is one of the primary sources of income for the Calderwood family before Hiram's injury.

A young patriot executed by the British forces. His public hanging deeply traumatizes Sophia and serves as a constant reminder of the war's fatal stakes.

A brutish British official who oversees the prison system and the captive patriots in New York City. He strikes fear into the local population.

A local physician who tends to the medical emergencies of the citizens in occupied New York.

An American military officer who commands the highly strategic fort at West Point. News of his victories initially brings hope to patriot supporters.

The leading general of the American forces fighting for independence against the British Empire.

A senior general in the British forces who relies heavily on his staff to maintain control of the occupied territories.

A young boy working at the local print shop whose employment is disrupted by the ongoing war.

A local neighborhood gossip who frequently updates the Calderwoods on military movements outside the city limits.

One of a succession of British officers forced upon the Calderwood family for lodging as the occupation continues.

A cook working within the Archibald Kennedy house who assists with domestic routines.

The housekeeper who oversees the domestic staff at the Archibald Kennedy house.

A clergyman who frequently visits the military offices, conducting ambiguous business with the officers.

An officer in the patriot army who manages intelligence operations against the occupying forces.

A British colonel heavily involved in planning military maneuvers along the Hudson River.

A local man residing near the Hudson River who assists military officers with lodging and transportation logistics.

An American commander stationed near the strategic river crossings who evaluates incoming military reports.