Birdie is a hardworking young girl who recently moved to southern Florida with her family. Nicknamed "Strawberry Girl" for her dedication to the family's cash crop, she is a resilient and generous child who is eager to make friends in her new community. She tackles manual labor without complaint and serves as a peacemaker among the local children.

Often called Shoestring, he is a young boy from the impoverished Slater family who initially embraces his father's hunting lifestyle over schooling. He is shunned by the local children due to his family's frightening reputation, leaving him lonely and defensive. Despite the tension between their fathers, he becomes Birdie's first friend and attempts to warn her of incoming troubles.

Mr. Boyer is Birdie's father, an intelligent farmer who moves his family south to capitalize on Florida's agricultural potential. He takes pride in property ownership and proper animal husbandry, which quickly puts him at odds with the local squatter culture. He is uncompromising when defending his livelihood against destructive neighbors.

Mrs. Boyer is Birdie's mother, a compassionate woman whose moral code is deeply informed by her religious faith. She attempts to keep the peace between the feuding families by extending constant generosity to Mrs. Slater. When conflicts escalate, she uses cleverness rather than physical aggression to protect her family's crops.

Sam Slater is the Boyers' closest neighbor and a heavy drinker who fiercely guards his traditional squatter way of life. Feeling entitled to the unfenced land his family has utilized for generations, he deeply resents the Boyers' success and agricultural modernism. His bitter temper causes his family to live in isolating and destitute conditions.

Mrs. Slater is the matriarch of the impoverished Slater family. Wearied by her husband's drinking, she is initially offended by the Boyers' material comforts and labels them "uppity." She frequently relies on Mrs. Boyer's charity to feed her malnourished children.

Essie is one of the younger Slater daughters. Growing up in severe poverty, she is often found dirty and uncombed until Birdie helps wash her face and hair. She remains a friendly playmate to the Boyer children despite the adults' feud.

Zephy is another of the younger Slater daughters, experiencing the harsh effects of her family's destitution. She benefits directly from Birdie's nurturing attitude and acts warmly toward the Boyer family.

Gus is one of Mr. Slater's older sons. Following his father's example, he disrespects societal norms and formal education. His aggressive behavior culminates in a severe physical altercation with the local schoolteacher.

Joe is another of the older Slater boys. He echoes his father's belief that hunting is more important than education and actively participates in causing chaos in the community.

Dan is Birdie's brother. He adapts to the new Florida environment by racing captured turtles with Shoestring and helping his parents on the farm.

Dovey is Birdie's sister. She helps her family with their agricultural ambitions, sharing the labor of the strawberry fields alongside her siblings.

Mr. Pearce is the local schoolteacher. His attempt to maintain order in his classroom results in a severe beating from Gus and Joe Slater, leaving the community without a teacher.

Miss Annie Laurie Dunnaway is the church organist who captivates Birdie with her musical talents. She represents cultural refinement and education in the rural community.

Miss Liddy Evans is a friendly town milliner who knows everybody's business. She shows compassion to the poor by loaning Mrs. Slater money and breaking up animal fights outside her shop.

Brother Jackson is a traveling preacher. Though initially resented by the hungry Slater children for eating their food, he provides religious services to the isolated families.

Doc Dayton is a traveling tooth-puller who provides practical medical and veterinary assistance to the Boyer family.

Azuloy is an employee working for Miss Liddy Evans at the hat shop, where Birdie assists her in crafting decorations for the church.