Jonathan is an eight-year-old boy living in a stone farmhouse in rural Pennsylvania. He has a gentle, observant nature and prefers feeding and befriending the local wildlife over hunting them. Despite his youth and his anxiety about the possibility of bears on Hemlock Mountain, he takes on the responsibility of crossing the wilderness alone to retrieve a piece of cooking equipment for his family.

Jonathan's father is a large, hardworking man who spends his days tending to the animals and cutting wood to keep the family's stove burning. His demanding farm chores prevent him from running errands, requiring his son to take on more responsibility. He provides a stable, reassuring presence for his family.

Jonathan's mother is a skilled cook who manages the farmhouse and prepares large feasts for her extended family. She is practical and direct, instructing Jonathan to fetch the pot while dismissing his fears about bears as nonsense. Despite her firm exterior and insistence that the mountain is safe, she harbors private anxieties about her son traveling alone.

Young Uncle James is Jonathan's fourteen-year-old uncle and his favorite relative. He possesses a perceptive, quiet nature that allows him to observe wildlife closely without disturbing the animals. He treats Jonathan as a companion, teaching him how to watch the forest creatures and feeding his curiosity about the wilderness by claiming he once saw a bear.

Aunt Emma is Jonathan's aunt who lives on the opposite side of Hemlock Mountain. Like her sister, she is a skilled housekeeper and cook who maintains a comfortable, welcoming home. She generously shares her household items with her family but worries deeply about the dangers of the mountain crossing.

Uncle Samuel is one of Jonathan's uncles who participates in the large family gatherings. He is part of the close-knit farming community that regularly visits the farmhouse and supports the family network.

Uncle John is part of Jonathan's large extended family. He participates in the frequent feasts at the stone farmhouse and contributes to the strong safety net surrounding his young nephew.

Uncle Peter is another of Jonathan's uncles. He represents the strong bonds and collective responsibility of Jonathan's large, rural family that gathers for meals and celebrations.