John’s young wife, nicknamed Dot because she is small beside him; she is content with their marriage, child, and home.

A stern, ill-natured toy merchant who employs Caleb and plans to marry Dot’s schoolfriend May Fielding.

A poor, widowed toymaker employed by Tackleton who maintains an illusion of prosperity for his blind daughter Bertha’s sake.

Caleb’s blind daughter, who works alongside her father while believing his reassuring account of their home and Tackleton’s generosity.

Dot’s close friend and Edward’s former sweetheart, now reluctantly engaged to the wealthy Tackleton under pressure from her mother.

Caleb’s absent son and May’s former sweetheart, who left for South America seeking his fortune and was reported lost at sea.

The Peerybingles’ young nursemaid, brought from an orphanage to help care for John and Dot’s infant son.