Omakayas is a nine-year-old Ojibwe girl living on the Island of the Golden-Breasted Woodpecker. Her name translates to Little Frog. She possesses a contemplative nature and a growing gift for visionary dreams that frighten her with their intensity. Mentored by her grandmother in plant medicine, she feels hesitant to take the next step toward adulthood through the traditional fasting ritual. She is deeply devoted to her family and tribe, seeking to earn the respect of her elders while holding onto the comforts of childhood.

Nokomis is the esteemed grandmother of Omakayas and the respected healer of the tribe. She possesses deep stores of knowledge regarding medicinal roots, plants, and tribal traditions. Her face features fine wrinkles that reflect a long life lived with love, and her presence provides a profound sense of safety for her family.

Angeline is Omakayas's older sister. Having survived smallpox with lingering facial scars, she remains a beautiful young woman transitioning into adulthood. She acts as a somewhat reluctant mother figure to her younger siblings while harboring deep affections for a local hunter, preparing herself mentally for marriage and her own family.

Pinch is Omakayas's younger brother. Still young enough to be free of significant adult responsibilities, he spends his time playing games and occasionally causing mischief. He shares a close bond with his sister, rooted in their shared grief over a lost sibling and their daily routines on the island.

Old Tallow is a highly respected Ojibwe elder and hunter. She relies on a pack of loyal wolf-dogs and protects the tribe with fierce bravery, stepping in during emergencies to rescue community members. Though she appears intimidating, she possesses a hidden vulnerability and shows a special, demanding affection for Omakayas.

Deydey is the father of Omakayas, Angeline, and Pinch. He models curiosity about the world while remaining fiercely protective of Ojibwe culture. He actively resists pressures to assimilate, refusing to allow his children to abandon their spiritual beliefs in exchange for an education in the colonizers' language.

Yellow Kettle is Omakayas's mother. A strong, courageous woman, she serves as the emotional anchor for her household. Still grieving the loss of her youngest child to smallpox, she demonstrates a profound capacity for unconditional love when she readily takes in a displaced infant whose parents vanish in a raid.

Bizheens is an orphaned infant who arrives with a group of desperate, displaced tribespeople. Rescued after losing his parents in a raid, he is adopted into Omakayas's family. He represents joy and the hopeful continuation of the Ojibwe people despite severe external hardships.

Fishtail is a widowed hunter and family friend of Omakayas's household. Feeling he has little to lose, he accepts the heavy responsibility of contacting government agents to demand answers about broken land treaties, causing immense worry for those who care for him back home.

Two Strike Girl is Omakayas's tomboyish cousin. She prefers hunting to traditional domestic work and successfully brings down a giant moose, earning early respect from the community. Her intense confidence often borders on arrogance, leading her to organize the local boys into a makeshift army and challenge community elders.

A skinny white girl living near the town, originally named Clarissa. Omakayas privately calls her the Break-Apart Girl because of her fragile appearance. She forms a gentle friendship with Omakayas, bridging their cultural divide through play despite lacking a shared spoken language.

A displaced boy who arrives at the island impoverished and ashamed. Privately nicknamed by Omakayas due to his defensive demeanor, he gradually opens up and integrates into the community, eventually sharing his real name, Animikiins, and leaving secret gifts for his new friends.

The local Catholic priest attempting to compile an English-Ojibwe dictionary. He consistently tries to convert the local Indigenous population, offering to teach English only in exchange for spiritual submission through baptism.

An Ojibwe man who volunteers alongside Fishtail to meet with government agents regarding the land treaties. His experiences reflect the systemic dangers faced by Indigenous men attempting to negotiate with the white authorities.

Omakayas's younger brother who tragically died of smallpox two years prior to the story's events. His passing leaves a lasting mark of grief on the family, dictating their silent reverence for those who have moved on to the spirit world.

One of Omakayas's cousins. She assists with everyday tasks, including locating wild puppies, and attempts to prove her capability during the wild rice harvest alongside Omakayas.

A young cousin of Omakayas who participates in games and everyday domestic activities with the other children of the extended family.

The leader of the bedraggled arrivals who seek refuge on the island after being forced from their lands by violence. He maintains his dignity despite the total impoverishment of his people.

A black wolf-dog puppy chosen by Omakayas from Old Tallow's litter. The dog becomes her devoted companion and represents the everyday joys of her settled life on the island.