A young, unhoused girl of around twelve or thirteen with no family or memory of her past. She survives initially by stealing small scraps of food and running from village to village. Known early on by degrading names like Brat and Beetle, she takes a real name for herself as she slowly learns the skills of midwifery. She relies on her resourcefulness to secure basic necessities like food and shelter.

The lone midwife in the village. She is recognized by her severe features and strict demeanor. She operates with heavy self-importance and demands respect from the villagers, using brash methods during childbirth. Despite her crude behavior and focus on collecting financial fees, she holds extensive practical knowledge of herbal remedies.

A redheaded village boy who runs with a rough crowd. He directs his youthful energy toward causing trouble and bullying those he considers beneath him. He works with livestock and helps deliver wood around the community.

A young, unhoused boy of about six years old who wanders onto a local farm. Referred to by others as Runt or nobody, he is small for his age and struggles to secure food on his own. He eventually finds work completing small chores at a local manor house.

A stray, flea-bitten cat who faces constant abuse from the local children. After being rescued from the water, the animal becomes a steady, silent presence around the village. The cat faithfully follows those who offer food and protection.

A scholarly man lodging at the inn during the winter months. He focuses entirely on compiling an encyclopedic book of knowledge. He spends his time writing, reading, and occasionally speaking his thoughts aloud.

A traveling salesman who sells carved combs and trinkets at village fairs. He pays close attention to the young people browsing his wares. He hands out warm compliments alongside his goods, treating customers with uncharacteristic warmth.

A manor house employee who manages the cooking fires and keeps a watchful eye on the younger servants. She enjoys talking to herself as she works, joking that she rarely disagrees with her own opinions.

A tradesman in the village who bakes bread for the community. He maintains a discreet romance outside of his regular business duties, conducting secret meetings in the trees.

A villager named Joan who is married to a local official. She experiences a highly painful labor that requires extensive support from the village medical practitioners.

A local official in the village who oversees community matters. He watches over his household anxiously during his wife's difficult childbirth.

A rough, demanding village tradesman. When he cannot find the official midwife to help his laboring wife, he forcibly drags the young apprentice to his home to act as a substitute.

A woman in the village married to the local miller. She experiences a painful childbirth and lashes out at the young apprentice when the official midwife is delayed.

A pregnant woman from the village who specifically requests the apprentice over the official midwife. She makes this choice after hearing positive rumors about recent successful births handled by the younger girl.

A pregnant cow belonging to Will Russet. She falls into a ditch right before delivering twin calves, requiring emergency assistance to remain calm during the birth.

The proprietor of an inn where weary travelers stay. He operates a busy establishment and quickly recognizes the value of hard workers.

The co-proprietor of the local inn. She oversees the domestic labor and quickly extends a permanent job offer when she sees competent help.