Edward is a three-foot-tall toy rabbit made entirely of china, featuring real rabbit-fur ears and a tail. Despite being physically incapable of movement or speech, he possesses internal sentience and observes everything around him. Initially, he is highly self-centered and places immense value on his exquisite handmade silk clothing. He appreciates the physical comforts provided by his owner but lacks the capacity to reciprocate genuine emotional affection.

Abilene is a ten-year-old, dark-haired girl belonging to a wealthy family living on Egypt Street. She treats her china rabbit as if he is an entirely real, feeling being rather than an inanimate object. Her daily routine heavily revolves around ensuring his comfort, maintaining his extensive wardrobe, and expressing her unconditional love for him.

Pellegrina is Abilene’s grandmother and the matriarch responsible for commissioning Edward's creation. She seems uniquely aware of the rabbit's internal sentience and consciousness, often speaking directly to him when others are absent. Her demeanor is stern, observant, and deeply focused on the necessity of love.

Lawrence is an older fisherman, and Nellie is his kindhearted wife. They live a quiet, modest life near the ocean, far removed from upper-class luxuries. Having experienced profound personal sorrow after losing their five-year-old son to pneumonia, they channel their nurturing instincts into gentle routines. They treat the rabbit as a quiet member of their household, giving him a seat at the dinner table and showing him the stars.

Bull is an enormous vagabond with a long, dark beard who travels by foot and empty railcar. Despite his intimidating physical size, he possesses a remarkably gentle disposition. He is an engaging storyteller and a wonderful singer who easily attracts the company of other transient men around campfires. He adapts his lifestyle to accommodate his companions, valuing loyalty over material possessions.

Bryce is a young, compassionate boy with gold-flecked brown eyes. Growing up in a deeply impoverished and difficult household with an absent, abusive father, Bryce takes on heavy burdens to provide for his family. He plays the harmonica skillfully and acts with immense selflessness, constantly putting the needs and comfort of his ailing younger sister above his own safety and comfort.

Sarah Ruth is Bryce's four-year-old sister, characterized by her white-blonde hair and gold-flecked brown eyes. She suffers from a severe, persistent respiratory illness that confines her to a small, crooked house. Despite her frail health and difficult home life, she finds immense joy in simple comforts, particularly in cradling her toys and playing with a small box of buttons.

Lucius Clarke is an expert doll-mender who operates a shop filled with various antique dolls and toys. He possesses remarkable technical skill in repairing shattered china and restoring damaged items to their former glory. While he appreciates artistry, he approaches his restoration work with a highly practical, profit-driven mindset, viewing repairs as investments.

Lucy is a stray dog who belongs to the vagabond Bull. She is an energetic, affectionate, and loyal companion who travels everywhere with him, navigating the difficult life on the road. She has a strong instinct for scavenging and often provides warmth during cold nights at hobo camps.

Lolly is the adult daughter of Lawrence and Nellie. Described as a lumpy woman who wears too much lipstick, she is deeply concerned with appearances and community gossip. She finds her parents' imaginative attachment to a china rabbit highly embarrassing and views it as improper behavior for their age.

Ernest is a short man who presides over the town dump. He views himself as the reigning king of all discarded items, claiming absolute ownership over everything that ends up in his garbage pile. He operates with a strange sense of grandeur regarding his surroundings.