Sarah is a small, capable New England farm wife who has faithfully maintained her household for forty years. She possesses a mild, benevolent face that masks an incredibly strong will and a deep sense of justice. Though she executes her domestic chores with perfect obedience, she becomes increasingly frustrated when her husband begins building a new barn on the exact spot he promised to build them a new house. She relies on her deep religious faith and practical nature to manage her family's needs.

Adoniram is an older, hardworking farmer who operates as the traditional patriarch of the Penn family. He successfully manages the agricultural and financial aspects of the farm, providing his family with a steady living. He prefers action over conversation, frequently responding to questions with grunts or outright refusals to speak. His unilateral decision to construct a new barn instead of a promised house sets him at odds with his wife's domestic priorities.

Nanny is the delicate, pretty daughter of Sarah and Adoniram. She has a mild, dreamy disposition and generally defers to her mother's teachings regarding a woman's place in the world. Currently engaged to be married, she spends much of her time doing steady sewing to prepare for her wedding. She harbors anxiety about her family's inadequate living conditions, fearing the rundown house is unsuitable for her future husband's visits.

Sammy is the lightly built, somewhat clumsy son of the family. Despite his youth, his gender grants him a privileged position in the household, acting as a quiet confidant to his father regarding farm business. He attends school and actively tries to avoid manual labor around the property, occasionally sneaking off to play instead of completing his chores. He adopts many of his father's mannerisms, including his short, grunting style of communication.

Minister Hersey is a physically sickly man with a pathetic face who leads the local congregation. He embodies the traditional, Calvinist authority of the rural New England village. He views himself as a spiritual guide for the community but struggles to effectively exert his influence when faced with congregants who possess an unyielding sense of personal righteousness.

George is Nanny's fiancé. While he does not directly participate in the daily operations of the farm, his impending marriage to Nanny serves as a catalyst for the women's anxiety regarding their inadequate living conditions.