Meggie is the only daughter among the many sons of the Cleary family, initially growing up in poverty. Overlooked by her exhausted mother, she relies on her older brothers for affection and guidance. As she matures on the vast Australian estate of Drogheda, her striking beauty and quiet independence draw the attention of the local priest, fundamentally shaping her path into adulthood.

A handsome, ambitious 28-year-old Catholic priest relegated to the remote parish of Gillanbone. Highly intelligent and charming, he bides his time by catering to the wealthy local matriarch, Mary Carson, hoping her fortune will aid his career. He struggles between his worldly ambitions, his vows to the Church, and his profound fascination with the young Meggie Cleary.

The aristocratic-born matriarch of the Cleary family who endures a life of hard labor and poverty. She is an overworked and emotionally reserved mother who heavily favors her sons, particularly her eldest, Frank, while leaving her only daughter to fend for herself. She harbors private sorrows from her past that deeply affect her present demeanor.

An Irish Catholic laborer and the patriarch of the Cleary family. Small but built with wiry strength, he works relentlessly to provide for his large household. Though he is a warm and affectionate father to Meggie, he frequently clashes with his eldest son, Frank, and maintains a traditional, emotionally reserved marriage.

The 15-year-old eldest son of the Cleary household. With dark hair and eyes that set him apart from his siblings, he feels like an outsider in his own home. He is deeply protective of Meggie and intensely devoted to his mother, but he harbors a burning resentment toward Paddy and longs to escape.

A wealthy, 64-year-old widow who owns the vast Australian estate of Drogheda. Shrewd, sardonic, and highly perceptive, she uses her immense fortune to maintain power over those around her. She develops a cynical, flirtatious attachment to Father Ralph while simultaneously summoning her estranged brother's family to Australia.

A handsome, athletic stockman who bears an uncanny physical resemblance to Father Ralph. He is deeply ambitious and driven by a desire to amass wealth, taking pride in his physical labor. He begins courting Meggie, viewing her as a potential path to financial independence.

The fiercely independent and unsentimental daughter of Meggie. Growing up surrounded by adults, she develops a frank, sardonic attitude toward life and romance, eventually deciding to pursue a career as an actress to forge her own path away from the Australian outback.

Meggie's cherished son, who grows up possessing an extraordinary physical resemblance to Father Ralph. He is gentle, pure-hearted, and deeply spiritual, eventually deciding to enter the priesthood and seeking out a life of religious devotion in Rome.

A German politician who encounters the Cleary family in Rome. He develops a playful but intense attachment to Justine, engaging her in witty banter and relentlessly pursuing her affections despite her initial resistance.

One of Meggie's older brothers. He grows up working alongside his brothers on the land, contributing to the family's survival in both New Zealand and Australia.

Another of Meggie's older brothers. Like the rest of the Cleary men, he adapts to the demanding agricultural work required of the family.

One of Meggie's brothers who remains close to home. He is given the responsibility of protecting the estate and the women of the family when the older men are working in the paddocks.

A fragile younger brother to Meggie. Because Fiona is overwhelmed by her ongoing pregnancies and household duties, the responsibility of caring for him falls heavily on Meggie.

One of the Cleary twins. He grows up on the Australian estate and eventually enlists to fight in North Africa during World War II, an experience that hardens him and separates him from his civilian life.

The other Cleary twin. He serves in the military with Jims, facing severe combat and an injury in New Guinea that permanently alters his life trajectory.

A strict, unsmiling nun at the Catholic school in Wahine. She frequently employs corporal punishment to discipline the poorer children, deeply terrifying young Meggie.

The dark-haired daughter of an Italian café owner. Her friendship provides Meggie with a brief respite from the harsh realities of school, though their bond is cut short by a lice outbreak.

A kind woman who, along with her husband Luddie, takes Meggie in. She becomes a supportive friend and fierce protector of Meggie when she realizes the truth about her domestic situation.

A resident of Himmelhoch who provides Meggie with a safe haven and steady employment. He works with his wife to support Meggie during her difficult transition into married life.

A high-ranking Catholic official in Rome. He values Ralph's diplomatic skills and political acumen, choosing to overlook Ralph's personal failings in favor of his usefulness to the Church during the rise of fascism.

A 40-year-old actor who crosses paths with Justine. He becomes the person she unsentimentally chooses for her first sexual encounter, completely bewildered by her mechanical approach.