Jody is an adventurous young adolescent coming of age on a remote subsistence farm in northern Florida during the 1870s. He possesses an intense wonder for the natural world and longs for a wild pet to keep him company in his rural isolation. Though expected to contribute to the grueling labor of farm life, he frequently prefers roaming the woods and relies heavily on his father's gentle guidance for survival skills and moral instruction.

Penny is an honest Civil War veteran who tends a remote farm on Baxter's Island in the Florida scrub. Small in stature due to childhood malnourishment, he makes up for his size with deep wisdom, skilled hunting techniques, and an intimate knowledge of the wilderness. He acts as a patient teacher to his son Jody, emphasizing conservation and respect for wildlife over killing for sport.

Ora is the practical, hardworking matriarch of the Baxter family. Having endured the tragedy of losing several children before Jody, she channels her energy into raising livestock, cooking sparse rations, and maintaining order in their isolated cabin. She views the wilderness pragmatically and demands discipline, creating regular friction with her son's romantic view of nature.

Lem is a volatile, aggressive member of the Forrester clan who holds a long-standing grudge against Penny Baxter. Prone to violence and driven by entitlement, he frequently escalates local conflicts and views hunting as an opportunity for conquest rather than necessity.

Old Slewfoot is a massive, legendary black bear missing a toe on one foot. He acts as a formidable natural threat for the scrub farmers, killing livestock for sport rather than sustenance. He evades capture with near-mythical cunning, making him a central focus of the community's hunting efforts.

Flag is a young, spotted fawn adopted into the Baxter household. Playful and energetic, the deer brings joy and companionship to Jody, filling a void in the young boy's isolated life. As a wild animal, Flag instinctively follows his nature, making him increasingly difficult to domesticate and contain within a farming environment.

Fodder-wing is the youngest son of the boisterous Forrester clan. He walks with a cane due to a physical disability and earned his nickname after attempting to fly with hay attached to his arms. Gentle and spiritually connected to nature, he surrounds himself with a menagerie of tamed wild pets.

Buck is one of the large, capable Forrester brothers. Despite his family's reputation for wild and chaotic behavior, he demonstrates remarkable loyalty and practical skill, stepping in to perform heavy agricultural labor for the Baxters when they experience a medical emergency.

Mill-wheel is an older, dependable Forrester brother. He frequently rides horseback to fetch medical help during emergencies and participates in the local hunting parties, showing a surprising awareness of the Baxters' economic struggles.

Ma Forrester presides over the chaotic Forrester household. She feeds her enormous family with bountiful meals and tolerates their boisterous, music-filled nights, maintaining a fierce, protective love for her physically frail youngest son.

Pa Forrester is the patriarch of the Forrester clan. He allows his sons to live wildly and hunt for sport but takes pride in their basic respect for their mother, occasionally stepping into a leadership role during periods of community grief.

Grandma Hutto is a warm, indulgent woman living near the St. John's River. Though not related by blood, she housed Ora and Jody during the Civil War. She maintains a beautiful garden and openly spoils the Baxter men, while harboring a mutual dislike for the rigid Ora.

Oliver is Grandma Hutto's handsome, sea-faring son. He brings exotic gifts from his travels and commands Jody's admiration, though his romantic entanglements quickly draw him into violent, dangerous conflicts in the town of Volusia.

Twink is a young woman living in Volusia who becomes the center of a bitter, violent dispute. She stands by passively during conflicts over her affection, clutching her handkerchief while men brawl for her attention.

Easy is a Union veteran who lives near Volusia and helps Grandma Hutto with her daily chores. He harbors unrequited romantic feelings for her and acts as a messenger during town emergencies.

Doc Wilson is the local physician who struggles heavily with alcoholism. Despite his personal demons, he provides essential medical care to the remote scrub families and refuses payment from the impoverished Baxters.

Mr. Boyles owns the general store in Volusia, serving as the primary merchant for the scrub families. He trades staples for wild game and observes the strict manners of the rural visitors who rely on his provisions.

Eulalie is Mr. Boyles's young niece. She frequently antagonizes Jody by mocking his appearance and rural smell, triggering his defensive and childish reactions inside the general store.

Julia is Penny's most reliable and experienced tracking dog. She bravely engages dangerous predators to protect her owners, suffering grievous injuries in the line of duty but remaining fiercely loyal to the family.

Nellie is a lovely widow who lives near the swamp. She and Penny share a history from when they used to court, and she maintains a hospitable, generous demeanor that provides much-needed relief to the weary hunters.