Garnet is a nine-and-a-half-year-old girl living on a farm in Esau Valley, Wisconsin, during the Great Depression. Described as a tomboy who dresses in overalls, she possesses a vivid imagination and a deep yearning for adventure beyond her small rural town. She loves the natural world and animals but frequently daydreams about exotic locations like the Alps. Her curiosity leads her into mischief, though her loving family and community provide a strong safety net.

Mr. Freebody is an older, experienced farmer and a close neighbor to the Linden family. He is a small, quiet man with a fierce mustache, rarely seen without his dog. He serves as an informal guardian to Garnet, encouraging her curious spirit while looking out for her safety and frequently saving her from the consequences of her escapades.

Eric is a thirteen-year-old boy of Swedish descent who lost his family and has been hitchhiking across the country for months. The Great Depression has forced him to mature early, making him self-reliant and highly capable at farm labor. When the Lindens offer him a job and a home, he eagerly accepts, bringing a grounded, worldly perspective to the family dynamics.

Citronella is Garnet's best friend, recognizable by her chubby red cheeks and thick yellow bangs. She comes from a large farming family and is more attached to domestic routines than her adventurous friend. Though she prefers romance tales over stories of exploration, she is a loyal companion who willingly joins Garnet's imaginative activities.

Jay is Garnet's eleven-year-old brother, described as tall for his age and very dark. He finds farm work exhausting and dreams of escaping the rural life to become a sailor. While he sometimes embraces traditional gender roles and dismisses his sister's capabilities, he shares a genuine sibling bond with her.

Mr. Linden is Garnet's father, a dedicated farmer bearing the heavy financial stress of the 1930s economic crisis. He spends his evenings worrying over bills and crop yields caused by the severe drought. Despite his personal anxieties, he is a generous man who immediately offers shelter and employment to an orphaned stranger.

Mrs. Linden manages the domestic sphere of the family farm. She is a compassionate, nurturing presence who tries to shield her husband from additional stress. Her warmth is evident in how seamlessly she accepts a wandering teenager into her home.

Donald is Garnet's baby brother. He is a quiet infant who represents the innocence of the Linden household, cared for by his parents and older siblings.

Mrs. Eberhardt is Citronella's great-grandmother, a living link to the pioneer history of Esau Valley. She passes down tales of her childhood, offering the younger generation perspective on historical struggles and the importance of patience.

Mr. Zangl is a friendly traveling salesman who, along with his wife, sells quilts. He ensures Garnet's safety during her solo journey to the city, sharing stories of his own childhood impulse to run away.

Mrs. Zangl travels the region with her husband selling quilts. She is a singer whose voice mesmerizes Garnet, and she demonstrates genuine concern for the young girl's well-being during her journey.

Opal Clyde is a local girl who happens to walk past the library while Garnet and Citronella are locked inside. When the trapped girls shout to get her attention, she becomes frightened and runs away.

Timmy is the small runt of the pig litter and Garnet's favorite animal on the farm. Garnet dedicates significant time to training him to compete for a prize at the agricultural fair.

Major is Mr. Freebody's loyal dog. He acts as a constant companion to the older farmer, accompanying him on drives and overnight stays in the woods.