Robin
Robin is the main character in the novel. He is 10 years old and is the son of noble people who serve the King and Queen. Thus, he is expected to follow in his knightly father's footsteps and become a knight himself. This never seemed a daunting expectation to Robin until his legs were misshapen by a mysterious ailment, at which point he began to doubt his ability to fulfill his destiny.
Robin is very mature for his age, showing more initiative and thoughtfulness than the average 10-year-old. This is demonstrated when he is staying at the White Hart and acts quickly to prevent a potential robbery. Robin also shows an interest in developing serious pursuits such as music and woodcarving, even making his own harp. At the same time, he also enjoys playing and having the company of boys his own age, feeling a deep yearning for friendship while he is confined to bed rest.
Robin is extremely courageous and does not falter when it comes to volunteering himself to save Lindsay Castle; in fact, he seems to relish the opportunity to challenge himself and push past his own fears. Robin wants very much to be brave and knight-like, and thus he can sometimes take on a prematurely adult attitude, trying to deny his own emotions or normal need for motherly nurturance. Much of his insecurity comes from his disability and from being separated from his parents, but by the end of the story, he has gained new self-confidence in spite of his physical limitations.
Brother Luke
Brother Luke is a wandering friar who has recently come to join the monks at St. Mark's monastery. He is a kind and pious man who takes Robin under his wing, inspiring him to heal and challenge himself. Brother Luke is very busy with work in the community and is benevolent when it comes to dealing with rich and poor alike. He is reassured and inspired by his faith, seeing God's hand in everything with which they are blessed. He has much compassion and patience for Robin, taking the time to teach him to read and write letters. Brother Luke is also ingenious in finding ways to help others: for example, he encourages Robin to adopt an attitude of service by having him whittle a doll for a poor little girl in the parish.
Brother Luke remains by Robin's side throughout the story and even journeys with him to his new home at the castle of Sir Peter de Lindsay. At the end of the book, it is revealed that Brother Luke will live with Robin at his parents' home and become his tutor.
John Go-in-the-Wynd
John is a minstrel-cum-messenger who hails from Shropshire, very close to the Lindsay castle, where his mother still resides. John is a good friend to Robin and is instrumental in getting messages back and forth between Robin and his father. He is also key in galvanizing Sir Hugh's troops into action against the Welsh, an act for which he is rewarded by the King with land and fishing rights.
Sir John de Bureford
Sir John is Robin's father and the most renowned knight of the King's army. For much of the story, Sir John is away from Robin, helping in the war against the Scots. Sir John's posture whilst riding is distinctive and he rides at the side of the King. He is a proud father regardless of Robin's limitations; he cherishes his son's spiritual and mental virtues over his physical abilities.
Lady Maude
Lady Maude is Robin's mother. She has been called to the service of the Queen who is suffering a period of ill health. Although being the Queen's foremost lady-in-waiting is a great honor and a compliment to her standing in society, Lady Maude would prefer to be back in London with her beloved son. Robin misses his mother and her nurturance throughout the story.
Sir Peter de Lindsay
Sir Peter de Lindsay was a brave knight fighting alongside the King until he received a head injury during battle. He has retired to his castle in Lindsay, where he recuperates and remains a natural leader, commanding both the respect and the liking of the townspeople. He is extremely welcoming to Robin and does not see his physical shortcomings as a problem for fulfilling his page boy duties.
Dame Ellen
Ellen is one of Robin's family servants who cares for him in place of his mother. She leaves his service after coming down with the plague.
Lady Constance
Lady Constance is the wife of Sir Peter de Lindsay and the Lady of the castle, whom Robin serves as a page. She is a kind woman known for her charity to the poor. She warmly welcomes Robin and does not judge him for his disability.
Geoffrey
Geoffrey is another boy at St. Mark's monastery. He, like Robin, has disabled legs and playfully calls Robin "Crookshanks," to which Robin initially takes offense. As time goes by, however, the boys come to be friends and Geoffrey inspires Robin to construct his own crutches.
Alan-at-Gate
Alan is a gruff old man who serves as the guard at the castle gate of Sir Peter. Robin strikes up a friendship with Alan and discovers that he has a softer side.
