Omri
Omri is the protagonist of the novel, and most of the action takes place at his home.
Patrick
Patrick is a lifelong friend of Omri's who gives him the figurine in the beginning. He and Omri experience relational tension due to the supernatural consequences of the events which transpire after this gift, but they resolve this conflict once they realize their status as a team.
Little Bear
Little Bear is the Native American who is the "Indian in the cupboard." He lives the life - as a miniature - that he did on the plains.
Boone
Boone comes to life in the same way as Little Bear; Patrick wants a figure to carry around with him, so he coerces Omri into using the cupboard again. Boone is a cowboy who Lynne Reid Banks uses to demonstrate the historical consciousness which guides the book.
Doctor
The boys animate a doctor figurine in order to obtain iron pills for Boone and ask for his expertise in stitching a wound. He is friendly and believes himself to be in a strange dream.
Adiel and Gillon
Adiel and Gillon are Omri's brothers. They unknowingly complicate Omri's wish to keep Little Bear safe using typical antics of siblings such as bothering one another on purpose.
Mr. Johnson
Mr. Johnson is the headmaster at Omri and Patrick's school, and he scares the children greatly. The visit with him is the punishment for the disruption the boys caused throughout the day they bring the figures.
