Gertrude Flint
The main character of the novel, Gertrude gets her last name by the person that raised her for most of her life, Trueman Flint. Originally under the care of Nan Grant, Gertrude is abused and maltreated on the topics of the most simple things. When Gertrude was eight years old, Trueman found her in the horrible place she was in, and rescued her. Teaching Gertrude that what she had learned in her life without him was wrong, Trueman teachers her morals and religious ethics. Contributing to the theme of the novel, Gertrude eventually grows up to be a happy woman because of these teachings.
Trueman Flint
Trueman Flint has quite a symbolic name - not many people have the name "Trueman" spelled as such, but it represents what an upstanding man he is. Trueman is not the main character, but still a dynamic character in the novel. Saving Gertrude from her abusive residence when she was eight years old, Trueman teachers this young girl religion and good morals. Eventually, Gertrude goes on to become a happy woman in a happy marriage, all because of him.
Nan Grant
Although never specifically mentioned in the novel, "Nan" probably means "Nanny". Either way, Grant is an abusive woman that cares little for the child in her care - Gertrude Flint. Abusing her physically and emotionally, Nan Grant almost rips the child from a world where she can be happy - that is, until Trueman Flint saves Gertrude. Taken away from Nan Grant's home, Gertrude is taught right from wrong, and we don't see much of horrible Grant again.
