Reverend Bulkeley
The granddaughter of a wealthy man in Barbados but sent live with her Puritan aunt and uncle, Kit is the protagonist of the story. She is quick-witted, clever, proactive, and courageous. She is practical, sincere, and kind-hearted. But she also has character flaws. She is impatient, and her tendency to speak her mind comes across as disrespectful. She is also not particularly devout compared to her Puritan relatives. She is easily bored and her independence comes across as ingratitude.
Rachel Wood
Kit's aunt Rachel is kind and gentle, and more than willing to take Kit in although Kit's strange ways surprise and shock her. Although she is not an aggressive disciplinarian and is quite timid, she does require Kit to work to contribute to the household just as her daughters do. She is a homemaker, and works very hard to keep a clean and orderly house. She is sincere in matters of religion, but tends to conform to the rules of the community instead of thinking independently.
Matthew Wood
Matthew is Rachel's husband and the father of Mercy and Judith. He is a strict disciplinarian and sets high standards for himself and his household. He has a strong work ethic but is not cruel. He is independent and anti-Royalist, which means that he is not a fan of the British government.
Judith Wood
Judith is one of Matthew and Rachel's daughters. She has a very healthy self-esteem and is prideful and a little bit arrogant. Named after a Biblical queen, she is determined to marry well.
Mercy Wood
Mercy, who is crippled, is a basically happy and easily satisfied young woman. She truly enjoys going to Meeting and to Church related activities, and she is gentle and welcoming to Kit. In many respects she is a foil for Judith.
Hannah Tupper
A widowed Quaker woman who is banished from town due to her religious beliefs, Hannah is rumored to be a witch, but she is not. Instead, she believes in the value of human equality.
John Holbrook
John is a divinity student who studies a great deal but who does not develop much personal initiative or capacity for independent thought. He marries the equally religious Mercy.
Goodwife Cruff
Goodwife Cruff is the main antagonist of the book: a narrow-minded, cruel woman who is determined to make Kit's life difficult. She is the mother of a girl named Prudence whom Kit befriends. It is Goodwife Cruff who accuses Kit of being a witch.
Nat Eaton
The son of a ship's captain, Nat is a sailor by trade. He is courageous, strong, and an independent thinker like Kit.
William Ashby
William Ashby is a young man from a wealthy family who initially pursues Kit but who ends up marrying Judith instead.
Prudence Cruff
She is described as a "scrawny little girl." Kit rescues her doll and gains her admiration.
