Jody Baxter
Jody is the central character in The Yearling, a young boy coming of age in the rural wilderness of 1870s Florida. He's characterized by his innocence, curiosity, and adventurous spirit. When he adopts an orphaned fawn, Flag, Jody finds joy and companionship, but he also faces the harsh realities of life as he grapples with the responsibilities and sacrifices of caring for Flag. His struggle to protect Flag, despite the problems the fawn causes, represents the universal struggle of growing up, learning to balance personal desires with responsibilities, and dealing with loss.
Penny Baxter
Ezra "Penny" Baxter is Jody's father and a figure of wisdom and respect for the natural world. He imparts survival skills and life lessons to Jody, teaching him to navigate the difficulties of their life in the Florida scrub. Penny's understanding and appreciation of nature and his moral integrity make him a respected figure in the community and a role model for Jody. Despite their hardships, Penny often maintains an optimistic outlook, and his resilient spirit influences Jody's character development.
Ora Baxter
Ora Baxter is Jody's mother, a hardworking woman who often comes across as stern and harsh. Her character reveals the harsh realities and daily struggles of frontier life. She's had to bury several babies, which has given her a deep sense of loss and bitterness. However, her toughness is born out of necessity and survival. Ora often disapproves of Jody's relationship with Flag, recognizing the problems the fawn will eventually cause, which signifies her practicality and pragmatic nature.
Flag
Flag, the fawn that Jody adopts, symbolizes innocence, childhood, and freedom. Jody's close bond with Flag represents his final ties to his childhood innocence. However, as Flag grows and begins to threaten the family's crops and livelihood, he also symbolizes the destructive power of uncontrolled nature and the harsh realities of life. The eventual loss of Flag is a significant turning point for Jody, marking his transition from childhood to the responsibilities of adulthood.
Oliver Hutto
Oliver is a friend of the Baxter family and often serves as an older brother figure to Jody. He's a sailor and a wanderer, and his tales of adventure stimulate Jody's imagination. Oliver represents the outside world beyond the scrub and embodies the spirit of adventure and independence. His character helps Jody understand and accept that growth often involves moving beyond the familiar and embracing the unknown.
