While the show drew inspiration from Wilder's life and her family, the characters were fictionalized and some were combined. For example, in the show, Almanzo Wilder is presented as a young man who moves to Walnut Grove and falls in love with Laura. In reality, Laura and Almanzo met and married as adults.
Here's a breakdown of the Olsen family in the show and their connection to the real Ingalls family:
* Charles Ingalls (played by Michael Landon): This character is based on Laura's real father, Charles Ingalls.
* Caroline Ingalls (played by Karen Grassle): This character is based on Laura's real mother, Caroline Ingalls.
* Laura Ingalls (played by Melissa Gilbert): This character is based on the author herself, Laura Ingalls Wilder.
* Mary Ingalls (played by Melissa Sue Anderson): This character is based on Laura's real sister, Mary Ingalls.
* Carrie Ingalls (played by Lindsay Greenbush and Sidney Greenbush): This character is based on Laura's real sister, Carrie Ingalls.
* Eliza Jane Wilder (played by Katherine MacGregor): This character is a fictionalized portrayal of Laura's mother-in-law, Eliza Jane Wilder.
* Almanzo Wilder (played by Dean Butler): This character is based on Laura's real husband, Almanzo Wilder.
So, while the Olsen family was a beloved part of the "Little House on the Prairie" experience, they were not based on real people. They were fictionalized versions of the Ingalls family, adapted for television and enhanced with dramatic elements.