* James "Sammy" Tillerman: Sammy is Dicey's younger brother. Like his older sister, Sammy fiercely protects his siblings.
* Maybeth Tillerman: The middle child of the Tillerman children, Maybeth is sensitive and prone to anxiety. Nonetheless, she often displays a surprising strength of character.
* Baby "Bubby" Tillerman: The youngest of the Tillerman children, Bubby is a baby in the novel and does not have a prominent role.
* Gramps: The Tillermans' father, who suddenly abandons them.
* Aunt Cilla: Gramps's sister and the Tillermans' aunt, who initially reluctantly takes in the children after their father leaves.
* Lillian Duncan: A kind-hearted woman who works as a housekeeper at Aunt Cilla's home.
* Mr. Bickerstaff: Aunt Cilla's neighbor, who is initially distrustful of the Tillermans but gradually warms up to them.
* Mrs. Bickerstaff: Mr. Bickerstaff's wife, who is more welcoming of the Tillermans than her husband.
* Effie Louise Tillerman: The Tillermans' mother, who left the family when Dicey was a baby.