Black Beauty

An affectionate, spirited young woman who forms a deep bond with Black Beauty. She experiences jealousy and longing as she grows, balancing affection with a desire to prove herself as a horsewoman. Her choices reveal her resilience and vulnerability in a constrained society.

An suave American visitor who captivates Anne but initially treats her as a child. He is educated, ambitious, and torn between romantic interest and loyalty. His return to England and growing feelings drive much of the plot’s emotional arc.

A neighbor's daughter who sparks Anne's jealousy. Confident and sociable, she borrows Black Beauty and becomes a rival for Bill's attention.

A wily employee of Squire Wendon who pretends to carry out the grim deed of putting Black Beauty down and later helps to hide the horse. He embodies the era's gray areas of loyalty and self-preservation.

The widowed country squire who governs the estate with tradition and authority. He imposes rules on his daughter, including boarding school, reflecting the era's gender expectations.

The titular horse whose health, spirit, and training anchor the story. The animal's resilience mirrors Anne's growth, and its fate drives the central quest.

The estate physician who tends Black Beauty's injuries and plays a key role in the horse's recovery.

The stable groom who cares for Black Beauty and feels guilt over the horse's illness. His departure from the stable sets off a chain of events that affect the horse's fate.