The Little Convict

An elderly artist who uses paintings and a music-box watch to tell his granddaughter the origins of the story. He serves as a gentle bridge between present and past, inviting reflection on the convicts’ lives. His calm presence frames the historical action with warmth and memory.

A brave, curious young boy who survives the harsh conditions of the settlement and drives the escape plan. He forms bonds with Jack, Wahroonga, and Polly, learning courage, loyalty, and the meaning of safeguarding others. His determination and empathy anchor the story’s emotional core.

Toby’s older sister who is swept into tasks at the governor’s household. She witnesses the danger of the colony and the cost of punishment, and her presence highlights family bonds and resilience. Polly’s actions contribute to the eventual escape and rescue sequence.

A crafty escape-minded convict who becomes a key architect of the breakout. He uses wit and bold moves to undermine the guards and free his fellow prisoners. Jack’s ingenuity drives the most dramatic turns in the plan.

An Aboriginal youth with a loyal trail behind him, including a pet cockatoo and a dingo. He guides Toby through the bush, helps orchestrate the escape, and embodies a bridge between cultures. Wahroonga’s quiet support proves pivotal in the climactic moments.

The Lieutenant Governor who governs the colony in the Governor’s absence. He embodies colonial authority but ultimately rewards the convicts who aid in saving the Governor’s wife and maintaining order. His decisions shape the fate of the escapees.

The harsh sergeant who enforces discipline and often traverses the line between pallid authority and cruelty. His character highlights the brutal side of frontier justice and the consequences of drunken misrule. His downfall comes as a consequence of his own misdeeds.

The governor’s wife, a figure of refined status within the colony who becomes entwined in the palace fire that fuels the escape. Her presence underscores the personal stakes of the colonial world and its domestic sphere.

A “village idiot” by nickname, Watts is nevertheless loyal and helpful. His actions assist in unlocking the prison cell and contribute to the plan’s success, revealing that strength can come from unexpected places.

The captain (voice) who oversees the guard regiment and coordinates responses to the convicts’ actions. His presence represents the formal chain of command within the penal system.