The Railway Children

A 14-year-old evacuee from Manchester who takes responsibility for her younger siblings. She is pragmatic, protective, and quick to question adults when moral clarity is lacking. Her skepticism of appearances pushes her to uncover truths about Abe's story and the town's wartime decisions.

A kind-hearted local who welcomes evacuees into her home and serves as a stabilizing guardian for the Watts children. She embodies resilience and warmth, offering support even as she carries the shadows of past losses. Her compassion binds the newcomers to the village and to each other.

An African-American soldier hiding in the town who is revealed to be a deserter. He seeks to return home and endures suspicion and danger as he evades pursuit. His presence challenges racial prejudice and prompts difficult moral choices among the locals.

An enigmatic elder whose quiet wisdom guides others through moral tests. He embodies steady kindness and serves as a bridge between generations in wartime turmoil. His presence hints at a deeper history within the village and its traditions of courage.

A local authority figure at the Oakworth station who coordinates the railway’s day-to-day operations and interacts with evacuees and soldiers. He represents order and discipline in wartime Britain, occasionally clashing with the urgent needs of the younger characters.

A doctor who tends to injuries and health issues among the evacuees and villagers. He provides medical care and a steady, rational voice in moments of crisis, offering reassurance to frightened children.

A neighborhood figure who aids the evacuees and contributes to the community’s stability. She embodies practical kindness and supports families through the pressures of wartime life.

The mother of Lily, Pattie, and Ted, navigating the strain of evacuation and the absence of their father. She demonstrates resilience, tenderness, and determination to keep her family together under trying circumstances.

The father figure who is away fighting in the war and is later revealed to be alive in a prisoner-of-war camp. His absence shapes the children’s outlook and fuels their longing for home and safety.