Railway Children characters

Also known as Bobbie

Appears from the start

The eldest of the three children, thoughtful, observant, and quick to take responsibility when family life changes without warning. She notices more than her brother and sister do about their parents' worries and tries to protect them while sharing their adventures around the railway.

Appears from the start

Bobbie's younger brother and the only boy among the three children. Energetic, proud, and mechanically minded, he is delighted by his model railway engine and often throws himself into a plan before considering all its consequences.

Appears from the start

The youngest child, affectionate, imaginative, and inclined to say exactly what she thinks. Her innocent questions and literal interpretations often expose what the older children are trying to leave tactfully unsaid.

Appears from the start

The children's loving and resourceful mother. After her husband is abruptly called away, she moves the family from London to a modest country house and supports them by writing stories, concealing much of her anxiety so the children can feel secure.

Appears from the start

The children's affectionate father, who joins in their games and patiently repairs Peter's broken model engine. His unexplained departure with two visitors overturns the family's comfortable London life and leaves the children longing for his return.

First appears in chapter 2

A railway official who confronts the children after Peter begins taking coal from the station yard. Though stern about the theft and responsible for enforcing the rules, he listens to their explanation rather than treating them as hardened wrongdoers.

First appears in chapter 2

A friendly porter at the country station who becomes a familiar source of railway news and practical help. Direct and proud of earning his own way, he treats the children kindly while speaking to them without ceremony.

Also known as The 9:15 Gentleman

First appears in chapter 3

An elderly passenger who regularly travels past the children's field on the morning train. He begins returning their daily waves, and the children come to regard him as a distant friend even before they know his name or anything about his life.

First appears in chapter 5

A distressed Russian exile whom the children encounter at the station. He speaks little English, has endured imprisonment far from home for his political beliefs, and has come to England hoping to find the wife and child from whom he was separated.

First appears in chapter 9

Perks's hardworking wife, who manages a crowded home on the porter's small income. She shares her husband's pride and is initially wary when the children's well-meant birthday project looks like condescending charity.

First appears in chapter 11

A schoolboy taking part in a paper chase near the railway, identifiable by his red jersey. He is left injured in the tunnel after the other runners have gone on, making Bobbie's watchfulness and the children's knowledge of the railway urgently important.