Sarah, Plain and Tall characters

Appears from the start

A girl living with her father and younger brother on a prairie farm. She remembers the songs and warmth of her mother, who died after Caleb was born, and watches carefully as Sarah arrives in answer to Papa's advertisement. Thoughtful and protective, she narrates the family's cautious hope that Sarah might stay.

Appears from the start

Anna's younger brother, born shortly before their mother's death. Curious, direct, and hungry for stories about the parent he cannot remember, he openly asks the questions Anna is reluctant to voice and quickly hopes Sarah will become part of their family.

Also known as Papa

Appears from the start

Anna and Caleb's widowed father, a prairie farmer who has raised them alone since his wife's death. Quiet and capable, he places an advertisement for a wife and corresponds with Sarah Wheaton, inviting her to visit the farm for a month before either of them makes a permanent promise.

Appears from the start

A woman from the coast of Maine who answers Jacob's advertisement and agrees to come west for a trial visit. She describes herself as plain and tall. Independent, practical, and affectionate, she loves the sea, sings old songs, draws, and wants to learn the work of the prairie rather than be treated as a guest.

Appears from the start

Sarah's brother in Maine, with whom she has been living before answering Jacob's advertisement. His approaching marriage helps prompt Sarah to seek a new home, and Sarah's memories of him remain tied to the family and ocean she has left behind.

First appears in chapter 5

The Wittings' neighbor and Matthew's wife. Friendly and reassuring, she welcomes Sarah into prairie life and understands the difficulty of leaving one landscape and family for another.

First appears in chapter 5

A neighboring farmer and Maggie's husband. He helps Jacob with the practical cooperation farm families need from one another across the open prairie.