The Great Gilly Hopkins characters

Appears from the start

An eleven-year-old foster child who arrives at yet another placement determined to stay tough, outwit the adults, and return to the mother she has idealized from afar. Gilly is sharp, defiant, and practiced at rejecting people before they can reject her. Her bravado conceals how badly she wants a permanent home.

Also known as Trotter

Appears from the start

Gilly's new foster mother, a large, untidy, warmhearted woman who runs a modest household in Thompson Park. She is experienced with children whom others find difficult and meets Gilly's hostility with patience, plain speaking, and steady care.

Also known as W.E.

Appears from the start

A younger boy already living with Trotter. He is timid, anxious, and slow to trust his own abilities. Gilly initially treats him with contempt, while Trotter insists that he deserves patience and protection.

First appears in chapter 2

Trotter's elderly blind neighbor, who regularly joins the household for meals. He is courteous, educated, and fond of poetry and books. Gilly resents being expected to help him and is unsettled by both his race and the ease with which Trotter includes him in the family circle.

First appears in chapter 3

Gilly's sixth-grade teacher, a composed Black woman who recognizes her new pupil's intelligence and refuses to be intimidated by her provocations. Miss Harris supplies work difficult enough to engage Gilly and responds to deliberate offensiveness without surrendering either authority or concern.

First appears in chapter 3

A classmate who attaches herself to Gilly and is willing to help with schemes in exchange for attention. Agnes is neglected and eager to belong, qualities Gilly quickly notices and tries to use.

Appears from the start

Gilly's absent biological mother, known chiefly through a treasured photograph and Gilly's elaborate hopes. Gilly believes that Courtney is beautiful, glamorous, and waiting for the chance to reclaim her daughter.

Also known as Nonnie

First appears in chapter 10

Courtney's mother and Gilly's maternal grandmother. She had not known that Gilly needed a home and comes forward after learning about her circumstances. Reserved and dutiful, she represents the biological family Gilly has long claimed to want.