Esperanza is a 13-year old girl who is the main character and the protagonist of this story. She has lived all her life in her parent's wealthy ranch in Mexico. When her father is killed, Esperanza, her mother, and their servants flee to California. Esperanza must learn to live as a poor farmer or farm worker. She must overcome discrimination and being rich.
Ramona Ortega is Esperanza's mother. She is very kind and is respectful of her workers. It is said she is very beautiful and smart. Even though she is very wealthy, she is thankful for what she has. She is a loving mother and wife. She cares for all the servants. Unlike other wealthy people, she treats her servants fairly and like equals.
Sixto Ortega is Esperanza's father and Ramona's husband. He is also kind and respectful to his servants. In the beginning of the story, he and some other vaqueros (cowboys) were killed by bandits. Before Sixto died, he ordered papayas for Esperanza's birthday and he gave her a porcelain doll as he had done all her birthdays.
Abuelita is Esperanza's grandmother, Ramona's mother, and Sixto's mother-in-law. Abuelita is quite old and is very kind. She is also respectful to her servants. She is very wise and smart. She has taught Esperanza how to crochet and many life lessons such as "There is no rose without thorns."