There are many characters both important and peripheral, in the Education of Little Tree. Little Tree himself is clearly the stories most important character, and he is raised by his Cherokee grandparents in the mountains of Eastern Tennessee during the 1930s. Little Tree, as he grows, learns about standing up for himself, and realizing one's own self worth. Other characters in the novel include Little Tree's grandparents, Willow John, and old Cherokee friend of Little Tree's Grandparents, Mr. Wine, an old peddler, Mr. Taylor, the Lawyer, and many others. You can find a complete list, along with descriptions here: http://www.enotes.com/education-little-qn/62463