T.

Trevor, known as T., has recently become the leader of the Wormsley Common gang. At fifteen years old, he has gray eyes and has been part of the gang throughout the summer. He assumes leadership in August and proposes a bold new direction for the gang's activities. His father, once an architect, has lost social standing, and his mother carries an air of snobbery. Initially, if T. had appeared vulnerable, the boys might have mocked him for these reasons.

When the gang gathers, T. initially speaks very little, but as he maneuvers to take charge, he begins to talk more. He captivates the gang with his plan to demolish Mr. Thomas’s house, an unprecedented act in the gang's history. This daring plan, combined with the mystery surrounding T., makes the boys eager to follow his lead.

Blackie

Prior to T. taking over, Blackie was the leader of the Wormsley Common gang. He is portrayed as a fair and non-jealous leader who prioritizes the unity of the group. He is also wary of anything related to the upper class. Under Blackie's leadership, the gang engaged in activities such as sneaking onto buses for free rides and breaking into Old Misery’s house without stealing.

When the gang chooses T. over Blackie, Blackie initially feels betrayed and sulks privately. However, he soon decides that if the gang is going to achieve the feat of destroying the house, he wants to be part of it for the glory. Upon rejoining the group, he fully supports T.'s leadership and contributes to the house's destruction. When the gang's faith in T.'s leadership wavers, Blackie rallies them, showing that the group's cohesion is more important to him than his own leadership status.

Mr. Thomas

Mr. Thomas, referred to as Old Misery by the gang, is an elderly man living in one of the last remaining houses in the neighborhood. He was formerly a builder and decorator but now lives alone, venturing out once a week for groceries. He expects the boys to respect his property but is not so disagreeable as to forbid them from using his land or outdoor bathroom.

Mr. Thomas is unaware of the boys' ways. He doesn't anticipate their suspicion towards his offer of chocolates and never imagines that T. would betray him after agreeing to show him around the house. Mr. Thomas clings to the belief that the old ways, where youth respected their elders, still exist. By the story's end, he comes to the harsh realization of his error.

Joe

Joe is part of the Wormsley Common gang. He is briefly described as a "fat boy" and is the first to support T.'s plan to demolish the house.

Mike

Mike is another member of the Wormsley Common gang and is the only one taken aback when T. assumes leadership. Mike is known for being easily surprised and gullible; at nine years old, he believed someone who told him that if he didn't keep his mouth shut, a frog would jump in.

Summers

Summers is the sole gang member referred to by his last name. He is a thin boy who tends to follow the group. On the second day, although he complains that destroying the house feels too much like work, he is quickly convinced to stay and continue helping.

Driver

In the story's conclusion, an unsuspecting driver inadvertently causes the house to collapse. His truck is tied to the gutted house, and as he drives out of the nearby parking lot, the entire structure comes down.

Initially, the driver is shocked and bewildered, but once he understands what has transpired, he bursts into laughter. Even when Mr. Thomas confronts him and questions how he can find the situation funny, the driver cannot stop laughing.