Sarah Orne Jewett endows all of the characters with some individual attributes, but they are not fully fleshed out. There is a sharp contrast between the economically poor, as represented by the Bray sisters, and the other characters. However, as the title implies, “poor” can have other meanings as well. Jewett is more concerned with poverty of spirit, which is exemplified by the Brays’ landlady, Mrs. Janes. Through the women who are relatively well-to-do, Mrs. Trimble and Miss Wright, the author presents slightly different characterizations of people who show concern for the plight of others.

The financial issues caused by their father’s death have left the Bray sisters, who are adult women, in dire straits. Ann, the elder sister, is the happy one of the pair; she shows great joy at the other women’s visit. Mandana, the younger woman, however, seems desperate, as she tends to burst into tears. As she is also described as “thin,” it may be that their reduced circumstances include inadequate food and nutrition.

Mrs. Trimble and Miss Wright seem genuine in their desire to help their former neighbors, but Wright is the instigator of this particular visit. They bring them some fruit and snacks and try to have a pleasant visit, once Mandana’s tears subside.

Mrs. Janes, who has enough wherewithal to own a house but still needs to rent out rooms, occupies an intermediate zone financially. Through her as well, Jewett reveals the complexities of poverty for Ann, who, overlooking their own difficulties, expresses her sympathy with her landlady’s hard life. Ann will never be truly poor, for she has a warm inclusive attitude as shown through wishing her to partake in their tea next time.