The story follows 13-year-old Perrine. She first arrives in Paris with her ill mother in a cart with very few possessions pulled by a donkey, Palikare. She stays at the Guillot field, where her mother gets ill. To have enough money for medicine, Perrine sells Palikare, with the help of Grain-of-Salt ( the owner of Guillot Fields) to La Rouquerie. Despite all the care, Perrine's mother dies, leaving Perrine as an orphan, so Perrine sets off on foot, almost penniless, to find her relatives in Maraucourt. She makes a friend, Rosalie, who shows the Factories of Mr. Vulfran, and lets her lodge at her grandmother's for a little money. Perrine refrains from letting anybody in Maraucourt know her real name and uses the pseudonym Aurelie til the end of the book. As Perrine is one of the few people who can speak English, except for Mr. Benndite, she soon comes close to Mr. Vulfran, who eventually lets her stay with him. As the book progresses Mr. Vulfran learns to love Perrine, and it is only in the end that he finds out that Perrine is his granddaughter. 

1. Perrine (Marie): Perrine is the protagonist of the story. She is a courageous and resourceful young girl who, after losing her parents, sets out on a journey to find her grandfather. She uses her intelligence, kindness, and determination to overcome numerous challenges along the way.

2. Edmond Vulfran: Edmond Vulfran is Perrine's wealthy and initially stern grandfather. He is the owner of a large factory and is known for his strictness. Throughout the story, his character undergoes significant development as he gradually softens and opens up to Perrine.

3. Rosalie: Rosalie is a kind and caring woman who works for Edmond Vulfran. She becomes a friend and confidante to Perrine, providing her with much-needed support and guidance.

4. Grandmother Vulfran: Grandmother Vulfran is Edmond Vulfran's mother and Perrine's great-grandmother. She is depicted as a wise and understanding figure who helps bridge the gap between Perrine and her grandfather.

5. Tartarin: Tartarin is a loyal and friendly donkey that belongs to Perrine. He accompanies her on her journey and symbolizes the companionship and loyalty that help Perrine through her hardships.

6. Palikare: Palikare is a dog that Perrine befriends during her travels. Like Tartarin, Palikare provides companionship and support to Perrine, demonstrating the theme of friendship in the novel.

7. Sophie: Sophie is another worker in Edmond Vulfran's household who interacts with Perrine. Her character adds to the dynamic of the household and the various relationships Perrine forms.