Nathan Price is important. He's the missionary father who drags his family to the Congo. His rigid beliefs shape a lot of the family's experiences there. Then there's Orleanna Price, the mother. She has to deal with her husband's fanaticism and take care of the children in a difficult situation. The daughters are also important, like Leah, who is very influenced by her father at first but then starts to see the world differently, and Adah, who has her own unique perspective because of her physical disability.
Nathan Price is a central character. His missionary zeal drives the family's move to the Congo and causes a lot of the conflicts. Orleanna Price is crucial as she represents the voice of reason within the family to some extent. Among the daughters, Leah is important as she has a journey of self - discovery. She becomes involved in the political and social issues of the Congo. Adah is also key. Her observations and her growth from a withdrawn, self - loathing girl to a more confident person are significant parts of the story. Ruth May, the youngest daughter, is also important as her fate affects the whole family.