Little Willy: A ten-year-old boy who takes care of his grandfather who is sick. He tries to get money to pay tax by entering the national dogsled race.

Grandfather: Living with his grandson Willy on a potato farm, he suddenly falls ill and does not want to live.

Searchlight: Over ten years old, she is a big black dog with a white spot on her forehead. Born on the same day as little Willy, she is kept by Grandfather and Willy.

Stone Fox: An Indian with five Samoyeds, he is known to have never lost a race. He is going to compete with Willy in the national dogsled race.

Doc Smith: A doctor who has snow white hair and wrinkles on her face. After examining Grandfather, she thinks he is going to die.

Clifford Snyder: A tax-collector who lives in the city. He says Grandfather owes him ten years’ tax.

Mr. Foster: President of the bank. He is a big man always with a big cigar in his mouth. Willy’s money for college education is kept in this bank.

Mayor Smiley: Mayor of the city. He laughs at Willy’s idea of entering the national dogsled race.