Ellie Linton is the main protagonist and narrator of the story. Ellie was born and raised on a sheep farm not far from the edge of the country town of Wirrawee. Throughout her narration, Ellie often imagines the peaceful life she remembers on the farm, and she often pulls wartime inspiration from the lessons she learned from her family back home. It's clear that she loves her family and wants nothing more than to be reunited with them. It is also clear that Ellie has the deepest respect and strongest love for the Australian outback. Even when bullets are flying at her head, Ellie cannot help but marvel at the beauty of the Australian landscape. Through Ellie's narration, the reader fully understands John Marsden's own love for his home country, Australia.
Although Ellie is given very little physical description, nor are the other characters in the novel, the reader has the firmest grasp on Ellie's psychological character through her narration. The reader knows that Ellie is fiercely determined and has a well-earned ego. Whenever tough missions arise, Ellie is the first to volunteer herself, likely because she is the only one among her group who can complete these dangerous acts. Along with Lee, Ellie is one of the unspoken leaders of her group. Despite this strength, Ellie is often scared and uncertain if her decisions are best. She craves the respect of boys, like Lee, and the support of men, like Colonel Finley.
