The novel focuses on Lydia (Lyddie) Worthen, an independent young woman who has lived most of her life in a small cabin in Vermont. Her general philosophy of life is established early in the first chapter. She is fiercely independent, proud, and is "not going to be beholden to the neighbors for anything so trivial as her own comfort." She dreads charity and, as a result, constantly tries to save money.

Lyddie has not been educated, but is both brave and intelligent. She is also devoted to her family, particularly her younger brother, Charlie.

Lyddie has the ability to take charge in difficult situations, as when the bear breaks into her cabin in the first chapter and when the coach breaks down on the way to Concord. Initially, Lyddie is intolerant of other people's stupidity or lack of common sense. Indeed, when she is...