Matilda ("Mattie") Cook

Mattie was born in 1779 and is 14 years old at the time of the events described in the novel. She is the narrator and the principle protagonist. Mattie is present in every scene described in the novel and, indeed, is generally the driving force behind most of the action.

In the novel's opening scenes, Mattie is described as a typical teenager with a strongly modern view on life. Although capable of hard work, she much prefers an easy life and looks for ways to avoid physical labor while enjoying the good things life has to offer. Mattie is content to let others, such as her mother or Polly Logan, perform the hard work; she would prefer to eat a breakfast sweetened with sugar while someone else scrubs the pots.

During the novel, Mattie experiences numerous hardships and is faced with several choices. In every instance...