Willa
A precocious young woman and the protagonist of Willa of the Wood, Willa is a talented thief who has been blessed with the forest powers of her people called the ancient Faeran clan. She is raised to hate and be afraid of humans (and steal from them so that she can win the approval of padaran, the leader of her clan). She also thinks that all humans are the same and thinks every human destroys the forests that she and her people live in.
As Willa's world changes rapidly around her, she begins to learn more about herself and learns how to adapt to different situations quickly. She also learns more about her clan and is faced with a decision: should she confront evil head-on and speak up? Or should she do nothing?
Humans
The antagonist for part of the story, humans are in the minds of the Faeran clan and Willa, are responsible for the destruction of their homes in forests and ultimately, their ways of life. Many of the people of the Faeran clan fear humans and instruct other members to steal from humans.
What many Faeran people don't realize is that, for every human that destroys their forests, many more don't wish to destroy forests.
padaran
Padaran is the leader of the Faeran people. He is charismatic, but unrelenting and occasionally unwilling to give his approval to people who readily deserve it.
the Forest
The forests, although the setting of the novel, is one its most important characters. It provides a backdrop for the book and informs some of the cultures, norms, mores, rich and interesting history and values of the Faeran people.
