Amanda is the oldest of three siblings. She is the protagonist of the novel, and the narrator shares her thoughts at times, such as her hopes and fears. Though she is still a child, she has to take on the role of caregiver to her siblings since their mother is ill and their father is in America. She is a dynamic character, growing into this role as the novel progresses and the siblings endure more trials. Amanda demonstrates resilience after the loss of her mother, using stories to explain the situation to her siblings and deciding, despite opposition from Mistress Trippett and Cook, to join their father in America.

Though Amanda is determined, there is still much about the world she doesn’t understand. When she sneaks off to Philpott Street to find out about the ships leaving for America, she is unprepared for society’s rules like needing money and a chaperone to book passage. She also has difficulty assuming ill motives of anyone. For example, she doesn’t anticipate her conflict with Mistress Trippett, nor does she consider that Master Waters might have deceived them. However, she is resilient and faces repeated loss with strength. When Dr. Crider is lost, she feels sad and afraid but is more concerned about her siblings, hiding her feelings so they don’t feel sad or afraid.