Philippa Leete, the narrator, is an eleven-year-old girl who lives on Big Half Moon Island with her father and brother, Claude. She is a curious and thoughtful child who often wonders why they have no relatives like other children. She enjoys spending time with her brother and shares a strong bond with him.
Claude Leete, Philippa’s twelve-year-old brother, is her constant companion. Since there are no other children on the island, he and Philippa make the most of their time together, playing and flying kites. He is adventurous and excited about their kite-flying hobby, which leads to their unexpected family reunion.
Their Father is the keeper of the Big Half Moon lighthouse. He is a caring and responsible man, but he carries a deep sadness about his past. Many years ago, he quarreled with his brother and left home. By the time he returned, his brother had passed away, and his sister was nowhere to be found. He believes he has no family left, until the lost kite leads him back to his long-lost sister.
Aunt Esther is the father’s sister, who was separated from him after their family dispute. She is a widow living far inland with her two children, Dick and Mimi. When her children find the runaway kite, she recognizes the letter used to patch it and realizes that it came from her brother. She immediately writes to Big Half Moon, leading to a joyful reunion with her lost family.
Dick and Mimi, Aunt Esther’s children, play an important role in discovering the kite and bringing it home. Their curiosity helps in reuniting the family, and they later move to Big Half Moon Island, bringing happiness and companionship to Claude and Philippa.
