- Ralphie: A little boy who wants a Red Ryder Carbine Action Range Model Air Rifle with a compass in the stock and a thing that tells time.
- Jean Sheperd: Old Ralphie who tells the story.
- The Old Man: The gruff father of Ralphie.
- Mother: The glue who holds the dysfunctional family together.
- Randy: Ralphie’s kid brother. Sweet and annoying.
- Miss Shields: Ralphie’s teacher.
- Schwartz: Ralphie’s foul mouthed friend.
- Flick: Ralphie’s dim friend who sticks his tongue on a flag pole.
- Scut Farkus: The class bully who gets beaten up by Ralphie.
- Grover Dill: Scut’s right hand man.
- Esther Jane: Ralphie’s love interest.
- Mary Beth: Esther Jane’s best friend.
- Santa: A mean old mall Santa.