Dicey Tillerman is the only thirteen year old girl, oldest of four, who spent her life in a small house by the ocean, who had to take charge of keeping her siblings and herself alive. Throughout the story, Dicey was growing to be more mature than your typical thirteen year old. She always made wise decisions to stay alive, and always did what was best for her siblings. Dicey has short hair, and at times be mistaken to be a boy. Which helped her keep quiet about her identity to keep her family safe.
Dicey was also very careful. Whenever anyone would try to talk with them she would pretend to be a boy and change her name to keep her identity hidden. Her siblings never went into the grocery stores with her. That way no one will ask them questions