Candice White Ardlay, known to everyone as Candy, is the central figure of her story. She is a young girl who begins her life as an orphan, discovered as an abandoned baby on a snowy night near the grounds of Pony's Home, the orphanage where she grows up. Her first name comes from a doll found with her, and the surname White is given to her by the orphanage director, referencing the snow in which she was found. Physically, Candy is recognized by her golden blonde hair, which she typically wears in pigtails, her large and expressive emerald green eyes, and a face dusted with freckles.

Candy's personality is defined by an unbreakable spirit. She is fundamentally optimistic, cheerful, and energetic, possessing a bright disposition that allows her to face hardship without becoming bitter or dejected. She is kind-hearted and compassionate to a fault, often putting the needs of others before her own and displaying a remarkable capacity for selflessness. Despite her often tomboyish exterior, which includes riding horses, climbing trees, and a hearty appetite, her interior world is rich with deep emotion and romantic longing. While she is generally thoughtful and perceptive, she also has a passionate and emotional side that can sometimes lead her to act impulsively when she is stirred by strong feelings. A core part of her identity is her lack of any inferiority complex about being an orphan; her confidence and sense of self-worth come from her own actions and her ability to connect with people.

A powerful motivating force in Candy's life is her search for her mysterious "Prince of the Hill." She first encounters this handsome, kind-eyed boy on Pony Hill after a childhood heartbreak, and his gentle words encouraging her to smile become a creed she lives by. She holds onto a brooch he left behind as a talisman, and the desire to find him again, or at least understand who he is, guides many of her decisions, including her agreement to leave the orphanage. Her role in the narrative is that of a resilient survivor who navigates a series of dramatic life changes. She moves from being an orphan to a mistreated companion and servant for the wealthy Leagan family, then finds a family and true happiness when she is taken in by the influential Ardley family, and finally, after a series of personal tragedies, she forges her own independent path as a nurse.

Throughout her journey, Candy forms deep and transformative relationships. Her childhood friendship with Annie, a fellow orphan, is a source of both great joy and profound sorrow when Annie is adopted and later severs ties. Her time with the Ardley family introduces her to her first love, the gentle Anthony Brown, whose tragic death plunges her into a period of deep grief. Later, at a boarding school in London, she meets the rebellious and passionate Terry Grandchester, with whom she shares a great but complicated love. Another critical relationship is with Albert, a mysterious hermit living in the woods who becomes a wise and steadfast friend and protector, often appearing in her darkest moments to offer counsel.

Candy undergoes significant character development. She begins as a brash, bold, and somewhat reckless little girl who acts before she thinks. The harsh lessons of betrayal, loss, and grief gradually refine her. Her training to become an elegant lady softens her rougher edges, but she never loses her core cleverness and resourcefulness. The death of Anthony leaves her introverted and heartbroken, yet with the support of friends like Albert, she learns to overcome her sorrow and find a new purpose. Her ultimate decision to leave behind the privileged but painful world of the Ardley family to become a nurse in Chicago demonstrates her final transformation into a strong-willed, independent, and compassionate woman who has chosen her own destiny.

Candy possesses several notable abilities that help her in her adventures. She is notably skilled with a lasso, a talent she uses to catch animals, escape precarious situations, and even rope her way out of trouble. This practical skill is complemented by her most powerful ability: a natural charisma and a way with people. She has a unique talent for charming even the most difficult individuals, softening their hearts with her sincerity and optimism. This quality, combined with her inherent compassion and dedication, eventually leads her to discover her true vocation as a nurse, where she can care for the sick and wounded.