Barbara is one of the younger members of the outlaw band in Sherwood Forest and a cousin to the protagonist, Robert, who becomes known as Robin Hood. She is the younger sister of Will and Winifred, making her the second daughter in her family of three siblings. Her background is one of sudden upheaval; she escapes with her cousins from the burning Huntington castle after Baron Alwin's attack, fleeing into the forest for shelter. This traumatic event forces her to leave her former life behind and adapt to the rugged existence of an outlaw.

In terms of personality, Barbara is defined by her innocent, cheerful, and optimistic nature. She tends to view the world with a bright and simple outlook, which often contrasts with the more serious and perilous situations the group faces. Her innocence is a core trait, manifesting as a lack of fear where others might be terrified. She is also depicted as being sensitive; on one occasion, she becomes convinced that her friends are ignoring her, leading her to storm out of their hideout and run away into the forest. This impulsive act demonstrates a childlike vulnerability and a need for attention and belonging.

Barbara's primary motivation is less about grand political causes and more about her loyalty to her family and friends, as well as a desire to maintain her newfound family in the forest. She does not appear driven by revenge against Baron Alwin, but rather by a need to protect her close-knit group and keep her positive spirit alive in the face of adversity.

Her role in the story is often that of the youngest and most tender-hearted member of the group, sometimes requiring rescue but also providing moments of unexpected bravery and heart. One of her most notable contributions is her unique and fearless ability to connect with wild animals. When Baron Alwin releases a ferocious lion into Sherwood Forest with the intent of killing the outlaws, Barbara is the first to encounter the beast. Instead of running away, she treats it like a large cat and manages to tame it by offering it food, with the lion becoming docile and even licking her fondly. This event showcases her gentle spirit and instinctual understanding of creatures that others see as savage.

Her key relationships center on her family and the other outlaws. She shares a close bond with her brothers, Will and Winifred, and her cousin Robin, all of whom are dedicated to her safety. Her friendship with the other members of Little John's group is also important, as her feelings can be easily hurt by perceived slights, highlighting how much she values her social circle. Furthermore, she forms a significant bond with a pet wolf cub that she takes under her wing, which later helps Robin and the others find her when she runs away.

Over the course of the series, Barbara experiences subtle development. While she begins as a child needing protection, her encounters with danger, such as facing a lion alone or getting lost in a forest full of traps, force her to grow a bit more resilient. However, her fundamental nature as an innocent and cheerful optimist remains her defining characteristic. Her notable abilities lie not in combat but in her empathy and way with animals, which repeatedly prove to be an invaluable asset to the group, allowing her to befriend creatures that become allies.