Dickon is the high-spirited 12 year old brother of Mary's maid servant Martha Sowerby. Having lived on the moor all his life, Dickon has a deeply rooted connection with the land and the animals, often being referred to as an animal-charmer though he seems to have the unique ability to charm people as well as animals. From the moment Martha mentions Dickon and his wild animals, Mary is instantly drawn to him, later describing him as "beautiful". Physically active, thoughtful and strong, he is Colin's polar opposite. Mary often thinks of him as a magical wood-sprite, at first afraid that he is almost too good to be true and should disappear if she should turn away. His round eyes are described as being "exactly the colour of the sky over the moor".