Ada demonstrates persistence in teaching herself to walk and in teaching herself to ride Butter. She falls multiple times pursuing these endeavors, but always pulls herself back up and walks or rides again. Even when Mam takes away Ada’s crutches, she’s determined to walk away from her again.

Jamie demonstrates persistence in pursuing his interest in planes, despite being barred and even brought back home from the airfield. He’s also persistent in his hope that Mam will return for them and be more accepting of Ada.

Susan is persistent in her care for Ada and Jamie. She doesn’t have experience with children, but she begins with the basics of food, clothing, and clean shelter and eventually brings Ada and Jamie to greatly improved health. She is persistent in her attempts to show Ada affection and eventually builds a loving relationship with both children. She frequently expresses frustration as she learns to care for Ada and Jamie, but she never gives up on them and is loyal in her guardianship. When Mam retrieves Ada and Jamie, Susan takes the next train and scours through rubble and debris to find the children and bring them back home with her.

As each of these characters push forward, England also demonstrates persistence in its defense against Germany, even as more and more of its planes are struck.