The novel’s title comes from the nickname of its protagonist, a five-year-old orphan girl set apart for a special purpose in life. Named Adelheid after her mother, Heidi prefers her simpler name, which comes to symbolize her undemanding and unworldly personality. Despite being orphaned at a young age and then abandoned by her aunt Dete, Heidi remains a genial, optimistic child: “She can look after herself, though she’s only five. She’s got all her wits about her. She knows how to make the best of things too” (6). Moving to the mountains reveals her deep connection to nature, and while under the care of her grandfather, Heidi blossoms like the meadow flowers into a spirited and curious young girl.

Naturally empathetic, Heidi connects with everyone she meets, and she holds a unique sense of compassion for someone of her age. When she meets Peter’s blind grandmother, she does not feel pity for Grannie but earnestly mourns her loss of sight and weeps for the injustice of someone living without the ability to see the beauty around them. Heidi becomes a friend to Grannie and a balm to her weary soul as she visits her each day and reads hymns to her, speaking of divine hope and endearing faith.