Andy is a 20-year-old human, tall and lanky with a lean build, neat dark-blonde hair, and blue eyes. He has grown considerably since childhood but still carries lots of the warmth and sentimentality that defined him as a kid. Andy is kindhearted, nostalgic, responsible, and deeply attached to Woody and his other toys. Though he has matured and is well into his time at college, he still genuinely loves the toys that were such an important part of his childhood. He is thoughtful and sentimental, particularly toward Woody, whom he considers his closest companion. He passed most of his toys on to Bonnie, but kept his three favorites; Woody, Buzz, and Jessie, not knowing that they're alive.

Woody is a cowboy doll with a lanky build, brown eyes, brown hair, and a cowboy outfit consisting of a yellow plaid shirt, cow-print vest, jeans, boots, and a cowboy hat. His body is stuffing, but his head and hands are plastic. He is brave, loyal, protective, and naturally inclined to put everyone else's needs before his own. Woody is the unofficial leader of the toys and takes his responsibility toward them extremely seriously. He is deeply proud of the young man Andy has grown into. He can be stubborn and overprotective, though underneath his confidence is a deeply sentimental and caring personality. He sees himself as something of a father figure to Andy, as silly as that is.

Buzz is a white-and-green space ranger action figure with a muscular, broad-shouldered build, purple accents, and a transparent helmet. He is completely plastic. His toy suit features retractable wings, a laser, and various space-ranger controls. Buzz is courageous, confident, loyal, and somewhat serious, though he has developed a much stronger sense of humor over the years. Buzz is Woody's closest friend and one of the toys' most dependable protectors. He's deeply proud of the young man Andy has become. He has a slightly flirtatious relationship with Jessie.

Jessie is a cowgirl doll with bright red yarn hair tied into a long braid, green eyes, and a slim, athletic build. Just like Woody, her body is stuffed and her head and hands are plastic. She wears a white shirt with yellow cuffs, a cow-print vest, blue jeans, a red cowgirl hat, and boots. Jessie is energetic, enthusiastic, adventurous, and fiercely loyal. She has a bold, outgoing personality and tends to throw herself wholeheartedly into whatever she's doing. Despite her confidence, Jessie has a sensitive side and carries a deep fear of abandonment stemming from her previous owner. She is affectionate toward the other toys and particularly values being part of their family. She has a slightly flirtatious relationship with Buzz.