Both Diana and Lyddie are strong-willed, independent, and determined women. They are both strong-willed and independent because both women have a goal in mind, and they will not be swayed from that goal no matter what anybody says. They are determined to see things through. Lyddie is determined to work hard, earn money, and pay down her family debt. Diana is determined to get better working conditions in the mills for the girls.
I think that a basic difference through much of the story is that Lyddie is much more selfish than Diana. Lyddie doesn't have a heart of stone, but she is completely focused on herself, the money, and her family debt. She is willing to put up with horrible working conditions in order to succeed. Also, because Lyddie is so willing to put up with so much, she isn't at much risk of losing her job. Diana, on the other hand, is much more willing to give of herself to help other people. She doesn't hold a grudge against Lyddie for having to teach her. She uses her own contacts to get Lyddie medical help, and she risks being fired from all factory work in order to get better working conditions.
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