Sir Thomas More is an influential Catholic lawyer and judge in the early 1500s who serves the English Crown. He maintains a firm belief in the law as a reflection of divine will, attempting to balance his deep religious convictions with his public duties. Despite intense pressure from his peers and his sovereign, he stubbornly refuses to compromise his moral principles for political expediency.

The Common Man acts as an omniscient narrator and plays multiple working-class roles throughout the story, including a steward, boatman, publican, jailer, and jury foreman. He represents the ordinary people of England who are swept up in the decisions of powerful leaders. His changing costumes and direct addresses draw attention to the ways in which political actions impact everyday laborers.

Thomas Cromwell is an ambitious, pragmatic statesman who serves as an adviser to King Henry VIII. He views the law not as a divine standard but as a flexible tool to be manipulated to achieve human goals, specifically the King's desire for a divorce. He uses intimidation, bribery, and creative legal interpretations to systematically eliminate opposition to the crown.

King Henry VIII is the monarch of England, driven by a desperate need for a male heir to prevent future civil war. He is highly educated and desires the intellectual approval of respected men, but he is also volatile and intolerant of opposition. His determination to secure a divorce from Catherine of Aragon sets off a massive shift in the country's religious and legal structures.

Alice is More's second wife, a practical woman who often struggles to understand her husband's strict adherence to his abstract religious principles. She manages the household and frequently argues with More, expressing frustration over the danger and poverty his political choices bring upon their family. Despite these arguments, she maintains a deep respect and love for him.

Margaret is More's highly educated and intelligent daughter, capable of speaking better Latin than King Henry VIII. She is the family member who most clearly understands her father's philosophical and religious arguments. She shares a uniquely close bond with him and often serves as a comforting presence when he faces political pressure.

William Roper is a young lawyer who begins the story holding strong Protestant views aligned with Martin Luther. He lacks the political discretion of his father-in-law, often speaking his mind too freely about religious matters in a time when doing so is dangerous. His religious convictions shift over time, but he remains deeply concerned with the intersection of faith and the law.

Cardinal Wolsey is the Lord Chancellor of England and a powerful figure in the Catholic Church who seeks to procure a divorce for King Henry VIII. Despite his religious standing, he prioritizes political expediency and the stability of the English throne over strict adherence to Catholic doctrine. He attempts to persuade others to support his pragmatic approach to statecraft.

Richard Rich is a young, ambitious lawyer desperate for political patronage and social advancement. He is easily swayed by the promise of wealth and status, making him susceptible to manipulation by powerful men. He begins the story seeking More's help but soon realizes that selling information is a faster path to power.

The Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Howard, is a politically successful nobleman and a peer of Sir Thomas More. He values fellowship and practical survival over rigid principles, often expressing frustration when his friends prioritize abstract laws over their own safety. He attempts to use his influence to protect those he cares about but ultimately remains loyal to the King.

Eustace Chapuys is the Spanish ambassador to England and a devout Catholic. He advocates fiercely for Catherine of Aragon, the aunt of the King of Spain, and opposes King Henry VIII's attempts to secure a divorce. He often attempts to gauge the political allegiances of English statesmen and looks for allies to support the traditional Catholic order.