Yorick is a sentimental English travel writer and clergyman who suddenly sets sail for France to compare its society to Britain's. Curious and highly sociable, he prides himself on his fine feelings and emotional sensitivity, distinguishing himself from cynical peers. He frequently finds himself entangled in flirtatious encounters and awkward social situations as he attempts to adapt to French culture.

La Fleur is a handsome, genial young Frenchman whom Yorick hires as a servant. Though he initially appears to lack practical skills beyond playing the fife and beating a drum, he proves to be an affectionate and faithful companion. He possesses an effortless charm that makes him universally popular, particularly with women, and he helps Yorick interpret the foreign etiquette of French society.

Maria is a deeply grieving young woman whom Yorick encounters on the road to Lyon. Her tragic story is first relayed to Yorick by his friend, Mr. Shandy. Overcome by the loss of her senses and the subsequent death of her father, Maria represents a moment of profound emotional depth that interrupts Yorick's otherwise lighthearted adventures.

The Monk is an elderly Franciscan who approaches Yorick for alms. He possesses a remarkably shaped head and a simple, striking grace. After a tense initial exchange where Yorick refuses to give him money, the two later reconcile and exchange snuffboxes as a symbol of mutual respect.

The Young Woman is an educated traveler heading toward Amiens whom Yorick meets in Calais. Yorick attempts to charm her while they browse for a carriage at a local shop. The two share an awkward but tender conversation after accidentally being locked inside a carriage together.

Count de B--- is a cultured French aristocrat with a reputation for admiring English literature. A lover of Shakespeare, he is charmed by Yorick's flattery during a visit. He uses his influence to procure a travel passport for Yorick, though he mistakenly assumes the Englishman is the King's court jester.

The Fille de Chambre is a young chambermaid working in Paris. She crosses paths with Yorick at a bookseller and later visits his hotel room to retrieve a letter, where she casually mends his stock. Her presence consistently sparks flirtatious temptations in Yorick's mind.

Captain Tobias Shandy is one of Yorick's dearest friends, an army officer who sustained an injury in battle and lives a quiet country life. He is a sentimental figure who first introduces Yorick to the tragic tale of Maria, encouraging him to visit her.

Smelfungus is a rival travel writer whom Yorick intensely dislikes. Known for traveling with "spleen and jaundice," he represents the cynical, unfeeling tourist who complains constantly rather than experiencing the novelty of a foreign culture.

Monsieur Dessein is the pragmatic hotel owner in Calais who negotiates the sale of a travel carriage with Yorick. During the transaction, he accidentally locks Yorick and a young lady inside a small coach while retrieving the store key.

Eliza is a woman back in England to whom Yorick has sworn his eternal fidelity. Yorick carries her portrait with him during his travels and regularly writes letters to her, holding her in high emotional regard.

The Beggar is an old man asking for money in the streets of Paris whose methods fascinate Yorick. He selectively targets women rather than men, using highly refined flattery and polite conversation to extract generous donations.

The Lady at the Inn is a weary traveler forced to share a room with Yorick at a fully booked roadside establishment. She partakes in delicate, hours-long negotiations over the sleeping arrangements, demanding Yorick's complete silence through the night.

Madame de R--- is a friend of the young woman from Calais, currently residing in Paris. Yorick is given a letter to deliver to her but repeatedly delays the errand due to various social distractions and legal worries regarding his passport.