Sir John Frankford is a wealthy, generous gentleman living a contented life in Yorkshire. He enjoys high social status and the respect of his peers, which allows him to maintain a large household of servants. His trusting nature leads him to welcome a new acquaintance, Wendoll, into his home as a permanent guest. Frankford values his marriage deeply and prides himself on his hospitality.

Anne Frankford is the newly wedded wife of Sir John Frankford and the sister of Sir Francis Acton. Society considers her an ideal bride due to her high education, striking beauty, and obedient demeanor. She aims to please her husband and initially resists the advances of his houseguest, though she finds herself increasingly conflicted by the attention.

Wendoll is a young gentleman who initially associates with Sir Francis Acton before becoming a permanent fixture in the Frankford household. Despite Frankford's exceptional hospitality and financial support, Wendoll finds himself unable to control his intense physical attraction to Anne Frankford. He privately debates the morality of his desires but consistently chooses to indulge them over honoring his host's trust.

Sir Francis Acton is Anne Frankford's brother, characterized by his hotheaded and aggressive disposition. He initiates a violent brawl after losing a hunting bet, which causes legal and financial ruin for his rival. Despite instigating the fight, Francis uses the law to punish his opponent, though his motivations complicate when he meets his rival's sister.

Sir Charles Mountford is a proud gentleman with a strong commitment to personal honor and his ancestral legacy. He wins a falconry wager but gets drawn into a deadly physical altercation, during which he kills two men in a fit of rage. He accepts responsibility and submits to arrest, plunging himself and his sister into severe financial hardship.

Susan Mountford is Sir Charles Mountford's devoted sister. When her brother's arrest strips them of their fortune, she stands by him and attempts to secure financial help from their extended family. She is highly protective of her virtue and deeply resents the men who caused her family's downfall, actively fleeing those who try to buy her affection.

Nick is Sir John Frankford's blunt but highly loyal servant. He organizes the household staff and takes pride in his work. He possesses a strong intuition, immediately taking a dislike to Wendoll upon his arrival and refusing to serve him. Nick takes it upon himself to watch the houseguests closely.

Jenkin is a cheerful servant in the Frankford household. He provides a lighter presence among the staff, willingly serving the houseguests when Nick refuses. He is attentive to the daily routines of the gentlemen and the running of the estate.

Shafton is a wealthy man who observes Charles Mountford's financial ruin following the brawl. He offers Charles a 500-pound loan to cover his legal fees, secretly planning to use the debt to force Charles into selling his 300-year-old ancestral home.

Malby is a gentleman who associates closely with Sir Francis Acton. He acts as an emissary for Francis, delivering messages and attempting to bestow gold upon Susan Mountford on Francis's behalf.

Cranwell is a gentleman and social peer of the main characters. He acts as an impartial judge during the hunting wagers and sides with Charles during the ensuing fight. He remains a regular guest at the Frankford house.

Cicely is a maid working for Sir John and Anne Frankford. She handles domestic duties and attempts to delegate tasks to the other servants, helping to keep the large household running smoothly.

Old Mountford is the uncle of Charles and Susan Mountford. When Charles is imprisoned and stripped of his wealth, Old Mountford is one of the family members who coldly refuses to provide financial assistance.

Sandy is a former friend of the Mountford family. Like the rest of their social circle, he distances himself from Charles and Susan once they lose their wealth, claiming he no longer knows them.

Jack Slime is a servant who participates in the festivities at the Frankford estate. He enjoys dancing and socializing with his fellow workers while the gentlemen celebrate indoors.