Thomas is a wealthy gentleman who has recently come into possession of the lands of Faversham Abbey. He is deeply distressed and angered by his wife's affair with a man of lower social standing. Despite his outward amiability and generosity toward his friends, Thomas exhibits a greedy, conniving side when it comes to business. He prioritizes his own wealth over the well-being of the lower classes, frequently taking property from those with less power.

Alice is Thomas Arden's wife and a descendant of nobility. Feeling restricted by her marriage vows, she uses her sexuality and passion to manipulate those around her to achieve personal autonomy. She maintains a deceptive facade of a dutiful wife to Thomas while actively conspiring to free herself from her marriage by any means necessary.

Mosby is a former tailor who has recently risen in social status to become a nobleman's steward. He is acutely aware of the class differences between himself and the gentlemanly class, which feeds a deep-seated paranoia about losing his newfound power and wealth. He carries on an affair with Alice Arden but remains constantly suspicious of her loyalty and intentions.

Franklin is a rational gentleman with close ties to the Lord Protector, which he uses to benefit his friends. As Thomas Arden's closest confidant and traveling companion, he regularly provides logical advice to soothe his friend's anxieties. He serves as a voice of reason, though his advice is occasionally clouded by his unwavering loyalty.

Michael is a servant in the Arden household who finds himself caught between his duty to his master and his personal desires. He agrees to assist in a dark plot in exchange for the promise of marrying the woman he loves. This conflicting loyalty causes him intense internal distress and mounting panic as he attempts to satisfy the demands of those around him.

Susan is Mosby's sister and works as a maid for Alice Arden. Without her consultation or consent, her hand in marriage is used as a bargaining chip by both her brother and her employer to secure the cooperation of other men. Despite the lack of agency afforded to her, she remains a practical individual within her chaotic social circle.

Clarke is a painter who is recruited into a conspiracy due to his unique skills with poisons. He is motivated primarily by his romantic desire to wed Susan Mosby, demonstrating a willingness to compromise his morals for love. He approaches his grim tasks with a professional but pragmatic attitude.

Richard Greene is a man who feels deeply wronged by Thomas Arden, as he was previously promised the lands of Faversham Abbey. Lacking the wealth and influence of his rival, he harbors a bitter grudge over his lost livelihood. He quickly aligns himself with others who share his desire for violent revenge.

Black Will is an infamous ruffian known throughout Kent for his life of crime. He operates as a mercenary who takes pride in his violent work, viewing it as a straightforward business transaction. Despite his brutal reputation, he exhibits a boisterous, poetic flair and often bickers playfully with his partner.

George Shakebag is a mercenary and frequent companion to Black Will. While less poetic and vocal than his partner, he is equally willing to commit violent acts for monetary gain. He frequently provides a grounded, mocking contrast to Will's grandiose claims, which causes regular squabbles between the two men.

Bradshaw is a goldsmith and a former soldier who once served alongside Black Will. He is an essentially innocent man attempting to clear his name after being falsely accused of theft. His casual acquaintanceship with dangerous men inadvertently pulls him into situations beyond his control.

Dick Reede is the former tenant of the Faversham Abbey lands whose livelihood has been stripped away. He approaches the new landowner hoping to make a peaceful, heartfelt appeal for the sake of his impoverished family. He represents the lower-class individuals who suffer under the aggressive social climbing of the wealthy.