Thomas is a pragmatic, astute man of working-class origins serving as Master Secretary to King Henry VIII. He relies on his sharp intelligence and ability to read others to secure his position at the volatile Tudor court. Haunted by the loss of his wife and daughters, he fiercely protects his surviving household while acting as a fixer for the king's desires.

Henry is the imposing, commanding King of England. Driven by a desperate need to secure the Tudor dynasty with a legitimate male heir, he grows increasingly frustrated with his second marriage. His shifting desires dictate the actions of everyone at court, forcing his advisors to constantly adapt to his changing moods.

Anne is the current Queen of England, an elegant and ambitious woman whose failure to produce a male heir puts her in a precarious position. She acts with paranoia and cruelty toward those she perceives as threats, demanding absolute loyalty from her followers. Her reliance on her fading seductive allure blinds her to her shrinking influence over the king.

Jane is a demure, unassuming daughter of the Seymour family who serves as one of the queen's ladies-in-waiting. Her quiet demeanor and modesty stand in direct contrast to the queen, drawing the king's attention. She obediently follows the directions of the men in her family as they try to increase their social standing.

Gregory is Thomas Cromwell's young, observant, and only surviving child. He learns the workings of the court by working alongside his father, maintaining a degree of trusting innocence that his father lacks.

Katherine is Henry's first wife and a proud Spanish princess living under house arrest. She stubbornly refuses to concede that her marriage to the king is invalid, maintaining a fierce commitment to her Catholic faith and her daughter's legitimacy.

Chapuys is the Spanish ambassador to England, representing the Holy Roman Emperor. He remains staunchly loyal to Katherine of Aragon and her daughter, maintaining a careful, diplomatic friendship with Cromwell to gather intelligence.

Mary is the daughter of King Henry and Katherine of Aragon. Separated from her mother, she firmly maintains her status as a legitimate princess, refusing to bow to the new queen's demands despite the personal danger it puts her in.

Edward is Jane's brother and an ambitious member of the Seymour family. He eagerly capitalizes on the king's interest in his sister, working closely with Cromwell to improve his family's position at court.

Thomas is the Earl of Wiltshire and Anne's father. He focuses on preserving the wealth, titles, and lands his family has accumulated through his daughter's rise to queenship, prioritizing self-preservation over family loyalty when matters become dangerous.

George is Anne's brother and an influential figure in the Boleyn faction. He fiercely defends his sister's position and clashes with Cromwell's efforts to undermine their family's standing.

Lady Rochford is George Boleyn's wife. Deeply unhappy in her arranged marriage and resentful of her husband's family, she quietly observes the actions of the queen's inner circle and passes scandalous information to those in power.

Mark is a young, low-born court musician who enjoys a close, flirtatious relationship with the queen. His naive boasting makes him vulnerable to the dangerous political maneuvers of older, more experienced men.

Norris is a high-ranking, well-loved courtier who maintains a close, affectionate friendship with the queen. His prominent status and access to the royal family draw intense scrutiny when political tides turn.

Wyatt is a talented poet and a longtime friend of Cromwell. He harbors an infatuation with the queen but benefits from Cromwell's fierce protective loyalty, which keeps him insulated from the worst court dangers.

Rafe is Cromwell's trusted, capable clerk. He gathers gossip and information at court, functioning as an essential extension of Cromwell's political network and serving as a surrogate son.

Richard is Cromwell's nephew, working closely within his uncle's household to execute orders and manage political maneuvers. He serves as a reliable enforcer for Cromwell's plans.

Gardiner is a bishop and a primary political antagonist to Cromwell. He frequently attempts to block Cromwell's influence over the king and religious policy, representing the conservative faction at court.