Agnes is a workmaid who is convicted of murdering her former employer, Natan Ketilsson, alongside another man. Treated harshly by her initial captors, she is sent to the Jonsson family farm at Korsna to await her execution. She is a resilient, observant woman who possesses a quiet intelligence and a deep knowledge of traditional herbal remedies. Having faced a lifetime of poverty and abandonment, she is wary of others but proves herself to be a capable and hardworking presence on the farm.

Thorvardur is a young, recently ordained priest who is surprised to be chosen by Agnes as her spiritual advisor. He lacks experience and frequently doubts his own ability to guide a convicted murderer toward redemption. Despite his initial insecurity and the skepticism of older clergy members, he commits to treating Agnes with dignity.

Bjorn Blondal is a powerful local government functionary responsible for administering justice in the district. He is a cold, authoritative figure who views the impending executions as bureaucratic matters to be managed efficiently. He rules over the community with an iron hand and places the condemned prisoners in local homes to send a stern message about the consequences of crime.

Margret is the ailing wife of the district officer, forced by the local government to take Agnes into her home to await execution. Initially horrified and deeply hostile toward her new charge, she struggles with a severe lung condition that leaves her weak. Despite her early resentment, she possesses a strong maternal instinct and begins to recognize the physical hardships Agnes has endured.

Natan is a self-taught herbalist and Agnes's former employer whose recent murder drives the narrative. Explored through flashbacks, he is a charismatic but eccentric healer rumored to practice dark arts. He draws Agnes into a volatile relationship characterized by intense passion, jealousy, and eventually cruelty.

Jon is the District Officer of Vatnsdalur who reluctantly complies with orders to host a condemned prisoner at his farm. Frequently away on official business, he is a quiet, distant man who initially warns his family to keep away from Agnes. He prioritizes his duty to the government over his personal discomfort.

Steina is the elder daughter of the Jonsson family. Flighty, emotional, and somewhat scatterbrained, she is fascinated by Agnes rather than afraid of her. Remembering a past kindness from Agnes when she was a child, Steina openly believes in the condemned woman's innocence and attempts to befriend her against her parents' wishes.

Lauga is the younger, more serious and mature daughter of the Jonsson family. Deeply protective of her family's social standing, she harbors strong hostility toward Agnes. She fears the community's gossip and worries about the corrupting influence the convicted murderer might have on her sister.

Roslin is a pregnant neighbor of the Jonsson family who is prone to spreading gossip. Deeply suspicious of Agnes, she is horrified that her friends are hosting a convicted murderer and frequently brings rumors from the village to Margret's doorstep.

Sigridir is a young, beautiful teenager employed as Natan's housekeeper alongside Agnes. Naive and simple-minded, she is drawn into a romantic entanglement with Natan, creating tension on the farm. She is also convicted of participating in Natan's murder but receives significantly more sympathy from the authorities due to her youth.

Fridrik is a brash, aggressive young farmer who develops an intense infatuation with Sigridir. Arrogant and volatile, his presence at Natan's farm sparks a fierce, possessive rivalry, ultimately culminating in the brutal murders for which he and Agnes are condemned.

Petur is an associate of Natan Ketilsson who was staying at the Illugastadir farm on the night of the tragedy. Known as a cruel man with a history of petty crime, he was brutally murdered alongside Natan.

Rosa is a woman from the community who had a past relationship with Natan Ketilsson. She shares a young child with him and harbors deep resentment toward Agnes, blaming her for taking Natan away.

Inga is Agnes's beloved former foster mother. A kind and nurturing woman, she taught Agnes how to read and provided her with the only maternal affection she knew before tragedy struck the household.

Bjorn is Agnes's cruel former foster father. He resented his wife's affection for the young ward, frequently discouraged Agnes's education, and ultimately blamed the young girl for his family's losses.

Ingveldur is Agnes's biological mother. Described as a transient woman who struggled to find acceptance in the village, she abandoned Agnes at a young age, forcing her daughter into the foster system.

Karitas is a servant working in the household of District Commissioner Blondal. Having previously been employed by Natan Ketilsson, she possesses firsthand knowledge of his manipulative behavior and offers the young priest a warning about Natan's true nature.