A 35-year-old English timber merchant working in the fictional district of Kyauktada. A prominent, dark blue crescent-shaped birthmark covers his left cheek, making him deeply self-conscious. While he hypocritically benefits from the colonial system financially, he harbors progressive beliefs and an affinity for Burmese culture that isolates him from the other European club members. Desperately lonely, he longs for a companion who can appreciate his interests.

A 22-year-old orphaned Englishwoman who arrives in Burma following the death of her mother in Paris. Having experienced brief glimpses of upper-class wealth at a boarding school, she fiercely desires social status, comfort, and financial security. She despises intellectualism and bohemian lifestyles, finding herself instead drawn to displays of traditional masculinity and wealth.

An Indian surgeon and the superintendent of the local Kyauktada jail. He stands out as a staunch, idealistic defender of the British Empire, believing it brings necessary economic and cultural development to the region. Despite his professional competence, he faces continuous racism from the European club members and relies on his association with his only white friend to protect his prestige.

A grotesquely overweight sub-divisional magistrate in his mid-fifties. Having witnessed the march of British troops as a child, he dedicated his life to leeching off their power, rising through the colonial administration via bribery, blackmail, and corruption. He is a calculating schemer whose primary ambition is to elevate his social standing by securing membership in the exclusive European Club.

A handsome, aristocratic young cavalry officer in the Military Police who arrives in Kyauktada with a company of men. He is the youngest son of an English peer and cares exclusively for polo, horses, and physical fitness. Arrogant and deeply indebted, he looks down on everyone in the district and actively ignores the other Europeans.

The District Commissioner and secretary of the European club in Kyauktada. He is a dutiful but unimaginative colonial administrator who attempts to maintain order among the local population. He introduces the government directive to admit a native member to their exclusively white club, sparking intense debate among the regulars.

The manager of a rival timber company who frequents the European club. He is a virulently racist, highly aggressive man whose entire personality is consumed by his hatred for the native population. He violently opposes any concessions to the Burmese and constantly attempts to incite conflict.

An alcoholic manager of a timber firm and Elizabeth's uncle. He spends his days drinking heavily at the club and constantly attempting to escape his wife's watchful eye. His predatory behavior toward women creates a deeply unsafe living environment for his newly arrived niece.

The wife of Lackersteen and the quintessential colonial administrator's wife. She is highly focused on maintaining social status and ensuring her niece finds a suitable, wealthy husband as quickly as possible. She constantly monitors her husband's drinking while fawning over high-status arrivals.

Flory's Burmese concubine who lives an idle life in his household. She views her arrangement with Flory primarily as a source of status, boasting to the local villagers that she is effectively a white man's legal wife. She clings fiercely to this comfortable position and the financial benefits it provides.

Flory's loyal native servant who has known him for many years. Though nearly the same age as his employer, he treats Flory like a naïve child who needs constant supervision. He disapproves of Flory's bookish habits and worries about his changing routine.

The District Superintendent of the local police. He is a cynical law enforcement officer who complains that his hands are tied by modern bureaucracy and legal red tape. He longs for the days of martial law and openly hopes for a native rebellion to justify using force.

A forestry officer who frequents the Kyauktada European Club. He is generally quiet during the political arguments but stands alongside the other white colonials in their desire to keep the club segregated.

The wife of the corrupt magistrate U Po Kyin. She is a practical woman and the only person in her husband's immediate circle who is not afraid of him. While she occasionally questions his malicious plotting, her moral objections often evaporate when confronted with the promise of elevated social status.

The head clerk for District Commissioner Macgregor. He functions as a key ally and subordinate to U Po Kyin, helping the magistrate coordinate his campaign of anonymous letters and sabotage.

Flory's loyal pet dog. She accompanies him on walks to the stream and provides him with a small measure of unconditional companionship during his severe bouts of loneliness.

A Eurasian missionary living in Kyauktada. Cut off from both the European and Burmese communities due to his mixed heritage, he lives in poverty and relies on local charity for survival.

A Eurasian missionary who works alongside Francis. Like his colleague, he suffers from the rigid racial hierarchies of the colony and faces ostracization from the white club members.