Caleb is a young, self-educated man from a poor family who finds employment as a literary assistant to a wealthy country squire. He excels in mechanics and reading, but his most defining characteristic is an intense, restless curiosity. This inquisitiveness frequently pushes him to investigate matters beyond his station, causing tension in his professional life and complicating his future.

Ferdinando is a wealthy country squire known for his refined manners, delicate physical stature, and time spent traveling abroad. Though typically kind and attentive, he maintains a strict demand for privacy and suffers from bouts of severe melancholy. His gentlemanly demeanor masks a fiercely proud nature that bristles at any perceived disrespect.

Barnabas is a muscular, arrogant landowner who grew up spoiled by his mother. He views himself as the undisputed authority in the local community and resents anyone who challenges his social dominance. He treats his tenants and dependents poorly, viewing those of lower social classes as existing entirely for his convenience.

Emily is a small, sensible young woman whose face is scarred from smallpox. As an orphaned cousin of Barnabas Tyrrel, she relies entirely on his family for support. She holds romantic sensibilities and admires heroic actions, which places her at odds with her domineering guardian.

Mr. Collins is a diligent employee of Ferdinando Falkland who takes an interest in Caleb's potential. He serves as the primary source of historical information regarding his employer's past, bridging the gap between Caleb's current situation and the events that shaped the town.

Mr. Forester is Ferdinando's older half-brother, characterized by an acidic demeanor, bushy eyebrows, and a rough personality. Unlike his refined sibling, he is blunt and deeply interested in curious, malleable minds, which draws him to Caleb.

Mr. Hawkins is a proud farmer who believes in his right to live and work without bowing to aristocratic tyranny. He relies on his legal lease to protect his family, firmly refusing to force his son into servitude for the local squire.

Leonard is the dutiful son of Mr. Hawkins. Coming from a family of clergymen, he prefers agricultural work over domestic servitude. He takes active steps to help his father bypass the obstacles set up by their hostile landlord.

Grimes is a local peasant and tenant on the Tyrrel estate. He acts as a pawn for his landlord, willingly participating in cruel plans under the justification that his actions will ultimately result in marriage.

Referred to as "Captain" by his associates, Mr. Raymond leads a gang of thieves. Despite operating outside the law, he strictly adheres to a personal moral code, abhorring murder and senseless violence while viewing his profession as a reaction to systemic injustice.

Gines is a brutal and vindictive man who operates within Mr. Raymond's gang. He shows a distinct lack of the moral restraint favored by his captain, readily turning to violence and holding deep grudges against those who cross him.

Thomas is a groom in the service of Ferdinando. He interacts with Caleb during their shared employment and experiences conflicting loyalties when Caleb falls out of favor with their master.

Mr. Clare is a retired poet known for his comprehensiveness of mind and smooth manners. He is one of the few people in the community capable of mediating disputes between the area's proud aristocrats.

Mrs. Jakeman is a worker on the Tyrrel estate who provides a rare source of genuine affection and companionship for Emily Melville amidst a hostile household.

Mrs. Tyrrel is Barnabas's mother, who took Emily in when the girl had nowhere else to go. She heavily spoiled her son during his youth, refusing to restrict him with any rules or instruction, which cemented his arrogant adult personality.