Peter Blood is an Irish-born, English-raised country doctor with a past as a soldier of fortune. Living peacefully in Somersetshire, his humanity compels him to treat a wounded rebel, leading to his unjust conviction for treason and enslavement in Barbados. He possesses a vibrant voice, blue eyes, and black hair, using his sharp wit and cynical persona to mask a deeply compassionate and chivalrous nature.

Arabella is a young Englishwoman living on her late father's plantation in Barbados. She is petite and pale with chestnut hair and hazel eyes, possessing a frank and friendly demeanor. Guided by staunch humanistic principles, she feels compassion for all people, successfully persuading her uncle to purchase Blood to save him from harsher labor.

Jeremy is a young shipmaster from Bridgewater whose involvement in the Monmouth Rebellion costs him his freedom. He relies on Blood's support to survive the dehumanizing conditions of enslavement in Barbados. As an experienced sailor and navigator, he proves essential to the convicts' survival strategies.

Colonel William Bishop is a tall, corpulent, and wealthy plantation owner in Barbados who holds a position in the local militia. He operates his estate with malevolence, treating the people he enslaves with brutal entitlement. He prioritizes his personal wealth and vengeance over justice or humanity.

Don Diego is a Spanish privateer seeking vengeance and treasure in English settlements. He maintains the appearance and polite manners of a gentleman while orchestrating violent raids that mirror pirate attacks. His arrogance and sense of superiority often blind him to the resourcefulness of his captives.

Admiral Don Miguel is a powerful commander of the Spanish fleet in the Caribbean. He is a formidable, urbane military leader driven by national pride and familial loyalty. His strict adherence to rules often gives way to an obsessive need for vengeance against those who humiliate his family or his country.

Levasseur is a French buccaneer captain who commands the ship La Foudre. He presents himself as a splendid, romantic ruffian, wearing striking clothes and jewelry that fail to mask his poor personal hygiene. His vanity and sense of entitlement drive his violent, impulsive actions toward both his crew and his captives.

Lord Julian is a refined and observant nobleman from the court of King James. He carries a royal commission meant to eradicate Caribbean piracy by recruiting skilled buccaneers. While he respects courage and independence, his aristocratic background sometimes clouds his judgment, especially when his personal desires are challenged.

Rivarol is the general of King Louis's armed forces in America. He is a supercilious nobleman who demands unquestioning obedience and values his aristocratic rank over practical strategy. He readily sacrifices hired forces to secure personal glory and financial enrichment.

Don Esteban is a young Spanish gentleman who travels with his father's privateering expedition. He possesses a strong sense of familial duty and a quick temper when his family's honor is threatened.

Cahusac is a pragmatic French buccaneer who serves as Levasseur's lieutenant. He values the established articles of piracy and focuses on practical profit over his captain's romantic or vengeful whims.

Madeleine is the daughter of Tortuga's governor. Initially infatuated with the idea of a romantic pirate rescue, she quickly learns the harsh reality of buccaneer brutality when she falls into captivity.

The Governor of Tortuga who manages the safe haven for buccaneers. He prioritizes his family's safety, actively attempting to sever his daughter's connection to violent outlaws.

Henri is Madeleine's protective brother. He attempts to defend his sister during a pirate attack but finds himself overpowered by brutal buccaneers.

Captain Hobart is a loyalist military officer enforcing the King's will after the Monmouth Rebellion. He views the West Country as enemy territory, using his authority to act with unchecked violence and entitlement.

The Lord Chief Justice who orchestrates sham trials for accused rebels. He suffers from a terminal illness but uses his position to intimidate juries and satisfy his prejudice against the accused.

A local nobleman who participates in the Monmouth Rebellion. His severe battlefield injuries prompt the frantic call for medical help that alters the course of several lives.

An English girl living in Barbados who experiences the terrifying chaos of a pirate invasion.

One of Blood's trusted pirate officers. He is a pragmatic sailor who helps manage the growing fleet and advocates for profitable alliances.

A veteran buccaneer officer in Blood's fleet. He is fiercely loyal but occasionally requires a firm hand to curb his impulses for indiscriminate raiding.

The governor-general of the West Indies. He is a practical royal official who brings critical news of political changes in England and recognizes strategic talent when he sees it.

A shipwright imprisoned in Barbados for debt. He utilizes his freedom of movement to assist the enslaved convicts in their covert preparations.