Toby is an 11-year-old boy who moves to Strandborough Castle to serve as a page. Initially expecting a life of glorious hunts and quick advancement, he soon learns that knightly training requires strict discipline and tedious labor. He records his daily experiences, documenting everything from brutal Latin lessons to his struggles with archery. As the year progresses, he develops a realistic understanding of the rigid social hierarchy around him.

John Burgess is the Baron of Strandborough and Toby's authoritative uncle. He oversees the castle and commands the local military forces, balancing his duties to the King with the management of his estate. He displays skill in tournaments and hunts while ensuring his nephew learns the necessary discipline for knighthood.

Lady Elizabeth manages the domestic operations of Strandborough Castle. She directs the servants, oversees provisions, and receives visitors, effectively running the estate whenever her husband travels. She serves as a strict but supportive mentor to Toby, teaching him the customs of noble society.

David is a villager who struggles to survive under the strict laws of the feudal system. He participates in mandatory, unpaid harvest work for the castle while secretly poaching fish and game to feed his family. His actions highlight the severe inequality between the nobility and the working class.

Mark is a page at Strandborough Castle who provides practical guidance to Toby. He possesses a realistic understanding of the castle's social dynamics and the hardships faced by the local villagers. He frequently lightens the mood by teaching Toby games and offering cynical observations about their strict teachers.

Simon is an older cousin to Toby who completes his training to become a knight during the story. He provides a model of chivalrous behavior and physical skill for the younger pages. He occasionally acts as a mentor, offering gifts and taking the children to see traveling performers.

Humphrey is a senior page who uses his established position to tease the younger boys. He mocks Toby's mistakes and discomforts, enforcing the harsh pecking order among the youth in training. Despite his bullying, he acts quickly to put out a fire on Toby's bed, showing a basic level of responsibility.

Oliver is a page who frequently partners with Humphrey to mock Toby. He participates in the constant teasing regarding Toby's clothing and privileges. He loses a rough game of "knights" to Toby and Mark, resulting in a bloody nose.

The Chaplain serves as the resident clergyman and strict academic tutor at the castle. He forces the pages to endure long hours of Latin and Scripture study in a freezing room. He regularly applies physical discipline, using a cane and a finger pillory to punish minor offenses.

The Reeve is an administrative official responsible for overseeing the manor's crops and collecting taxes. He summons the villagers for mandatory harvest labor and frequently conflicts with them over legal matters. He expresses deep frustration when the local jury refuses to convict a poacher.

The Constable commands the castle guards and manages the physical security of the fortress. He views his assignment to supervise the pages' weapons practice as an irritating distraction from his primary duties. He also manages the imprisonment and legal presentation of accused criminals.

Henry Burgess is Toby's father, a nobleman living on a smaller estate in Saltington. Because he cannot afford the expensive equipment of a professional knight, he relies on his older brother to train his son.

Gwynedd is Toby's mother, who resides at the family home in Saltington. Protective of her son, she previously delayed his departure for training and requests that he write a diary so she can read about his experiences.

Edythe is one of Toby's younger sisters. She remains at the family home in Saltington while her brother leaves to begin his formal education.

Sian is Toby's youngest sister. She lives with her parents and sister on their smaller estate, far from the daily activities of the large castle.

Abigail is the daughter of the Baron and Lady Elizabeth. She participates in the same academic lessons as the pages and occasionally causes minor disruptions in class.

Beth is the Baron's daughter and Toby's cousin. She studies alongside the pages and sews a new shirt for Toby, using expensive but uncomfortable fabric.

Isbel is a high-born woman who serves as a companion to Lady Elizabeth. She benefits from having her own maid and instructs Toby on the complex social rules and table manners of the nobility.

The Cook manages the massive food preparations required for the castle's inhabitants and guests. He runs a busy, disciplined workspace and demonstrates a practical sense of humor by serving Toby the small bird the boy accidentally shot.

Doctor Leach is a physician who relies on astrology, numerology, and the balance of humors to diagnose illness. He performs a painful bloodletting procedure on Toby that leaves the boy feeling worse.

The Water-Keeper is an official tasked with guarding the castle's moat and river from poachers. He spends an entire night waiting in ambush to catch a single villager, aiming to set an example for the community.