Crispin is a 13-year-old peasant boy living under the oppressive feudal system in 1377 England. Initially known only as "Asta's son," he experiences severe social isolation and frequently blames himself for his everyday misfortunes. After a false accusation of theft forces him to flee his home, he attempts to survive by hiding in the woods with only a mysterious lead cross that belonged to his mother.

Bear is a massive, red-haired wandering entertainer who dresses in ragged, colorful clothing topped with a split, bell-covered jester's hat. Although he has military and religious training, he chooses to travel the countryside performing as a juggler and musician to earn his living. He harbors intense anti-tyranny sentiments and acts as a tough but educational master to his new young traveling companion.

Aycliffe is the severe, unforgiving steward of Stromford who governs the local peasants while Lord Furnival fights in foreign wars. He enforces feudal laws strictly and levies heavy taxes on the impoverished workers. For reasons initially kept hidden, he declares a young boy a "wolf's head," granting anyone the legal right to kill the child on sight.

Father Quinel is the elderly, mild-mannered priest serving the village of Stromford. He acts as one of the few sources of comfort for the local outcasts, counseling submission to the feudal order while quietly providing physical aid. He holds important knowledge regarding the village's residents and their personal histories.

Widow Daventry is a large-hearted, practical tavern keeper who runs a popular establishment in the city. She has endured immense personal tragedies, including the deaths of two husbands and seven children. She demonstrates a stern but genuine affection for traveling performers and takes an immediate, maternal interest in young apprentices.

John Ball is a radical priest who operates a clandestine brotherhood aiming to reform the English class system. He travels and preaches controversial ideals of freedom, demanding lowered taxes and an end to forced servitude. His zealous belief in an impending uprising makes him a highly influential underground figure.

Asta is a recently deceased peasant woman who lived in the village of Stromford. During her life, she was treated as an outcast by the other villagers and labored exhaustingly in the fields for minimal wages. She leaves behind a mysterious lead cross bearing an inscription.

Lord Furnival is a powerful English nobleman who has spent years away fighting in foreign wars. He claims legal ownership of the land and the labor of the peasants in Stromford and Great Wexly. His long absence leaves local officials to govern harshly in his name.

Lady Furnival is the wealthy aristocrat residing primarily in the military palace at Great Wexly. She wields considerable political power, especially during her husband's absence, and inspires fearful respect from the commoners when she travels through the city.

Sir Richard du Brey is a well-dressed official acting as a courier. He delivers urgent documents and news regarding Lord Furnival to the local steward, sparking a dangerous chain of events in the village.

Cerdic is an older boy from the village of Stromford. He acts friendly and offers to help guide a fleeing local out of the area safely, masking his true intentions to align himself with the village authorities.

Goodwife Peregrine is an elderly woman in Stromford who serves as the local midwife and is rumored to possess magical knowledge. She provides crucial food and survival supplies to those running from the law.

The One-Eyed Man is a young villager who observes traveling entertainers closely. He later travels to the city of Great Wexly, paying concerningly close attention to their movements and alerting local soldiers.