Psyche is a mortal princess whose physical beauty causes people to venerate her instead of the goddess Venus. Despite the public adoration she receives, she is deeply lonely and unable to find a human husband. She exhibits absolute obedience toward divine decrees and holds strong affection for her family, even when confronted with a frightening marital prophecy. Her isolation weighs heavily on her, creating a strong desire for genuine companionship.

Cupid is the winged Roman god of love, known for his physical beauty and mischievous behavior. Armed with a torch and arrows, he stirs up uncontrollable desire in both humans and gods. While he has a reputation as an indiscreet youth who disrupts households, he operates under the authority of his mother, Venus, who directs his targets.

Venus is the ancient Roman goddess of love and beauty. She is a powerful deity who demands absolute reverence and becomes enraged when mortals neglect her temples. Driven by vanity and a need for adoration, she seeks swift vengeance against anyone who threatens her divine status, expecting total obedience from her son and the mortal world.

The King is a mortal ruler and the father of three daughters. Distressed by the lack of suitors for his youngest child, he turns to the gods for guidance. He adheres strictly to religious duty, prioritizing the directives of divine oracles over his personal comfort or his family's safety.

The Queen is Psyche's mother and the wife of the King. She participates in the public mourning when the local oracle demands her daughter be left on a mountain peak. She experiences deep sorrow at the prospect of losing her child to an unknown, terrifying fate.

Psyche's two older sisters are mortal princesses who secure traditional marriages to royal husbands. They live far from their family home. When they return to mourn their younger sister, they discover she is alive and living in luxury, sparking intense envy and malice.

Apollo is a divine figure who communicates his will through an oracle. He provides the decree that sets Psyche's terrifying marriage into motion, stating she will wed a fierce, snake-like monster on a mountain peak.

Zephyr is the West Wind, functioning as a gentle force of nature. He acts as an invisible helper, carrying individuals safely from treacherous mountain peaks down to peaceful, flower-filled meadows.

Lucius is the narrator of the frame story. After meddling with magical practices, he finds himself transformed into a donkey and captured by a band of pirates. He maintains his human consciousness and curiosity despite his animal form, eagerly eavesdropping on the stories told in the pirate camp.

The Old Woman is a guard working for a band of pirates. Tasked with watching over a distraught captive, she shares an ancient myth about love to provide a distraction. She acts as the primary storyteller for the tale of Cupid and Psyche.

The Young Woman is an abducted maiden held captive by pirates. Distressed by her situation and separation from her own husband, she receives comfort from her guard's soothing myth.