Robert Herrick is an English poet and Anglican cleric who authors the celebrated lyric poem "Delight in Disorder." Despite taking holy orders and serving as a vicar in the remote village of Dean Prior, he maintains a worldly appreciation for sensuality, nature, and the Cavalier lifestyle. He relies on his craftsmanship to elevate his verse, maintaining a political loyalty to the English monarchy that eventually costs him his vicarage during the English Civil War.

The narrator of "Delight in Disorder" is a highly observant individual who appreciates slight imperfections and natural ease over rigid perfection. He closely examines a woman's attire from her shoulders to her shoes, finding her messy ribbons and loose laces deeply seductive. He rejects the strict, precise artifice expected by high society, preferring clothing that suggests passion and a carefree attitude.

The silent, unnamed subject of the speaker's observations in the poem, thought to be a fictional creation rather than a specific historical person. She wears 17th-century garments, including a linen shawl, a crimson stomacher, a petticoat, and laced shoes. Her attire is slightly unkempt, which the speaker interprets as a sign of her natural beauty, inner wildness, and subtle sexual availability.

A prominent poet and dramatist whom Robert Herrick and his peers greatly admire. He serves as the namesake and primary influence for the "Tribe of Ben," urging younger poets to study ancient classical writers. His own poem about the charms of sweet neglect directly inspires Herrick's aesthetic choices in "Delight in Disorder."

Robert Herrick's uncle, a successful goldsmith, and a jeweler to King James I. He oversees Robert's 10-year apprenticeship, though the arrangement ends early when Robert decides to attend Cambridge. He also controls Robert's inheritance, a situation that creates financial strain and eventual estrangement between the two men.

Robert Herrick's father, who works as a wealthy goldsmith in Cheapside, London. He dies from a fall from a window during Robert's first year of life, an event that brings speculation of death by suicide and leaves his family to navigate life without him.

Robert Herrick's mother, who gives birth to him in 1591. Following her husband's sudden and tragic death shortly after Robert's birth, she does not remarry, instead raising her children independently.

A fellow poet and contemporary of Robert Herrick who attends Cambridge. He is part of the "Tribe of Ben," sharing a stylistic and political alignment with Herrick and supporting the monarchy during the turbulent years of the English Civil War.

A fellow student at Cambridge who falls under the influence of Ben Jonson. As a member of the Cavalier Poets, he favors simple verse styles, secular themes of sensuality, and steadfast support for the English monarchy.

A poet and member of the "Tribe of Ben" who attends Cambridge with Robert Herrick. He embraces the carpe diem philosophy and uses polished, elegant lyrics to celebrate materiality over abstract metaphysical concepts.

The King of England whose reign is marked by the English Civil War. He receives the staunch political support of the Cavalier Poets, but his eventual execution at the hands of the Puritans drastically shifts the political and cultural climate of the country.

The King of England whose ascension marks the Restoration of the monarchy. His return to power brings the Cavalier Poets back into political favor and allows displaced loyalists to return to their positions.

The King of England during the early years of the 17th century. He employs Robert Herrick's uncle as a royal jeweler.