Claire is a former World War II nurse who previously traveled through time to 1743. She attempts to survive the dangers of 18th-century Paris alongside her Scottish husband, working to alter history and prevent the disastrous Jacobite Uprising. Her medical expertise provides her with unique opportunities and risks in Parisian society, allowing her to volunteer at L’Hôpital des Anges.

Jamie is a Scottish Highlander exiled in France who takes over his cousin's wine business to infiltrate Parisian high society. He uses his sharp intellect and charm to befriend powerful figures while secretly plotting to undermine the Jacobite cause and protect his people. He carries deep psychological scars from his past imprisonment.

Roger is an Oxford history professor who assists Claire in researching a list of Scottish soldiers. His academic background makes him an invaluable resource, and he quickly finds himself drawn into Claire's unbelievable tale of time travel and historical intrigue.

Jack is a sadistic British army commander and ancestor to Frank Randall. His cruel actions during Jamie's previous imprisonment leave a dark shadow over the Frasers' lives in France, complicating their efforts to change history.

Charles is the exiled prince attempting to reclaim the crowns of England and Scotland for his father. He surrounds himself with sympathetic nobles in France, relying on his charm and status to secure the financing needed for his impending rebellion.

Brianna is Claire's twenty-year-old daughter who travels to Scotland unaware of her mother's complex past. She is fiercely independent and initially refuses to believe the shocking revelations about her mother's time-traveling history.

Frank is Claire's first husband in the twentieth century and an avid historian. His physical resemblance to his cruel eighteenth-century ancestor haunts Claire, while his dedicated research into his family tree drives many of her actions in the past.

Jared is Jamie's cousin and a successful Jacobite wine merchant in France. He provides Jamie and Claire with a home and social connections in Paris by asking Jamie to oversee his lucrative business.

Fergus is a young French pickpocket whom Jamie employs to intercept private correspondence. He quickly becomes an integral part of the Fraser household, forming a strong familial bond with Jamie and Claire.

Mary is a young Englishwoman whose presence in France alarms Claire due to her historical connection to the Randall family. She is timid but deeply empathetic, finding herself caught up in the dangerous social currents of Parisian society.

Alexander is the gentle, sickly younger brother of Jack Randall who works as a secretary for the Duke of Sandringham. He contrasts sharply with his cruel brother and harbors a deep affection for Mary Hawkins.

The Duke is a wealthy and influential English lord whose political loyalties are ambiguous. He moves between delicate diplomatic circles, employing Alexander Randall and involving himself in the Frasers' affairs.

Master Raymond is a mysterious, froglike herbalist operating a shop in Paris. He recognizes Claire's unique nature and forms a quiet alliance with her, providing esoteric knowledge and subtle protection against her enemies.

St. Germain is a wealthy, dangerous Parisian noble and business rival to Jared Fraser. He holds a bitter grudge against Claire for the destruction of his ship and moves in the same elite circles as the Frasers.

Mother Hildegarde is a formidable nun with a deep knowledge of music and medicine who runs a charity hospital in Paris. She recognizes Claire's medical skills and becomes a stern but supportive mentor to her.

Murtagh is Jamie's fiercely loyal godfather and constant companion. He provides physical protection and practical support as the Frasers face the dangerous politics of eighteenth-century France.

The powerful monarch of France who holds the key to Charles Stuart's ambitions. He dictates the social and political atmosphere of Versailles, requiring careful maneuvering from those seeking his favor.

Louise is a wealthy French noblewoman and friend to Claire. She lives a life of immense privilege and romantic entanglements, frequently relying on Claire for personal advice.

Dougal is Jamie's calculating uncle and the war chief of the MacKenzie clan. He is a fierce Jacobite supporter whose intense loyalty to the Stuart cause frequently puts him at odds with Jamie's cautious strategies.

Colum is the chief of the MacKenzie clan who suffers from a painful genetic disease. He is a shrewd politician attempting to secure his clan's future during the threat of war.

Jenny is Jamie's pragmatic and fiercely protective older sister. She manages the Lallybroch estate in his absence and provides a stabilizing family presence for both Jamie and Claire.

Ian is Jamie's childhood friend and brother-in-law. Despite losing a leg in earlier conflicts, he works diligently on the estate, exploring new farming methods like growing potatoes to support the family.

Also known as Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat is Jamie's cunning and manipulative grandfather. He is a notorious opportunist who constantly shifts his political allegiances to benefit his own ambition and wealth.

Geillis is a mysterious woman who previously traveled through the stones and lived in the eighteenth century. Her legacy and connection to local folklore prompt Claire and Roger to investigate her origins in 1968.

Gillian is a modern student of Highland folklore whose activities around Craigh na Dun draw the urgent attention of Claire and Roger. She studies local antiquities and harbors a deep fascination with the past.

Bouton is Mother Hildegarde's fiercely intelligent dog who possesses an unusual ability to detect infections in patients at the hospital.

Reverend Wakefield is Roger's adoptive father whose meticulously kept historical journals and paperwork provide vital clues to Claire's mysterious past.