The Duchess is the recently widowed ruler of the Malfi court. Known for her virtuous nature and noble bearing, she stands in sharp contrast to the corruption of the Italian political environment. Despite the strict instructions of her brothers to avoid remarrying so they can control her wealth, she maintains her autonomy and desires a second marriage based on genuine affection.

Ferdinand is the twin brother of the Duchess and a powerful duke. He possesses a volatile temper and a choleric disposition. Outwardly mirthful but inwardly duplicitous, he harbors an intense obsession with policing his sister's sexuality and wealth. He relies on bribery to secure spies within her household.

The Cardinal is the older brother to the Duchess and Ferdinand. He uses his religious title as a facade to cover a deeply corrupt and vindictive nature. Unlike his hot-tempered twin brother, the Cardinal operates with cool precision. He deals heavily in bribes and covert manipulation to maintain his family's high social standing.

Daniel De Bosola is a cynical courtier recently returned from prison. Disillusioned by the lack of reward for his past loyalty to the Cardinal, he approaches the court with a bitter mindset. He accepts a position as the master groomsman in the Duchess's household, a role secured by Ferdinand to mask his true purpose as an informant.

Antonio is the honest and highly capable steward of the Duchess's household. Having recently returned from France, he is sharply observant of the corruption infecting the Italian courts. He possesses an uncomplicatedly good personality and genuinely admires the Duchess, though he remains acutely aware of his lower social station.

Delio is a courtier and the loyal best friend of Antonio Bologna. He serves as a sounding board for Antonio's thoughts on politics and the noble family. He proves to be a steadfast ally, offering pragmatic advice as court tensions rise.

Cariola is the trusted maid and closest confidante to the Duchess. She assists her mistress in surviving the dangerous political waters of the court. She acts as a witness and facilitator for the Duchess's most private decisions.

Julia is the wife of the courtier Castruchio. She frequents Rome, where she carries on a secret affair with the Cardinal. She faces demeaning treatment from her lover but remains entangled in the complex web of court infidelity.

Castruchio is an older courtier in the Malfi court and the husband of Julia. He occasionally acts as a messenger between the various factions of the Italian nobility.

Count Malateste is an Italian nobleman and soldier. Ferdinand views him as a suitably controllable match for his sister, though others in the court view him as materialistic.

The Marquis of Pescara is an Italian nobleman associated with the Cardinal and Ferdinand's circle. He observes the deteriorating temperaments of the brothers with a cautious eye.

An elderly attendant in the Duchess's household who uses cosmetics. She becomes the target of Bosola's unprovoked criticisms regarding women's appearances, though she pushes back against his insults.

Silvio is a courtier in Malfi. He participates in the courtly games and offers commentary on the military prowess of visiting noblemen.

Roderigo is one of the resident courtiers at Malfi, participating in the daily activities and gossip of the nobility.

Grisolan is a courtier in the Malfi court, closely following the movements and moods of his aristocratic superiors.