Edward is the recently crowned King of England. He is highly susceptible to flattery and prefers to ignore the daily business of his government in favor of personal pleasures. His intense devotion to his formerly exiled friend Gaveston creates deep friction with the English lords and strains his marriage. Although he claims to desire a peaceful life of quiet contemplation, his stubborn actions repeatedly invite hostility.

Gaveston is a confidant to Edward II, recently recalled to England by the new monarch. He recognizes the king's affection as a practical tool to elevate his own social status, acquire unearned titles, and indulge in luxuries that would otherwise be denied to him as a commoner. Defiant and haughty toward the established nobility, Gaveston swiftly provokes the anger of the court's most powerful men.

Queen Isabella is the wife of King Edward II. Deeply neglected by her husband, who clearly prefers the company of Gaveston, she initially attempts to remain loyal and win back his favor. Her desperation for his attention leads her to support dangerous political compromises, but her patience slowly erodes as the king's dismissive behavior continues to humiliate her.

Mortimer is a powerful English lord who fiercely objects to the king's favoritism toward Gaveston. Ambitious and highly calculating, he refuses to tolerate the degradation of the English court by flatterers. He shares a heavily scrutinized relationship with Queen Isabella, which the king repeatedly accuses of crossing into romantic impropriety.

Kent is King Edward II's brother and a prominent member of the royal entourage. When the play begins, he firmly supports the king against the complaints of the established lords. However, as the king increasingly favors sycophants over sound advice, Kent finds his familial loyalty severely tested by his concern for the country.

The young son of King Edward II and Queen Isabella. Inexperienced and reluctant to participate in the treacherous political games of the adults around him, the prince prefers to let his father rule until he is properly educated. He quickly realizes that the ambitious lords view him merely as a useful pawn for their own power grabs.

A young, ambitious opportunist seeking employment at court following the death of his former master, the Earl of Gloucester. Recognizing the king's extreme weakness for flattery, Spencer decides the most efficient path to power is to ingratiate himself with Gaveston and echo the king's opinions.

The father of Spencer Junior. He opportunistically provides military support to King Edward II during a time of intense conflict, knowing the easily impressed monarch will reward such loyalty with immediate elevation in rank.

An associate of Spencer Junior who shares his deep ambition to climb the social ladder. He seeks to secure a prominent position within the royal household through calculated allegiance to the king's favorites.

King Edward II's niece and the wealthy heiress to the Earl of Gloucester. She eagerly anticipates Gaveston's return to the court, as the king has arranged for the two of them to marry.

A prominent English noble who vehemently opposes the king's reliance on common flatterers. He refuses to hide his disgust for the monarch's choices and actively threatens open warfare if the king refuses to banish Gaveston a second time.

One of the rebellious English lords. He firmly prioritizes his duty to the country over blind obedience to a king he views as dangerously compromised by sycophants.

The religious official who originally ruled on Gaveston's sentence of exile. His outspoken disgust at Gaveston's return earns him harsh and immediate punishment from the vindictive king.

The uncle of Mortimer. He attempts to provide a moderating influence on his fiercely ambitious nephew, advising him to tolerate the king's flaws shortly before falling into enemy hands.

A professional and highly skilled assassin hired by ambitious political forces to eliminate their enemies. He prides himself on his ability to kill with absolute subtlety and leave no physical trace of foul play.