The Commander is a wealthy and powerful military leader within the Order of Calatrava who controls the rural village of Fuenteovejuna. He utilizes his position to exploit the local populace, acting as an oppressive force in the daily lives of the peasants. He directs his brutality specifically toward the women of the town, expecting them to yield to his demands without question.

Laurencia is a strong-willed citizen of Fuenteovejuna and the daughter of the local mayor. She harbors a deep disdain for the immorality associated with city life and views men with intense skepticism. She aggressively resists the Commander's oppressive pursuit, anchoring the town's early tensions as she speaks out against his abuses.

Frondoso is a young peasant residing in Fuenteovejuna. He holds a deep affection for Laurencia and observes the military occupation of his home with growing frustration. He demonstrates quick reflexes and courage when the people he cares about face immediate danger from the military leaders occupying the area.

Esteban serves as the mayor of Fuenteovejuna. He attempts to govern his town with caution, often relying on traditional methods and diplomacy to manage the violent military presence in his community. He values honor and becomes visibly angry when the occupying forces insult the dignity of his fellow farmers.

Flores is a captain serving under the Commander. He acts as an enforcer in Fuenteovejuna, passing along military orders and rounding up targets for his superior. He occasionally shows glimpses of understanding toward the peasants but lacks the moral fortitude to act against his leader.

Ortuño is a sergeant in the Commander's army. He operates alongside Flores to enforce the military occupation of Fuenteovejuna, dutifully carrying out the aggressive and predatory commands issued by his superior officer.

Ferdinand is the Catholic King engaged in a civil war for control over Spain. He commands armies against the faction supported by the Grand Master, representing the overarching national authority that the rural citizens hope will eventually restore the rule of law.

Isabella is the Catholic Queen fighting alongside Ferdinand to secure control of the Spanish throne. She listens to the pleas of citizens displaced by the brutal tactics of the opposing forces and coordinates assistance for cities under attack.

Rodrigo is the nineteen-year-old Grand Master of the Order of Calatrava. He holds a high military rank but exhibits youthful arrogance, allowing the older Commander to easily persuade him into launching a strategic attack on Ciudad Real.

Pascuala is a peasant woman living in Fuenteovejuna. She takes a cynical view of her vulnerability under military occupation, comparing men to ungrateful birds and fearing that she will inevitably fall victim to the Commander's unchecked authority.

Mengo is a local peasant who argues that human interactions are driven entirely by selfishness. Despite his cynical philosophy regarding love, he steps forward to physically shield vulnerable members of his community using only a simple slingshot.

Barrildo is a peasant in Fuenteovejuna who maintains a positive outlook on human connection. He argues that love acts as a vital force tying the community together during the ongoing military occupation.

Alonso is an alderman working alongside Esteban. He shares the mayor's cautious approach to managing the town's crops and resources, but quickly voices his outrage when the occupying soldiers mock the honor of the working class.

Leonelo is a university student returning to his rural home. He holds a critical view of higher education and newly invented printing presses, arguing that mass-produced books simply drown out genuine wisdom with useless information.

Jacinta is a peasant woman living in Fuenteovejuna. She faces direct violence from the military forces as they prepare for battle, demonstrating the harsh reality of the soldiers' presence in the village.