Pip is an orphaned boy living with his much-older sister and her blacksmith husband in a rural village. He desires education and social advancement, dissatisfied with his humble life. After visiting Satis House, he longs to become a wealthy gentleman to win the approval of those he admires. He struggles with his conscience, feeling guilty when his ambitions separate him from his oldest friends.

Estella is a beautiful, well-spoken young girl who lives at Satis House. She treats Pip coldly and frequently points out his lower-class background, calling him common. Miss Havisham intentionally raises her to be dismissive of men and concerned primarily with material goods. She serves as the main catalyst for Pip's desire to change his social status.

Miss Havisham is an eccentric, wealthy recluse who lives in the dark, ruined Satis House. Embittered by a romantic betrayal on her wedding day, she wears her yellowed bridal dress continuously and leaves her wedding cake to rot on the table. She harbors a perverse desire to exact revenge on men and uses her wealth to control those around her.

Joe is the village blacksmith and an adoptive father figure to Pip. He is uneducated and poor, yet behaves with unselfish nobility and kindness. He protects Pip from his wife's wrath whenever possible and values simple, honest living over pretension or social climbing.

Mr. Jaggers is a prominent, powerful London criminal lawyer. He handles the affairs of both elite clients and common criminals with cold efficiency. He is highly intimidating, expecting everyone around him to fail, and he obsessively washes his hands as if to clean away the corruption of his daily work.

Herbert is the son of Pip's tutor and becomes Pip's roommate in London. He is cheerful, optimistic, and deeply loyal. Though he lacks the money to match his aristocratic background, he cheerfully dreams of finding success as a merchant and teaches Pip the finer points of gentlemanly behavior.

Magwitch is an escaped convict who terrorizes young Pip into bringing him food. His rough manners and criminal background hide a deep capacity for gratitude. After surviving a life of extreme poverty and the penal system, he determines to use his experiences to shape someone else's future.

Pip's much-older sister manages her household with physical force and a harsh temper. She constantly reminds her family of the sacrifices she made to raise Pip by hand. She is highly concerned with money and material advancement, eagerly anticipating any potential profits from Pip's visits to Satis House.

Mr. Pumblechook is a local merchant and Joe's uncle. He is a pompous man who loves to give preachy lectures and flatter those wealthier than himself. When Pip experiences good fortune, Pumblechook aggressively tries to take credit for it.

Biddy is an orphaned, working-class girl who teaches Pip his first lessons in reading and writing. She is practical, humble, and sweet-tempered. She offers a sharp contrast to Estella, representing the honest, simple life that Pip leaves behind.

Orlick is a surly, bad-tempered worker at Joe's forge. He harbors deep resentments against anyone he feels receives preferential treatment. He acts entirely in his own self-interest and introduces an element of lurking danger to the village.

Wemmick is Mr. Jaggers's clerk. At the law office, he maintains a hardened, cynical facade and constantly seeks to collect portable property from doomed clients. Outside of work, however, he lives in a quirky, custom-built cottage and displays a warm, jovial personality.

Compeyson is an educated, well-mannered criminal. He uses his gentlemanly appearance and smooth speech to swindle wealthy society members and manipulate lower-class associates. His ability to perform the role of a gentleman shields him from the harshest legal consequences.

Drummle is an extremely wealthy young man in line for a baronetcy. He is rude, lazy, and arrogant, expecting the world to cater to him due to his high birth. He serves as a dark reflection of upper-class privilege.

Matthew Pocket is a scholar who tutors young gentlemen. He is kind but easily overwhelmed, leaving his servants to run his chaotic household. He is one of the few people who deals honestly with Miss Havisham.

Molly is Jaggers's pale, quiet housekeeper. She has a disturbed look and bears deep slash scars on her unusually strong wrists. Jaggers keeps her under strict control, occasionally showing her off to his guests to demonstrate his power.

Mr. Wopsle is a local clergyman with a booming voice and a love for dramatic readings. He eventually abandons his rural life to pursue an acting career in London, where his theatrical performances are met with mixed success.

Clara is a gentle London woman engaged to Herbert Pocket. She cares for her gruff, alcoholic father while maintaining a warm and loving relationship with Herbert, despite his family's disapproval.

Miss Skiffkins is Wemmick's romantic interest who frequently visits his unusual home. She shares his practical nature and fits perfectly into his deeply protected private life.