Robert is a Scottish poet and lyricist raised in Ayrshire. Educated by his father and steeped in folk traditions by his mother, he works as a ploughman, a physically demanding job that strains his health. He frequently channels his passionate romantic pursuits and deep appreciation for Scottish culture into his writing, establishing a reputation as a natural, uneducated farmer.

Mary is a dairymaid who meets Robert Burns at church in 1786. Also known as "Highland Mary," she enters a secretive courtship with him, exchanging vows and planning a future together in the West Indies. She resides near the scenic banks of southern Ayrshire, intimately tied to the natural beauty that surrounds her.

William is a poor tenant farmer in Ayrshire who struggles with ongoing financial troubles. Despite his socioeconomic status, he is well-educated and takes charge of teaching his sons reading, writing, arithmetic, geography, and history.

Agnes is the mother of seven children and the wife of William Burnes. She plays a crucial role in her son's upbringing by exposing him to Scotland's rich oral tradition of folk songs, heavily influencing his future literary path.

Jean is the daughter of an Ayrshire stonemason whose romantic involvement with Robert Burns results in pregnancy. Her father forbids their intended marriage, prompting a significant shift in the couple's relationship dynamics before they attempt to reunite.

Gilbert is one of Robert Burns's six siblings. He spends much of his early life working the fields as a ploughman on the family's tenant farm in Ayrshire.

James is an Edinburgh-based music engraver who embarks on a nationalistic mission to preserve the oral tradition of Scottish ballads. He works to compile the extensive anthology The Scots Musical Museum.

Elizabeth works as a servant for Agnes Broun in the Burnes household. She becomes intimately involved with Robert Burns and bears a child with him.

Nelly is a young woman who works the harvest with a fifteen-year-old Robert Burns. Her presence in the fields inspires him to write his very first love poem.

Captain Montgomerie resides at Montgomery Castle, the same estate where Mary Campbell works as a dairymaid. Historical accounts suggest he shares a hidden romantic connection with Mary around the time she meets Robert.

Agnes, widely known as Nancy, develops a passionate but ambiguous connection with Robert Burns. Their interaction inspires intense emotional responses and heartbreak-focused poetry.

George is a musician who works on A Select Collection of Original Scottish Airs for the Voice, gathering traditional songs for preservation.

Alison is a young woman whom Robert Burns meets when his family relocates to a farm near Tarbolton. He attempts to woo and marry her, composing multiple songs in his pursuit.

Peggy is a young girl to whom Robert Burns dedicates an early love song. She is the subject of an early love song that focuses on his youthful romantic pursuits.