Marguerite is a young, strong-willed orphan whose deceased parents left her a prominent estate. She lives under the strict guardianship of her cousin, Roberval, who controls her fortune and future. Known for being impulsive and argumentative, she struggles against the restrictive expectations placed upon women in 16th-century France. Despite attempts to appear obedient, she privately questions her circumstances and deeply desires independence.

Jean-Francois is Marguerite's cousin and official guardian, tasked with managing her inheritance until she marries. He is a famous voyager who secures commissions from the King to explore New France. Opulent and controlling, he uses his ward's fortune to finance his own expeditions while leaving her with little. He demands strict obedience and uses his physical size and religious texts to assert dominance over his household.

Damienne is Marguerite's devoted life-long nurse, having previously served Marguerite's mother. Coming from a farming family, she lacks formal education but possesses deep practical resourcefulness and unwavering religious faith. She constantly tries to instill proper, modest behavior in Marguerite and shelters her from behavior she considers unladylike. Her absolute trust in divine providence often clashes with Marguerite's questioning nature.

Auguste is Roberval's secretary, having worked his way up from being a runaway apprentice and street beggar. He manages his employer's affairs and travels with him. He is observant, practical, and highly capable with reading and writing. Like Marguerite, he obeys Roberval primarily out of fear rather than genuine loyalty, creating an unspoken bond between the two young people.

Claire is the daughter of Madame D'Artois and becomes Marguerite's closest companion. One year older than Marguerite, Claire is dark-haired, modest, and diligent in her studies. She possesses the natural patience and humility that Marguerite lacks, making her an ideal model of 16th-century ladyhood. Having lived previously at the Queen's court, she understands the necessity of discretion.

Madame Jacqueline is an educated, multilingual widow who teaches Marguerite and Claire at Perigord. She carries herself with a poised, nun-like grace. Previously a lady of some means at Queen Marguerite of Navarre's court, she was forced to take work as a teacher after being expelled. She is highly perceptive, quietly gathering information from servants to protect herself and her daughter.

Lady Katherine is the matriarch of the wealthy merchant family that takes over the Perigord chateau. Polite but highly conscious of social connections, she indulges her children and manages her growing household with an eye toward advancing her family's status. She values the education her daughters receive from the former lady of the house.

Nicholas is the older son of the Montfort family. Haughty and fond of hunting, he exercises the unchecked entitlement of a young nobleman. He aggressively pursues Claire with unwanted gifts and letters, using his elevated social position to pressure her, knowing she cannot easily refuse him without risking her livelihood.

Suzanne is an eight-year-old girl in the Montfort family who becomes a student to Marguerite and Claire. Enthusiastic but spoiled, she brings messages and gifts between the adults of the household and enjoys the attention of her teachers.

Ysabeau is the five-year-old daughter of the Montfort family. Like her sister, she receives lessons from Marguerite and Claire in the north tower of the chateau, acting as an eager and indulged young student.

Alys is a friendly, unafraid young maid in Roberval's La Rochelle household. She enjoys the bustling city life and offers Marguerite her first real connection to the outside world, taking the sheltered girl out to see the ocean and the port market. She treats class divides lightly, acting more as a friend than a servant to Marguerite.

Jean Alfonse is an experienced and famous navigator hired for Roberval's expedition to New France. Unlike the idealistic explorers around him, he is a pragmatist who worries about running out of food rather than finding exotic riches. He is one of the few men willing to speak honestly to Roberval and quietly observes the dynamics aboard the ship.

The sister to King Francis I of France, Queen Marguerite is an intellectual monarch who prizes learning and collecting unique stories. She commands deep respect and exercises ultimate authority over her subjects. She maintains a severe but sometimes surprisingly understanding presence, valuing faith and resilience in those she meets.

Jacques Cartier is a highly optimistic sea captain and explorer who has previously sailed to the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. He speaks in grandiose terms about the Americas, believing the waterways lead directly to China and that local indigenous people view him as a god. His reports heavily influence Roberval's ambitions.

Marie is a young servant working in Roberval's household in La Rochelle. She assists with the daily preparations for the master's arrival and helps manage the basic needs of his guests.