Jonathan is a wealthy landowner who takes up magic on a whim after encountering a street magician. He possesses an intuitive and improvisational talent for spellcasting. His chaotic, practical approach directly conflicts with his mentor's strict academic methods. He loves his wife but frequently ignores mundane responsibilities in favor of magical experiments.

Mr. Norrell is a reclusive, wealthy gentleman who spends his life hoarding rare books on English magic. He desires complete control over how magic is practiced and views practical, wild magic as vulgar and dangerous. His cautious nature prevents him from sharing his library, leading to isolation and poor social interactions.

Childermass is a working-class servant from Northern England who acts as Mr. Norrell's primary assistant. He possesses a strong, thin face and a dark disposition. He frequently ignores his employer's strict orders to achieve practical results and secretly practices magic using handmade tarot cards.

Stephen is a Black British man serving as the highly competent butler in a prominent London household. He values order, propriety, and a quiet life. His refined manners inadvertently catch the attention of a powerful fairy, pulling him into magical affairs against his will.

Originally Emma Wintertowne, she is a wealthy young woman whose fortune is necessary to clear her fiancé's debts. Following her magical resurrection, she suffers from a cursed half-life. She spends her days listless and exhausted while forced to dance every night in an enchanted manor.

Arabella is the sensible, charming daughter of a clergyman. She serves as a grounding influence on her husband, managing their social calendar and maintaining relationships in London. Her intelligence and practicality stand in contrast to the erratic behavior of the magicians around her.

Walter is an ambitious government minister burdened by financial ruin left by his father and grandfather. He initially rejects magic as unrespectable but changes his mind when it serves his personal and political interests. He acts as the primary connection between the government and the magicians.

This fairy king possesses thistle-down hair and rules an otherworldly manor. He is arrogant, easily insulted, and views humans as beneath his notice unless they amuse him. He freely issues curses and enchantments without regard for human suffering.

Known as the Raven King, John Uskglass is a legendary medieval ruler who integrated human intellect with fairy magic. He conquered Northern England centuries before the main story begins. His absence leaves a void in the magical community, creating fierce debate over his legacy.

Vinculus is an impoverished street magician who performs cheap tricks for survival. He possesses secret knowledge concerning the return of the Raven King. He openly mocks high-society magicians and disrupts their carefully controlled academic circles.

Drawlight is a dandy and social parasite who builds his reputation by attaching himself to powerful men. He uses flattery and gossip to secure Mr. Norrell's entry into high society. He constantly schemes to monetize his connections.

Lascelles is an intelligent, arrogant gentleman who acts as a self-appointed spokesperson for Mr. Norrell. He maintains strict ideas about class boundaries and appropriate behavior. He actively works to isolate his employer from competing influences.

John is a relatively poor gentleman-magician driven by earnest curiosity. He refuses to sign a legal document barring him from magical study. He maintains his integrity even when overpowered by wealthier practitioners.

Mr. Honeyfoot is a well-meaning, older gentleman-magician. He is largely oblivious to the sinister aspects of magical politics and maintains an optimistic view of his peers.

Arthur Wellesley is the pragmatic commander of the British forces fighting Napoleon. He demands practical results and quickly integrates magic into his military strategy once its utility is proven.

The King of England suffers from a severe illness that leaves him incapable of ruling. His condition is exacerbated by unwanted attention from fairies, leading him to wander dangerously close to hostile enchantments.

Portishead is a minor aristocrat who runs The Friends of English Magic. He publishes articles that denigrate the Raven King and support strict, academic magical theory.

The Chancellor of England represents the pragmatic needs of the government. He pushes magicians to prove their worth in battle and refuses to censor academic debate.

Mrs. Brandy is a beautiful widow who runs a small business. She harbors romantic feelings for Stephen Black and seeks his advice when strange occurrences happen in her store.

Flora is an observant young woman who befriends Jonathan Strange during his travels. She acts as a sympathetic listener when he reads books of magic aloud to her.

Dr. Greysteel is a wealthy professional who views Jonathan Strange's erratic behavior with growing suspicion. He prioritizes his family's safety as magical events escalate.