David is a 17-year-old orphaned young man from the Scottish lowlands. Raised with a firm, black-and-white view of right and wrong, he sets out to find his extended family at the Shaws estate. His lack of worldly experience makes him naive to the dangers of 18th-century Scottish politics and treacherous men.

Alan is a proud Jacobite agent and deserter from the British Army who travels covertly through Scotland. He operates under a strict, honor-based Highland moral code that contrasts sharply with lowlander laws. He acts as a guide to the rugged terrain and dangerous clan politics of the Scottish Highlands.

Ebenezer is the miserly, paranoid Lord of Shaws who lives alone in darkness to save money on candles. He reacts with immediate hostility to his nephew's arrival, viewing the young man as a threat to his position and property. He prefers to hire others to execute his treacherous plans.

Hoseason commands the brig Covenant operating out of Dysart. He presents himself as a respectable, churchgoing man while on land but acts as a ruthless mercenary at sea. He maintains strict control over his rough crew while pursuing the most profitable course of action, regardless of legality.

Mr. Rankeillor is an esteemed lawyer based in southern Scotland. He represents the possibility of legitimate authority and fair dealing in a society otherwise plagued by corruption and clan violence. He possesses the legal knowledge required to investigate the true ownership of the Shaws estate.

Mr. Riach is the second mate aboard the Covenant and the son of a lord. Educated in medicine, he went to sea out of a desire for adventure but finds himself surrounded by brutal men. He provides occasional medical care and acts as an unpredictable source of kindness when not drinking.

Mr. Shaun is a skilled seaman and officer on the brig. While he possesses a mild temper when sober, he turns incredibly violent and dangerous when under the influence of alcohol. He takes out his drunken aggression on the ship's most vulnerable crew members.

Ransome is the young cabin boy aboard the Covenant. He is simple-minded and views the brutal life at sea with naive admiration, often boasting about the harsh conditions. He routinely suffers physical abuse at the hands of the older sailors.

Colin Campbell, widely known as the Red Fox, serves as the king's agent in the western Highlands. Backed by British authority, he oversees the collection of rents and the systematic eviction of Stewart clansmen from their ancestral properties. His actions make him a prime target for Jacobite hatred.

James is a prominent figure in the Stewart clan who secretly collects funds for the exiled Jacobite leaders. He attempts to balance his dangerous political work with the safety of his family while living under the constant scrutiny of British authorities.

Cluny is a Jacobite chieftain living as a fugitive in the Highland moors. He maintains a surprisingly comfortable hideout known as Cluny's Cage and enforces strict rules of hospitality. He passes the time by indulging his passion for card games.

Henderland is a priest from southern Scotland working among the Highland clans. He holds moderate political views, disagreeing with Parliament's harsh punishments against Scottish culture while remaining loyal to the government. He bridges the cultural gap between the lowlands and the Highlands.

Robin is the son of the famous Rob Roy and belongs to a rival clan of the Stewarts. He carries himself with immense pride and views himself as a master musician, particularly with the bagpipes.