Lanval is a foreign knight serving King Arthur and the son of a king from a distant land. Despite his valor, beauty, and generosity, he lacks funds and is overlooked by Arthur during the distribution of gifts. He struggles with his position as an outsider in Logres and adheres closely to the codes of chivalry, though his isolation initially leaves him deeply depressed.

The Damsel is an exceptionally beautiful and wealthy woman who seeks out Lanval in a green, natural space. She possesses immense financial resources, which she shares freely with Lanval on the strict condition that their relationship remains entirely concealed from others. She travels with her own retinue of elegantly dressed servants and commands a supernatural level of authority.

King Arthur is the monarch of Logres who leads his knights in defending England from Scottish and Pictish raids. He relies on a democratic legal process and the counsel of his barons rather than ruling solely by divine decree. He enjoys his time in the forest but faces political tensions and accusations within his civilized court at Carlisle.

Queen Guinevere is King Arthur's wife, residing at the royal court in Carlisle. She attempts to initiate a courtly romance with Lanval and reacts fiercely to his rejection. When her advances are denied, she leverages her royal status to attack Lanval's character and manipulate the king into taking punitive action.

Gawain is a prominent knight of the Round Table who recognizes Lanval's value when others overlook him. He acts as a supportive friend to Lanval within the male-dominated sphere of Arthur's court, rallying other knights to include the foreign warrior in their social gatherings and offering him financial backing during legal trouble.

Yvain is a fair knight of King Arthur's court and Gawain's cousin. He participates in the social life of the castle and watches out for Lanval alongside the other knights during tense court proceedings.

The Count of Cornwall is one of King Arthur's barons and judges. He acts as a voice of legal authority in Carlisle, formalizing charges and outlining the conditions required for legal proceedings within the court's democratic process.

The Narrator is the first-person voice recounting the old Breton lay to an audience of lords. This speaker occasionally interjects personal thoughts during the story, framing the tale as an oral history passed down through generations.