Hugh is an iron mill worker whose job is a "puddler." He lives in a grueling, impoverished environment but harbors an artistic mind. In his spare time, he sculpts figures out of "korl," a malleable iron refuse found at his workplace. His co-workers sense a mysterious difference in him, which leads to his social isolation on the factory floor.

Deborah is a hunchbacked worker at the iron mills who shares a household with Hugh Wolfe, Mr. Wolfe, and Janey. She takes on domestic responsibilities after long shifts, prioritizing the needs of her housemates over her own rest. She loves Hugh despite knowing her physical condition prevents him from returning the sentiment.

Mitchell is a cultivated, aristocratic man touring the iron mill. He acts as an intelligent observer of the workers' plight. He recognizes Hugh's artistic talent and intelligence but maintains an emotional distance from the poverty surrounding him.

Dr. May is the town physician who visits the iron mill out of curiosity. He views himself as open-minded and magnanimous toward the lower classes. He expresses avuncular concern for the workers but entirely lacks the readiness to offer genuine assistance.

Clark is the son of the mill overseer and acts as a tour guide for his upper-class companions. He approaches the mill and its workers with an openly mercenary attitude. He prefers to view the laborers as machines to avoid facing their humanity.

The Unnamed Narrator is an upper-class resident of a Virginia mill town. She lives in a comfortable home that once operated as a boarding house for mill workers. By directly addressing the reader, she attempts to bridge the gap between her comfortable social standing and the grimy reality of the laborers passing her window.

Janey is a frail young girl temporarily staying at the boarding house. She requires looking after because her father was recently sent away. Her presence creates emotional strain for Deborah, as Hugh directs his quiet affections toward the young girl.

Mr. Wolfe is an elderly man who lives in the same boarding house as Hugh and Deborah. He is present in the household when Deborah arrives home after her demanding shift at the iron mill.