John is a large, physically imposing yeoman farmer living in the Exmoor region. Following his father's murder, he takes on the responsibility of managing the family farm, Plover's Barrows, at a young age. He frequently claims to possess a slow and simple mind, though his actions routinely display practical intelligence, strength, and deep loyalty. His life changes permanently when he discovers a secret entrance into Doone Glen and meets a young girl named Lorna.

Lorna is a beautiful, gentle-hearted young woman living among the violent Doone clan. Despite her harsh surroundings, she maintains her innocence and refuses to adopt the cruel behaviors of her supposed family. She suffers from intense loneliness within the hidden valley, finding comfort only in her secret sanctuary and her developing bond with John Ridd.

Carver is the sadistic, physically imposing heir apparent to the outlaw Doone clan. He represents the primary threat to the peace of Exmoor, possessing cold eyes and a cruel disposition. As a fearsome marksman and fighter, he expects total obedience from his subordinates and views Lorna as his future bride, greeting any opposition to his desires with violent hostility.

Annie is John's beloved younger sister, known throughout the area for her sweet temper and exceptional cooking skills. She acts as a peacemaker within the Ridd household, routinely smoothing over domestic tensions. Her gentle disposition contrasts with the rough environment of Exmoor, and she harbors a secret affection for their outlaw cousin.

Tom is a former blacksmith who turned to highway robbery after a wealthy gentleman legally stripped him of his lands. Despite his illegal profession, he maintains a courteous demeanor and remains highly popular among the common people. He visits the Ridd family periodically, bringing tales of adventure and drawing the romantic attention of young Annie.

Ruth is the heiress and granddaughter of the wealthy merchant Reuben Huckaback. Due to her unusually short stature, strangers sometimes mistake her for a child, but she possesses a sharp mind and outspoken nature. Mrs. Ridd views her as an ideal prospective wife for John, leading to occasional awkwardness between the two.

Sarah is the widowed matriarch of the Ridd family. She bears the heavy grief of her husband's violent death but channels her energy into running the household and protecting her children. She maintains a strong sense of social hierarchy, frequently worrying about her family's standing and attempting to guide John toward a practical marriage.

The elder John Ridd is a hardworking and highly respected yeoman farmer in Exmoor. His brutal murder at the hands of the Doones during his journey home from the Porlock market serves as the inciting incident for the entire story, leaving his family to carry on his legacy.

Eliza is the youngest of the Ridd siblings, born prematurely and physically frail compared to her robust brother. She prefers reading and intellectual pursuits over farm chores, occasionally displaying jealousy toward others but remaining a vital part of the family dynamic at Plover's Barrows.

Sir Ensor is the aging, aristocratic leader of the Doone clan. Stripped of his ancestral lands by legal disputes, he relocated his family to the Exmoor valley, where they slowly devolved into outlaws. He holds ultimate authority over the violent men in his family and serves as Lorna's primary protector against the more predatory Doones.

The Counsellor is an elder of the Doone clan and Carver's father. Unlike the physical brutality of the younger outlaws, he relies on intense manipulation, eloquent speech, and deception to achieve his goals. He serves as the strategic mind behind many of the Doones' operations and views Lorna as a valuable asset for his family's future.

Reuben is a wealthy shop-owner from Dulverton and Mrs. Ridd's uncle. He is fiercely protective of his money and holds a low opinion of the Exmoor locals until he experiences the Ridd family's generous hospitality. His business interests and secret investments bring him into dangerous territory near the Doone valley.

Jeremy is an agent of the king operating in the Exmoor region under the guise of a tax collector. He is tasked with monitoring the outlaw Doones and investigating rumors of treason among the local gentry. He forms a practical alliance with John, relying on the young farmer's knowledge of the area and his physical strength.

John Fry is a cautious and sometimes complaining farmhand working for the Ridd family. He acts as a messenger and occasional scout, though his natural cowardice often limits his usefulness in dangerous situations.

Gwenny is Lorna's fiercely loyal, sharp-tongued servant and constant companion within Doone Glen. She acts as a crucial lookout and messenger for Lorna, fiercely distrusting anyone who might bring harm to her mistress, including John Ridd at times.

Betty is the cantankerous, fiercely loyal senior maid at Plover's Barrows. She firmly believes that all men are inherently dishonest but remains deeply devoted to the Ridd family, managing household chores and occasionally offering blunt advice to John.

Marwood is the privileged son of a local baron. He leverages his elevated social standing to take liberties that frustrate the yeoman farmers, leading to a physical altercation with John over his behavior toward Annie.

Jeffreys is an intimidating and powerful royal judge based in London. He possesses a shrewd legal mind and briefly considers using John as a political tool before concluding that the young farmer's straightforward honesty makes him unsuitable for courtly espionage.

Mother Melldrum is a local wise woman whom the Exmoor residents consult for guidance. She recognizes John's good nature and warns him sternly against pursuing any relationship with a member of the Doone family, fearing it will only lead to tragedy.