A handsome and charismatic French aristocratic nobleman who draws intense desire from almost every woman he meets. Driven primarily by ambition rather than affection in the early stages of his life, he remains initially callous and detached regarding the feelings he inspires. His charming exterior masks a cynicism about love, which shifts when he is assigned guardianship of a young woman.

A wealthy, independent, and beautiful heiress who lacks a male guardian, granting her significant social autonomy. She takes on a proactive role in pursuing her desires, using her privilege and resources to orchestrate matches and eliminate perceived rivals. Her passionate nature often leads to intense jealousy when her affections are not equally returned.

A sheltered, innocent, and highly virtuous young woman who becomes the ward of Count D'elmont following her father's death. She represents a feminine ideal of sensitivity and morality. Despite experiencing intense emotional desires, she maintains a strict adherence to her principles and refuses to engage in illicit affairs.

A young, handsome, and wealthy French aristocrat who shares many similarities with D'elmont. He is romantic and impulsive, quickly forming deep attachments, but struggles with acute jealousy and insecurity. His quickness to doubt his romantic partner causes significant friction in his relationships.

A beautiful but somewhat naive young woman from a less wealthy family. She eagerly receives D'elmont's romantic attentions, believing he might marry her, while trying to preserve her reputation. Her vulnerability stems from both her gender and class, leaving her exposed to the manipulations of wealthier, more powerful individuals in her social circle.

The daughter of the older Roman gentleman Cittolini, she serves as a loyal and selfless confidante to her cousin Camilla. Unlike the tempestuous and demanding characters around her, she possesses a quiet, self-abnegating nature. She readily prioritizes the happiness of others over her own desires, quietly harboring her own intense feelings without causing conflict.

Count D'elmont's younger brother, a nobleman who fought in the War of the Spanish Succession. He falls instantly in love with a wealthy heiress in Amiens, leading him into duels and social complications. He heavily relies on his older brother's influence and wealth to secure his own romantic future.

Alovisa's sister, a similarly wealthy and beautiful heiress. She holds considerable power in the courtship dynamic due to her fortune and the number of men vying for her hand. Her relationship with Chevalier Brillan is deeply affected by the rumors and schemes generated by her sister in Paris.

A nobleman and friend to D'elmont who typifies the promiscuous playboy archetype. Motivated by ego and a sense of masculine entitlement, he actively sows conflict in the marriages of his peers. He views women as objects for gratification and encourages D'elmont to adopt a similarly ruthless and aggressive approach to courtship.

The unmarried sister of Baron D'espernay, who shares her brother's penchant for manipulation and scheming. Driven by ego and physical lust rather than romantic passion, she sets her sights on D'elmont. She gladly subverts social norms and eagerly participates in deceptive tactics to satisfy her own desires.

A strikingly beautiful Roman widow who exercises strict control over her household. Like Alovisa, she possesses significant social and economic freedom, which she uses to arrange financially advantageous marriages for her family. She is prone to intense, obsessive fixations and uses disguise and anonymity to pursue her romantic interests while protecting her reputation.

A beautiful young woman living under the strict guardianship of her stepmother, Ciamara. She actively rebels against the older men chosen for her, instead choosing to pursue her own intense desires. She defies the strict constraints on feminine behavior by engaging in secret meetings and maintaining her agency in her romantic choices.

An older Roman gentleman who hopes to secure advantageous marriages for his family. He aggressively pursues a marriage with his much younger relative, Camilla, while simultaneously attempting to marry off his daughter to Frankville.

A wealthy nobleman who readily discards his existing engagements when a new woman catches his eye. His obsessive infatuations lead him to extreme lengths, including holding women against their will under the guise of romantic passion.

A virtuous young woman engaged to the Marquess De Saguillier. When her fiancé's attentions wander and he acts erratically, she takes proactive steps—including donning disguises—to uncover the truth and assist her friends.

Amena's father, who enforces strict patriarchal control over his household. He demands public declarations of courtship and severely punishes his daughter when he perceives she has compromised her reputation.

A longtime family friend and former guardian to D'elmont. As he nears death, he makes arrangements to ensure his daughter Melliora is protected in Parisian society.

A servant in Alovisa's household who acts as her spy. He executes her manipulative schemes, including orchestrating public scandals to ruin her rivals.

Amena's servant who facilitates illicit, late-night meetings. She is easily bribed to assist in romantic trysts, though her best efforts often end in chaotic failure.

A powerful suitor to Ansellina who reacts with violent jealousy when another man wins her affections.