Mother Courage is a shrewd, pragmatic Protestant tradeswoman traveling across Europe to sell wares to soldiers during the Thirty Years' War. She constantly balances her fierce instinct to protect her children with her drive to sustain her canteen business. Unintimidated by military authority, she boldly negotiates deals and relies on her sharp wit to navigate a treacherous, male-dominated combat zone.

Eilif is Mother Courage's eldest son, an arrogant and self-centered young man eager to prove his bravery in combat. He takes intense pride in his father's military legacy and actively seeks accolades from his superiors. He views himself as a heroic figure and justifies cruel actions toward unarmed civilians as necessary military maneuvering.

Swiss Cheese is Mother Courage's younger son, characterized by his earnest honesty and lack of intellectual sharpness. His highly principled nature helps him secure a position as an army paymaster, where his superiors trust him to guard the regiment's cashbox. His literal interpretation of duty often blinds him to the immediate physical dangers of his wartime environment.

Kattrin is Mother Courage's only daughter, a young woman who is nonspeaking due to childhood trauma. She works dutifully running the canteen alongside her mother, who attempts to hide Kattrin's femininity to protect her from predatory soldiers. Despite her silence, she remains highly observant and possesses a strong innate sense of compassion for those suffering around her.

The Chaplain is a Protestant clergyman whose religious devotion fluctuates based on convenience and survival. He readily uses scripture to justify the war when it benefits his side, but he quickly abandons his clerical robes when threatened by enemy Catholic forces. He considers himself a gifted speaker and resents the war primarily because it interrupts his ability to preach to an audience.

The Cook works for the Swedish Commander and consistently prioritizes his own personal interests. He is a pragmatic survivor of the long conflict who crosses paths with Mother Courage multiple times over the years. He views human interactions primarily as transactions and constantly looks for angles to secure his own future.

Yvette is a resourceful local sex worker who navigates the war by attaching herself to various soldiers and officers. She unapologetically uses her profession to ensure her own survival and economic stability. She serves as a sharp contrast to Kattrin, demonstrating a different method of female survival in a highly militarized world.

The Commander is a Swedish military leader who actively encourages ruthless behavior in his soldiers. He readily twists scripture and logic to justify violent acts against civilians if they yield supplies and advantages for his troops.

The Sergeant is a military officer tasked with finding recruits for the Thirty Years' War. He firmly believes that war brings necessary order to a nation and actively pressures young men to join the fighting, all while keeping himself safely at the rear during actual combat.