Usbek is a mature Persian nobleman who departs his homeland and his five wives under the premise of seeking Western wisdom. His departure also distances him from political enemies in Persia, as his uncompromising honesty makes him a target. He is a contemplative and educated man who writes philosophical letters to his friends. Despite his rational mind, he frequently suffers from homesickness and jealousy regarding his unguarded seraglio.

Rica is a young and cheerful Persian nobleman traveling alongside Usbek. Unmarried and unburdened by the responsibilities of a harem, he views European culture with a sense of wonder and amusement. He quickly adapts to life in Paris and frequently records ironic observations about French society, fashion, and social behavior.

Fatmé is one of Usbek's five wives, distinguished by her noble birth and her established position within the seraglio. She writes passionately about her frustration and unsatisfied desire, contrasting her husband's remembered physical beauty with the appearance of the eunuchs who guard her.

Zachi is a fiery and uncompromising wife in Usbek's seraglio. She reminds Usbek of her past victories over the other wives in contests of beauty and expresses bitter resentment over his decision to leave her behind for a journey through unknown lands.

Zelis is a thoughtful and considerate wife of Usbek. She consults him on practical matters of the seraglio, such as determining the correct age for their seven-year-old daughter to begin her religious education and permanently enter the women's quarters.

Zephis is one of Usbek's wives who frequently finds herself at odds with the seraglio's guards. She writes to Usbek to complain that the Head Eunuch treats her unfairly and attempts to separate her from her slave Zelide.

Roxane is Usbek's youngest and most recently acquired wife. Usbek views her as the paragon of virtue in his seraglio, fondly recalling the fierce resistance she put up to defend her modesty when they first married.

Rhedi is the young nephew of Ibben and a frequent correspondent of both Usbek and Rica. He travels to Venice to acquire Western knowledge but often finds himself bewildered or frightened by what he encounters, ranging from the lack of fresh water for religious ablutions to his fears regarding the destructive potential of scientific advancement.

Ibben is a friend of Usbek and Rica residing in Smyrna. He is a steady correspondent who exchanges thoughtful letters with the travelers about various topics, including the duality of the body and soul and the complexities of friendship.

The Head Eunuch manages Usbek's seraglio in Persia. He experiences profound sorrow over his mutilated state and channels his lingering passions into a strict and demanding mastery over Usbek's wives. He constantly writes to his master and fellow slaves to maintain control over the household.

Mirza is a friend of the travelers who remains in Persia. He enjoys philosophical debate and prompts Usbek to write the allegory of the Troglodytes by asking whether a man achieves the greatest happiness by serving his senses or his virtue.

Rustan is a close friend of Usbek living in Ispahan. He writes to Usbek detailing the negative rumors and gossip surrounding the nobleman's sudden departure, providing Usbek with a vital link to the social climate of his homeland.

Nessir is a trusted friend of Usbek in Ispahan. Usbek trusts Nessir with his most vulnerable thoughts, writing to him about his deep-seated jealousy, bodily ailments, and the profound homesickness he hides from his wives and slaves.

Jaron is a black eunuch who initially travels in Usbek's escort. He maintains correspondence with the Head Eunuch back in Persia, discussing the haughty nature of women and the heavy duties of their station.

Pharan is a black slave working in Usbek's seraglio. When the Head Eunuch decides to castrate him to fill the place of a deceased guard, Pharan writes directly to Usbek and successfully pleads for mercy.

Ibbi is a slave who accompanies Usbek on his travels. The Head Eunuch writes a deeply personal letter to Ibbi describing the psychological torment of his castration and his resulting hatred for the women he guards.

Nathaniel Levi is a Jewish doctor residing in Leghorn. Rica writes to him to discuss the power of belief, medicine, and the contrast between reason and faith concerning amulets and talismans.

Rica's mother remains in Persia while her son travels to Europe. She is highly distressed by his departure and openly blames Usbek for taking her young son away from their homeland.