Hopkins is a Jesuit priest and poet who struggles to reconcile his artistic passions with his strict religious vows. Raised in the Anglican Church, he converts to Roman Catholicism during his studies at Oxford, causing a permanent rift with his family. He uses his interest in Old English and linguistic purism to invent sprung rhythm, writing verses that praise the divine through intense observation of the physical environment. He works as a teacher of Latin and Greek at several universities while living a difficult ascetic life.

Catherine raises her large family within the Anglican Church. She provides an early spiritual foundation for her children before her oldest son eventually departs from the faith. She experiences a lasting separation from him after he decides to convert to Roman Catholicism.

Manley is the father of at least nine children and serves in political roles connected to the Hawaiian Kingdom. He maintains strong ties to the Anglican Church in Stratford. His religious background conflicts heavily with his eldest son's later decision to join the Jesuit priesthood.

Robert is an English poet who attends the University of Oxford alongside Hopkins. He forms part of the university's active literary circle during the period when Hopkins is developing his artistic theories and religious ideologies.

Walter is a known English poet who meets Hopkins during their time studying at Oxford. He moves in the same academic and literary circles as the young writer, contributing to the intellectual environment that shapes Hopkins's early adulthood.

The unnamed narrator of "Pied Beauty" lists specific visual details of the physical environment. This narrator points out two-toned skies, fallen chestnuts, spotted trout, and the varied colors of agricultural land. The speaker commands the reader to praise the creator for these specific imperfections. By cataloging the patterns found in nature, the speaker views the physical world as direct evidence of an omnipotent creator.

The omnipotent creator of the universe serves as the central focus of the speaker's worship. Unlike the physical environment, which experiences constant change and unusual variations, His beauty remains entirely constant and "past change." He acts as the eternal fathering force behind all life, possessing an original power that exists beyond human comprehension.

Eliot is a prominent 20th-century literary figure who reads Hopkins's work after its posthumous publication. He values the innovative metrical contributions and the unique sprung rhythm left behind by the Victorian poet.

Auden is a celebrated poet of the 20th century who recognizes the value of accentual verse. He holds the earlier poet's work in high esteem following its eventual publication, recognizing the bridge Hopkins built between Victorian and Modernist poetry.