A devout Puritan woman living in the Massachusetts Bay Colony who harbors a deep, conflicting desire to write and publish poetry. Educated in history, literature, and religious studies, she reads both classical and contemporary authors extensively. She adapts to the strict gender expectations of her community by adopting a self-deprecating tone in her writing while subtly asserting the value of female expression.

A prominent Puritan leader and devout conservative who moves his family to America. He provides his daughter with an unusually extensive education by giving her access to a large library and tutoring her in multiple languages. As a politician serving under John Winthrop, he enforces strict religious conformity within the colony.

Simon is Anne's husband and a highly prominent figure in the Bay Colony. He works closely with his father-in-law, Thomas Dudley, in local governance. He provides Anne with immense emotional support and inspires her deeply affectionate poetry.

Dorothy is Anne Bradstreet's mother, raising five children in England before the family emigrates. She passes away in 1643, a significant event in Anne's adult life.

Anne Bradstreet's brother-in-law who plays a crucial role in bringing her work to the public. He secures a publisher for her collection in London, allowing Anne to claim ignorance and maintain her reputation as a modest Puritan woman.

Anne Bradstreet's sister who faces public censure for irregular prophesying and scandalous behavior. Her excommunication brings distress to her family and highlights the strict behavioral limits placed on women in their society.

A woman in the Massachusetts Bay Colony who faces trial and banishment for expounding publicly on sacred texts. Her punishment serves as a severe warning to other Puritan women about the dangers of speaking out.

The governor of the Bay Colony who leads the Puritan emigration. He holds ultimate political and religious authority in the settlement and enforces strict adherence to Puritan views.

A celebrated sixteenth-century French poet whose work is highly popular among the Puritans. His elaborate style and structural forms serve as a major inspiration for Anne's poetry, though she strategically claims she cannot match his fluent talent.

An ancient Greek orator who trained himself to overcome a severe speech impediment. Anne Bradstreet uses his story in her poem to illustrate how dedicated practice can conquer natural limitations.

The ancient Greek Muse of eloquence and epic poetry. Anne Bradstreet invokes her to argue that classical societies respected female intellect and creativity enough to make a woman the guardian of the highest literary arts.

A famous ancient Roman poet whose work focuses on wars, captains, and kings. Anne Bradstreet contrasts her own humble subject matter with his grand epics to purposefully lower expectations before presenting her arguments.

The Protestant Queen of England who ruled until 1603. Anne Bradstreet writes admiringly of her military victories and wise choices, using her successful reign as proof of female capability and intellect.

Born in 1608, he is the oldest sibling of Anne Bradstreet. He grows up with access to the Earl of Lincoln's library alongside his sister.

Born in 1616, she is an older sister to Anne Bradstreet. She is part of the large Dudley family that travels to the American colonies.

Born in 1621, she is the youngest child of Thomas Dudley and Dorothy Yorke. She emigrates to America with her family as a child.

Born in 1633, he is the first child of Anne and Simon Bradstreet. His birth follows a period of severe illness for his mother.

Born in 1635, Dorothy is named after her maternal grandmother. She is born shortly before her family moves to the remote township of Ipswich.

Born in 1638, Sarah is one of Anne Bradstreet's daughters. She grows up entirely in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Born in 1640, he is one of Anne Bradstreet's many children. He is born during the family's years living in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Hannah is born around 1642 after her family moves to the less remote locale of Andover. She is part of Anne's large, growing household.

Born in 1645, she is one of Anne Bradstreet's daughters. Her birth coincides with a deeply productive period in her mother's writing life.