Sir Peter is a middle-aged gentleman who recently married a young woman from the countryside. As Maria's guardian, he holds authority over her future and wants her to marry someone respectable. He disdains the town's rampant gossip culture yet easily falls victim to rumors himself, struggling to understand his dynamic new wife.

Lady Teazle is a young woman who relocated from the country following her marriage to Sir Peter. Seduced by the glamour of high society, she eagerly adopts the fashionable but malicious habit of gossiping with local socialites. She desires independence and frequently asserts herself in arguments with her older husband.

Joseph is a seemingly upstanding and moral young man who effectively masks his deceitful nature. He schemes to secure a wealthy marriage while actively ruining his brother's public reputation. He expertly uses societal formalities and sentimental language to present a flawless public image, successfully fooling many of his elders.

Charles is a notoriously extravagant young man whose public reputation suffers heavily from his drinking and gambling habits. Despite his reckless spending and immense debt, he retains an honest demeanor and a surprisingly generous core. He genuinely loves Maria and refuses to hide his flaws from society.

Sir Oliver is the wealthy uncle of Joseph and Charles who has spent years abroad in India. He returns to town incognito to test his nephews' true characters before deciding on their inheritance. He uses clever disguises, pretending to be a money-lender and a destitute relative, to observe how the young men handle money and familial duty.

Lady Sneerwell is an upper-class woman who commands a powerful circle of gossipers. Having once had her own reputation ruined, she now takes pleasure in destroying the social standing of others. She harbors genuine affection for Charles but uses malicious rumors as her primary tool to achieve her romantic goals.

Maria is Sir Peter Teazle's wealthy ward. She possesses a strong moral compass and feels completely repulsed by the malicious rumors spread by polite society. She remains steadfast in her affections despite the public scandals surrounding the man she loves, frequently fleeing conversations that turn to gossip.

Rowley is a loyal friend and former servant to the Surface family. He assists in a secret plan to test the two brothers and constantly defends those who are unfairly maligned by town gossip. He serves as a reliable voice of reason among the scheming upper class.

Snake is a cynical operative who spreads misinformation and forges letters for those willing to pay him. He views immorality as a strict business arrangement and values his bad reputation because it secures him continuous employment among the gossipers.

Mrs. Candour is a prominent member of the local gossip circle. She hypocritically condemns scandal-mongering while simultaneously spreading destructive rumors about her peers, claiming she is merely reporting the news she hears.

Crabtree is an eager participant in the town's rumor mill. He delights in embellishing scandals and aggressively supports his nephew's romantic pursuits through the intentional spread of malicious gossip.

Sir Benjamin is an amateur poet who pens scathing verses about specific members of society. He attempts to court a wealthy ward using his connections in the gossip circle but finds his romantic advances repeatedly rejected.

Moses is a local money-lender who handles the debts of the town's extravagant youths. He provides crucial advice to an undercover uncle on how to impersonate a ruthless loan shark and easily evaluates property for quick sales.

Careless is a drinking and gambling companion. He participates eagerly in late-night revelry and happily assists his friend in auctioning off old family heirlooms to fund their continued partying.

Trip is a household servant who actively attempts to emulate his master's extravagant lifestyle. He seeks his own loans from local money-lenders and shamelessly offers his employer's belongings as collateral to fund his habits.