Silas is a working-class weaver who arrived in the village of Raveloe 15 years ago. Having been falsely accused of theft and exiled from his religious community in Lantern Yard, he lives a deeply isolated life. He works constantly and hoards gold coins, using his accumulated wealth to fill the emotional void left by his past trauma. He suffers from undiagnosed cataleptic fits, increasing the locals' suspicion of him.

Godfrey is the eldest son of Squire Cass and the heir to the largest fortune in Raveloe. Though generally viewed as good-natured, he is cowardly and trapped by poor decisions. He harbors a secret marriage to an opium addict, a fact his brother exploits relentlessly to blackmail him. Godfrey longs to court Nancy Lammeter but remains paralyzed by his hidden obligations and fear of his father's wrath.

Eppie is a golden-haired young girl who accidentally stumbles into Silas Marner's home on New Year's Eve. Her arrival drastically alters the solitary weaver's life, pulling him back into the social fabric of the village. She possesses a naturally affectionate and mischievous personality.

Known locally as Dunsey, he is the younger son of Squire Cass. He spends his days drinking heavily, gambling, and terrorizing his older brother. He feels entitled to the wealth of others and acts purely on selfish impulses without regard for consequences.

Nancy is a principled and beautiful young woman from a respectable local family. She cares for Godfrey Cass but refuses to entertain a future with him due to his weak character and erratic behavior. She adheres to a strict personal code of ethics.

Squire Cass is the wealthiest landowner in Raveloe. He collects rent from the village tenants and expects complete obedience from his family. He remains entirely blind to the depth of his sons' deceit and misbehavior.

Molly lives outside the immediate community of Raveloe and suffers from a severe addiction to opium. She resents her secret husband for keeping their marriage hidden and refusing to support her properly. She feels determined to expose the truth to the local high society.

Dolly is a patient and kind-hearted woman in Raveloe. She takes it upon herself to help her neighbors in times of need. She represents the positive, supportive side of the village community and gently encourages participation in local traditions.

William was once Silas Marner's closest friend in the northern town of Lantern Yard. He is highly regarded within their strict religious sect but uses his position to spread malicious rumors and orchestrate Silas's downfall.

Sarah is a young woman in Lantern Yard who was initially engaged to Silas Marner. After the religious community accuses Silas of theft, she breaks the engagement and marries another man.

Aaron is Dolly Winthrop's son. He grows up in the village alongside Eppie, learning gardening and interacting frequently with the weaver's household.

Priscilla is Nancy's pragmatic and plain-spoken sister. Recognizing that she lacks her sister's refined beauty, she focuses her energy on managing her father's farm and openly dismisses the institution of marriage.

Jem is a known poacher in the village of Raveloe. Due to his shady reputation, he becomes the immediate suspect when Silas discovers his gold is missing.

Sally is the wife of the local cobbler. Her illness prompts Silas to offer an herbal remedy, which inadvertently isolates him further when the villagers assume he uses witchcraft.

The parish clerk and tailor in Raveloe. He is an older man who enjoys holding court at the local pub, sharing village history and theorizing about ghosts and curses.

Mr. Snell is the landlord of the Rainbow, the village pub in Raveloe. He strives to keep the peace among his patrons, especially when debates over supernatural events get heated.

The village farrier who enjoys debating with the other men at the Rainbow. He eagerly volunteers to help investigate the theft of Silas's money.

Mr. Kimble acts as the town doctor in Raveloe, though he holds no formal medical degree. He provides healthcare for the locals and socializes with the village elites.

A respected farmer who rents land in Raveloe. He is a proud father who relies on his daughters to help manage his affairs as he ages.

The local priest in Raveloe. He enjoys mingling with the upper classes and partaking in the social events hosted by wealthy families like the Casses.

An anonymous traveling salesman who passes through Raveloe. Because he is an outsider, the village quickly concludes he must be responsible for the missing gold.