Paul is a quiet and introspective young man growing up in the mining community of Bestwood. He possesses a strong artistic temperament and finds work as a junior spiral clerk at a surgical supply company in Nottingham. Repelled by his father's coarse behavior, he remains fiercely bound to his mother, who provides him with unconditional love and encouragement for his painting.

Gertrude is an intelligent woman from a middle-class Puritan background who feels trapped in her impoverished life in Bestwood. Disillusioned by her abusive husband, she redirects her intense ambition and affection toward her children. She fiercely polices her sons' affections and attempts to live vicariously through their successes, finding special purpose in guiding Paul.

Walter is a coal miner who initially charmed Gertrude with his warmth and vitality. He suffers from severe alcohol addiction and routinely unleashes his temper on his family, alienating himself from his wife and children. He spends his days laboring in the dangerous mines and his evenings squandering his meager wages.

William is the eldest Morel son and the original focus of Gertrude's intense maternal devotion. He is a charming, ambitious young man who learns shorthand and Latin to secure a lucrative office job in London. His upward mobility introduces him to middle-class social circles, though his choice in romantic partners creates friction with his mother.

Miriam is a farmer's daughter who lives at Willey Farm with her parents and bullying older brothers. She views the world through a romantic, literary lens and deeply resents the educational limitations placed on working-class women. She shares a profound intellectual and spiritual connection with Paul, though she fears physical intimacy.

Clara is an independent woman with feminist inclinations who supports the women's rights movement. She works at the same surgical supply factory as Paul after separating from her husband, Baxter. Older and more worldly than Paul, she presents a defiant, aloof exterior that masks her physical passion and frustration with societal constraints.

Annie is Paul's older sister. She studies to become a schoolteacher and eventually leaves the Morel household to build a life of her own. She shares a close bond with her siblings and frequently helps manage the domestic difficulties caused by their parents' feud.

Arthur is the youngest child in the Morel family. He inherits his father's carelessness, quick temper, and handsome features, making him wild and restless. He secures a scholarship to a Nottingham grammar school but struggles with discipline and responsibility.

Baxter is a factory worker known for his aggressive, bullying behavior. He bitterly resents his separation from his wife and frequently directs his anger toward Paul in the workplace.

Louisa, who goes by Lily, is a wealthy young woman from London who becomes engaged to William. She possesses a refined elegance but lacks intellectual curiosity, treating the Morel siblings like servants when she visits their working-class home.

Thomas Jordan is the curt, demanding owner of the surgical supply company in Nottingham. He expects quick results from his employees and maintains strict authority over the factory floor.

Mr. Pappleworth is Paul's direct supervisor at the surgical supply company. Though he frequently criticizes Paul for being slow, he patiently teaches him the necessary skills for the job.

Mrs. Leivers is Miriam's mother. She runs Willey Farm and largely ignores the cruel behavior her sons direct at Miriam.

Edgar is one of Miriam's brothers. Unlike his siblings who relentlessly mock Miriam, he strikes up a friendly rapport with Paul when the boy visits the farm.

Mr. Heaton is the local priest and a friend to Gertrude. He serves as Paul's godfather and provides the young boy with lessons in French and German.

Mrs. Radford is Clara's mother. She shares her home with her separated daughter and keeps a close, watchful eye on Clara's interactions with men.

Beatrice is a family friend of the Morels who enjoys teasing Paul and Arthur. Her distracting presence occasionally causes chaos in the household.

Leonard is a hardworking young man who saves his money from a job in Birmingham so he can marry Annie Morel.

John is a well-mannered young man from Gertrude's childhood who gave her a Bible. His desire to become a priest rather than join his father's business deeply influenced Gertrude's views on ambition.

Jerry is one of Walter Morel's drinking companions in Bestwood.

Fanny is a hunchback worker at the surgical supply company who organizes gifts for her coworkers and enjoys Paul's stories from his hometown.

Polly is a factory girl who befriends Paul and frequently heats up his food during their meal breaks.

Connie is a factory worker with flowing red hair who quickly catches Paul's attention during his early days at the company.