A young Bostonian and poet of some renown who moves to the Blithedale commune in search of spiritual renewal and artistic inspiration. Acting as the narrator, Coverdale is highly observant, often adopting the role of a voyeur who seeks to understand the hidden motives of those around him. Though he begins with a fervent belief in utopian socialist ideals, his skepticism grows as he finds agricultural labor at odds with his intellectual pursuits.

A charismatic, wealthy, and fiercely independent woman who is a founding member of the Blithedale community. Operating under a pseudonym to protect her privacy, Zenobia is a passionate advocate for women's rights who envisions a world with greater gender equality. She is striking in appearance, famously wearing a single exotic flower in her dark hair each day, and possesses a vibrant presence that captivates those around her.

A pale, timid, and sickly young woman who arrives at Blithedale seeking refuge and shelter. Initially meek and nervous, she gradually blossoms into a healthy and playful girl in the rural environment. She shows an intense, almost obsessive devotion to Zenobia from the moment they meet and is characterized by her delicate, ghostly demeanor.

A robust, masculine former blacksmith whose commanding presence is defined by physical features that appear hammered out of iron. He joins Blithedale not out of a deep belief in its socialist mission, but to advance his own single-minded philanthropic obsession: building a rehabilitation center for criminals. Though capable of immense tenderness in specific moments, his unwavering focus on his personal goals often blinds him to the needs of the wider community.

An elderly, somewhat shabby Bostonian who wears a patch and sells small silken purses to survive. He exhibits a nervous, secretive demeanor and takes a keen, distant interest in the residents of Blithedale. Cautious and inquisitive, he frequently checks on the well-being of certain community members while striving to remain safely in the shadows himself.

A handsome but sinister stranger who arrives near the Blithedale property asking questions about its residents. Distinguished by his polished, courteous visage and a smile that reveals gold-bordered teeth, Westervelt exudes a subtle, manipulative authority. He presents an unsettling disruption to the utopian community and seemingly holds power over others through his magnetic, commanding speech.

A founding member of the Blithedale society who serves as the community's pragmatic, experienced farmer. Grounded in the reality of agricultural labor, Foster acts as a sharp contrast to the idealistic, philosophical dreamers who join the utopian experiment, offering blunt truths about the physical toll of their endeavor.