Lilith is a young enslaved woman with dark skin and green eyes living at the Montpelier plantation. People label her "spirited" because she stubbornly resists control and openly speaks her mind to those around her. She struggles to understand her place in the plantation hierarchy and feels torn between her hatred for the enslavers and her desire for the comforts they possess. Her natural curiosity leads her to seek out reading and knowledge.

Homer is an older enslaved woman who serves as the head of the house at Montpelier. She bears extensive whipping scars across her entire body and commands deep respect from both the enslaved population and the enslavers. She covertly teaches Lilith how to read and organizes secret meetings with other women at night.

Humphrey is the young English-educated master of the Montpelier estate. He attempts to assert total control over the plantation and correct the perceived poor management of the overseers. He desperately wants to be respected by high society but lacks emotional regulation, often resorting to violence when his pride is wounded.

Robert is a broad-shouldered Irish overseer who enforces the rules at Montpelier. His Irish heritage places him lower in the white social hierarchy, prompting him to violently assert dominance over the enslaved population to secure his standing. He treats Lilith with a confusing mix of brutality and secret mercy.

Isobel is a white Creole woman seeking to overcome her colonial roots by strictly adhering to proper society rules. She expresses intense racism and personally dictates brutal punishments for enslaved people. She attempts to manipulate the social dynamics at Montpelier to secure a marriage proposal from Humphrey Wilson.

Jack is an aging overseer at Montpelier. He abuses his power by permitting the Johnny-jumpers to terrorize the enslaved population at night. He resents the arrival of Humphrey Wilson and Robert Quinn, who actively diminish his authority on the plantation.

Gorgon is an enslaved woman at Montpelier who actively practices Obeah. She speaks bravely during secret meetings, though she occasionally displays cowardice when faced with direct danger. She helps organize the covert resistance alongside Homer.

Circe is a barren enslaved woman forced to care for Lilith after the child's mother dies in childbirth. She resents Lilith's rebellious nature and struggles to control her. She frequently hosts white men in her cabin at night in order to survive.

The Mistress is Humphrey Wilson's mother and the widow of Patrick Wilson. She suffers from severe mental health issues and frequently speaks nonsense or falls out of her chair. She attempts to command the house but relies entirely on Homer for her daily care.

Pallas is an enslaved woman at Montpelier and a member of the night women. She actively guards the group's secrets and uses intimidation to ensure compliance from newcomers.

Callisto is an enslaved woman at Montpelier who secretly gathers in the cave to plan resistance. She possesses a fierce demeanor and openly threatens anyone who might betray their covert group.

Dulcimena, known as Dulcey, is a young enslaved girl working for Isobel's family at Coulibre. She maintains a playful, resilient spirit and frequently sings while completing chores, despite the brutal conditions of the household.

Roget is the master of the Coulibre estate and Isobel's father. He routinely abuses the enslaved people in his household, demanding absolute compliance and inflicting severe punishments for minor infractions.

Andromeda is an enslaved woman assigned to work the New Year's Ball at Montpelier. She clashes with Lilith in the kitchen, resulting in a physical altercation that escalates tensions among the house staff.

Paris is a Johnny-jumper at Montpelier, tasked with enforcing rules among the field workers. He uses his position to terrorize and exploit other enslaved people at night with impunity.

McClusky is a white slave driver at Montpelier who happily executes the brutal commands of the overseers. He openly mocks the enslaved population and frequently targets vulnerable individuals with extreme violence.

Tantalus is an enslaved man forced to live with Circe. He shows young Lilith a page from a book depicting a prince and princess, sparking her lifelong fascination with reading and romantic fantasies.

Iphigenia is one of the enslaved night women at Montpelier. She participates in the covert meetings in the cave where the women discuss their desire for freedom.

Hippolyta is an enslaved woman at Montpelier who joins the other night women in their hidden gatherings, sharing their collective anger against the overseers.