Verena is a beautiful, innocent young woman from a bohemian background who possesses a remarkable gift for public speaking. She naturally mesmerizes audiences with her voice, making her a highly desirable asset to the Boston feminist movement. Because she is deeply eager to please those around her, she is highly susceptible to the influence of stronger personalities, particularly her parents, her activist mentor Olive, and her conservative suitor Basil.

Olive is a wealthy, serious Bostonian who dedicates her life and fortune to the cause of women’s equality. She is intensely private and suffers from severe shyness, which prevents her from speaking publicly despite her radical political passions. She views the historical oppression of women as a personal affront and seeks to combat it by mentoring a gifted speaker who can voice her ideals to the masses.

Basil is a young Confederate veteran from Mississippi attempting to establish a law practice in New York City after the Civil War ruined his family. He lives in poverty and holds strictly traditional, old-fashioned views on society and gender roles, believing women should be protected and passive. He actively opposes the progressive movements common in the North and finds himself captivated by Verena's beauty while despising her political messages.

Adeline is Olive Chancellor’s older, widowed sister who has recently returned to America after living in Europe. She enjoys high society, fashion, and traditional social hierarchies, standing in direct contrast to Olive's severe activism. She develops a strong romantic interest in Basil Ransom and uses her wealth and social maneuvering to keep his attention.

Miss Birdseye is an elderly, legendary Boston philanthropist who has spent her entire life fighting for abolition and women's rights. She gives away her resources freely to anyone in need and lives in modest, disorganized circumstances. She represents the old guard of Boston reform movements and commands universal respect from her peers.

Dr. Prance is a practical, no-nonsense female physician who rents a room in Miss Birdseye's house. She prioritizes her medical career over political rallies and views the flamboyant feminist movement with skepticism. She prefers to advance women's standing by quietly succeeding in a male-dominated profession rather than delivering public lectures.

Matthias is a prematurely white-haired journalist who views every social interaction as potential material for the press. He recognizes the commercial value in Verena's public speaking and wants to manage her career, treating her talent as a lucrative enterprise.

Selah is Verena's father, a mesmeric healer of low birth and dubious professional reputation. He craves public attention and hopes to achieve financial stability and fame by exhibiting his daughter's unique public speaking abilities.

The daughter of an abolitionist, Mrs. Tarrant has endured years of poverty and social marginalization due to her husband's eccentric career. She eagerly encourages Verena's friendship with Olive Chancellor, viewing it as a long-awaited opportunity to enter Boston high society.

Mrs. Burrage is a wealthy, pragmatic society woman who organizes intellectual gatherings to elevate her social standing among the New York elite. She actively supports her son's interest in Verena and uses her considerable resources to court the young speaker.

Henry Burrage is a wealthy, amiable young man who collects art and rare objects. He is charmed by Verena and courts her gently, offering her access to his comfortable lifestyle and expressing genuine support for her public speaking career.

Mrs. Farrinder is a commanding public speaker and a major figure in the temperance and women's rights movements. She approaches her activism with a sense of grandiosity and requires a compliant, eager audience to perform her speeches effectively.

Newton is Adeline Luna's young son. He is heavily coddled by his mother, resulting in an entitled and insufferable demeanor that alienates those hired to educate him.

Mr. Gracie is a Harvard law student who accompanies his friend Mr. Burrage to see Verena speak. He represents the educated, curious male audience that finds Verena's performances entertaining if not entirely convincing.

Mr. Filer works as an agent managing the commercial and practical aspects of large public speaking events. He focuses strictly on ticket sales, audience expectations, and ensuring the scheduled performances proceed smoothly.