Montresor is the narrator of the tale, a man hailing from a proud, ancient family with extensive catacombs beneath their home. Harboring an intense but unspecified grievance against his acquaintance Fortunato, he meticulously plots a means of retribution. He maintains a friendly, smiling exterior to conceal his hostility, using his knowledge of fine wines to manipulate the situation during the local carnival season.

Fortunato is a wealthy, well-regarded man who prides himself on his connoisseurship of fine wines. He belongs to the secret society of Freemasons and carries a boastful, somewhat condescending air. Completely unaware of the intense hostility he has provoked in Montresor, he eagerly agrees to venture into the damp Montresor family catacombs to authenticate a rare shipment of Amontillado.