An unidentified 14th-century English mystic, likely a cloistered monk and spiritual director. He writes with a mix of high theological insight, practical common sense, and humor. He aims to translate abstract apophatic theology into a practical guide for a young contemplative. He instructs readers to silence their intellects and approach God using only a "naked intent" of pure love.

A biblical figure whom the author uses as the ultimate model for the contemplative life. She sits in silent, loving attention at Jesus's feet. She prioritizes direct spiritual communion over active work. Her absolute focus on God serves as the template for the book's central spiritual practice.

The central divine figure of the text's devotion. He defends the contemplative life by affirming that Mary has chosen the "best part." The author instructs disciples to direct a naked intent of love toward him, stripping away even imaginative visions of his bodily form to connect purely with his divine nature.

An English Anglo-Catholic writer and scholar of mysticism. She revives modern interest in the text and provides essential historical and theological context. She bridges the gap between the medieval author's dense guidance and contemporary readers. She details the author's primary sources and explains his warnings against spiritual pride.

A Christian philosopher whose treatise *Mystica Theologia* forms the foundational theology of the book. He introduces the concept of approaching God through divine darkness and unknowing. The author translates his abstract concepts into practical methods. He establishes that God is so transcendent that humans cannot grasp Him through affirmative intellectual concepts.

A mystic and theologian whose treatise *Benjamin Minor* explores the soul's preparation for contemplation. He defines true humility not as self-deprecation but as honest self-knowledge. This psychological framework provides the practical groundwork for the mystical ascent described in the text.

Mary's sister, who busies herself with the active work of hospitality. The author uses her to represent sincere Christians engaged in good works and active charity. Her distraction illustrates the limitations of a purely active spiritual life compared to contemplative silence.

The intended recipient of the book, a young person called to the solitary, contemplative life. The author addresses this reader directly and warns them of spiritual deceptions. The Disciple must learn to suppress distracting thoughts and push them beneath a cloud of forgetting.

The Old Testament prophet who climbs the mountain with great effort to see the plan for the Ark of the Testament. The author uses him to represent a soul that experiences the grace of contemplation only rarely and after intense spiritual labor.

The priest who maintains regular access to the finished Ark of the Testament. The author uses him to symbolize those practitioners who benefit from the spiritual teachings of others and can enter a contemplative state easily during ordinary activities.

The biblical craftsman who builds the Ark using divine patterns. The author identifies with him, viewing his own role in writing the book as a form of spiritual craftsmanship meant to help others access divine grace.