Gabriel is a teacher and occasional book reviewer living in Dublin. He struggles with social anxiety, often feeling misunderstood by those around him, and frequently projects his insecurities onto others rather than examining his own flaws. As the favorite nephew of Kate and Julia Morkan, he takes on traditional family duties at their party, including carving the goose and delivering the evening's dinner speech. He explicitly distances himself from Irish nationalism, planning a European vacation instead of visiting the Aran Isles.

Gretta is Gabriel's wife, originally from the western county of Galway. To the other guests at the Dublin party, she appears cheerful, polite, and content in her marriage. Her origins make her an outsider among the Dubliners, and she carries quiet memories from her youth that separate her emotional life from her husband's. Her cheerful exterior acts as a performance covering deeply held emotions.

Michael is a young man from Galway who holds a significant place in Gretta's memories. He is characterized by his intense devotion and willingness to brave harsh winter conditions for the sake of his feelings. His presence lingers as a powerful, unspoken memory that heavily influences Gretta's inner life.

Kate is an elderly woman who co-hosts an annual celebration in splendid style alongside her sister Julia. She is warm, welcoming, and views Gabriel as the dependable male figure of the family. She relies heavily on him to manage the gathering's dynamics, such as dealing with intoxicated guests or directing conversation at the dinner table.

Julia is Gabriel's aunt and co-host of the party. She provides entertainment for the guests by singing a song during the evening, adding to the warm atmosphere of the house. Like her sister, she deeply values family traditions and holds her nephew Gabriel in high regard.

Mary Jane is the niece of Kate and Julia Morkan. Following the death of her father, she moved in with her aunts and became highly integrated into their household. She works as a piano teacher and helps her aunts facilitate the annual party, providing musical entertainment for the attendees.

Miss Ivors is an educated, highly articulate young woman and a fervent Irish nationalist. She confidently challenges Gabriel about his lack of patriotism and his choice to write for a conservative newspaper, teasingly calling him a "West Briton." She invites him to an Irish-speaking summer excursion in the Aran Isles but leaves the party abruptly before dinner.

Lily is a young servant working at the Morkan household during their Epiphany party. She performs her duties diligently but experiences a highly uncomfortable exchange with Gabriel when he asks intrusive questions about her "young man," prompting her to awkwardly reject his attempt to tip her.

Freddy is a guest at the Morkans' party who struggles with alcohol and underlying health issues. His boisterous laughter hints at a severe case of bronchitis. He relies heavily on Gabriel and Mr. Browne to keep him steady and presentable throughout the evening.

Mr. Browne is a mature party guest who views himself as "the man for the ladies." He is enlisted by Gabriel to help manage the drunken Freddy Malins, acting as a confident and socially active presence at the gathering.

Bartell is a guest at the party whose singing captures the attention of the attendees. His performance of a specific folk song has a profound, unexpected emotional impact on Gretta, causing her to stand completely still and listen.