Claire is an Englishwoman in her fifties and a skilled physician who originally traveled through time from the 20th century. She uses her modern medical knowledge to treat patients in the 18th century, managing the health of the Fraser's Ridge community. Resilient and pragmatic, she carries the heavy knowledge of the impending American Revolution while focusing on the daily survival and unity of her family.

Jamie is a Scottish Highlander nearing fifty who acts as the leader and protector of the Fraser's Ridge settlement. Though lacking a formal aristocratic title in the colonies, he commands deep loyalty and respect from his tenants. He is brave, intensely loyal, and burdened by the political maneuvering required to keep his community safe as tensions rise between the Crown and colonial rebels.

Brianna is the intelligent, modern-raised daughter of Claire and Jamie who followed her mother from the 20th century into the past. Trained as an engineer, she struggles to adapt her independent nature to the domestic expectations of 18th-century motherhood. She works to overcome recent traumas while establishing her new life and protecting her infant son.

Roger is a 20th-century historian and musician who traveled back in time out of love for Brianna. Unaccustomed to the harsh, martial expectations of 18th-century masculinity, he works diligently to learn physical skills like tracking and sword fighting to prove himself. He seeks to establish his place as a reliable protector of his new family despite his academic background.

Stephen Bonnet is a ruthless smuggler and pirate of Irish descent, recognizable by his brilliant green eyes. He is a cunning opportunist who uses his connections with wealthy colonial elites to run contraband. His past violent assault on Brianna makes him a primary target for Jamie's vengeance, casting a shadow over the family's attempts at peace.

Jocasta is Jamie's wealthy, blind aunt who operates the prosperous River Run plantation. She is a shrewd and practical woman who carefully manages her estate and wealth. Her pragmatic approach to marriage and inheritance often places her at odds with younger, more romantic family members.

Duncan is a formerly imprisoned Scotsman and loyal friend to Jamie who is betrothed to Jocasta Cameron. He is an earnest, somewhat anxious older man who views his marriage to Jocasta as a practical partnership rather than a passionate romance.

Fergus is a French-born man whom Jamie adopted as a child. He lives at Fraser's Ridge with his growing family and acts as a dependable ally and scout for Jamie's militia.

Marsali is a capable, sharp-tongued young mother living on Fraser's Ridge. She manages the demands of raising young children in a harsh environment while remaining fiercely loyal to the Fraser household.

Governor Tryon is the ambitious British colonial governor of North Carolina. He utilizes his authority over land grants to force men like Jamie into raising militias, determined to crush the Regulator movement before leaving his post.

Herman is a Quaker and a prominent leader within the Regulator movement. He advocates for political change and relief from heavy taxation, preferring peaceful negotiation over open warfare when possible.

Lord John Grey is an English aristocrat and military man who maintains a long-distance correspondence with Jamie. He uses his resources and connections to gather information on dangerous figures like Stephen Bonnet on Jamie's behalf.

Josiah is a young indentured servant who bears the brand of a thief. Desperate to secure a better life for himself and his identical twin brother, he seeks refuge and employment at Fraser's Ridge.

Fanny is the fifth wife of an abusive farmer. Trapped in a bleak and isolated existence, she hides a pregnancy and harbors intense resentment toward her incapacitated husband.

Philip is a wealthy, flamboyant local plantation owner with an eye for Claire. He involves himself in high-stakes gambling and questionable business dealings, taking great pride in his prized horses.

Wolff is a military man with a deep resentment toward Duncan Innes. Having previously aspired to marry Jocasta to access her fortune, he becomes a suspicious figure during the mysterious events at River Run.

William is a jealous and volatile man associated with the Regulator movement. His possessive nature over his wife leads to a violent misunderstanding with severe consequences for others.

Ian is Jamie's brave nephew who sacrificed his place in the colonial settlement to secure Roger's freedom. His prolonged absence leaves a significant emotional void in the Fraser household until his unexpected return.

Jemmy is the infant son of Brianna. His paternity is a source of silent anxiety for the family, but he is fiercely loved and protected by his parents and grandparents.

Keziah is Josiah's identical twin brother, who shares his history of brutal indentured servitude. He joins the Fraser's Ridge community seeking safety.

Aaron is an abusive farmer and former owner of indentured servants. He lies helpless and neglected after suffering a severe stroke.

Betty is an enslaved Black woman working at Jocasta's plantation. Her sudden and mysterious illness triggers a medical investigation by Claire.

Morag is a young woman who previously traveled on the same ship as Roger. She is caught between her husband's volatile temper and her gratitude toward Roger.

Isaiah is a militia member entangled in a dangerous romantic dispute. Already married, his illicit relationship with a local woman brings violence upon himself and his fellow soldiers.

Alicia is a young woman trapped by her family's strict expectations. She risks her reputation and safety to pursue a forbidden relationship with a married militiaman.

Mr. Bug is an older, capable man hired by Jamie to serve as the factor for Fraser's Ridge, overseeing the property's management.

Mrs. Bug is the diligent housekeeper at Fraser's Ridge. She observes Claire's modern medical practices with a mixture of curiosity and traditional suspicion.

Hayes is a Scottish Highlander serving in the British army. He shares a long history with Jamie, who saved his life decades earlier, and provides the family with valuable military intelligence.