Bimala is a traditional Indian wife who begins the story content in her devotion to her wealthy, educated husband. Living a sheltered life in the zenana, she initially resists his attempts to bring her into the modern outside world. When exposed to the fiery political rhetoric of the Swadeshi movement, her perspective shifts dramatically, stirring previously dormant desires for excitement and nationalistic participation.

Nikhil is a wealthy, modern, and highly educated man who reads for his M.A. degree in Calcutta. He possesses a strong moral compass and believes in thoughtful, non-coercive progression for both his country and his marriage. Rather than commanding obedience from his wife or his tenants, he insists on allowing people the freedom to make their own choices, even when those choices cause him personal pain.

Sandip is a handsome, golden-tongued orator and political firebrand advocating for the Swadeshi nationalist movement. He firmly believes that might makes right and that the strong have a duty to take what they want, discarding objective truth in favor of whatever leads to success. He uses his considerable charm to manipulate those around him, exploiting both political unrest and personal infatuations to elevate his own social and financial status.

Amulya is a passionate youth experiencing his first great political awakening. Caught up in the fervor of the Swadeshi movement, he eagerly absorbs Sandip's aggressive teachings, believing that radical action and force are necessary for his country's progress. Despite his sweet initial demeanor, his youthful impressionability makes him a willing instrument for political machinations.

Chandranath is an older, wise man who has known Nikhil for thirty years and acts as his master and mentor. He is deeply respected by Nikhil for his fearlessness and educational focus. He advocates for patience, understanding, and living a principled life, often standing as a voice of reason against the hasty, aggressive tactics of the Swadeshi agitators.

Rani is Nikhil's sister who rules the household's inner quarters with a traditional mindset. She frequently demands luxurious trinkets from Nikhil, exploiting his generosity while simultaneously mocking his modern ideals and refusal to drink. She holds a great deal of power in the zenana and clearly enjoys her status.

Panchu is a lower-status neighbor striving to provide a meager living for his family. He possesses a strong sense of integrity, insisting on paying his debts rather than accepting charity. His dedication to honest living brings a sense of hope to Nikhil during times of personal and political turmoil.

Miss Gilby is an English woman employed to instruct Bimala and assist in Nikhil's goal of modernizing his wife's education. Her presence in the household becomes a point of contention when nationalist sentiments flare up, making her a target of the local Swadeshi supporters due to her English heritage.

Harish Kundu is a local figure who uses the Swadeshi movement's momentum to exert aggressive control over the community. He enforces boycotts of foreign goods through intimidation and financial penalties, specifically targeting vulnerable individuals to assert his dominance.

Mirjan is a local boat captain who initially resists the political demands of the Swadeshi movement. When he refuses to participate in the boycott of foreign goods, he becomes a direct target of Sandip's ruthless tactics.

Nanku is a household guard assigned to monitor the halls of the inner apartments. He strictly follows the orders given to him by Rani to maintain propriety, which places him in direct physical confrontation with guests who refuse to respect the household's traditional boundaries.

Khema is a maid serving Bimala in the household. She experiences the direct consequences of the simmering tension between the women of the family when she is harassed by rival servants, prompting her to demand her wages and attempt to quit.

Thako is Rani's personal maid. She acts as an extension of her mistress's authority and disdain, engaging in petty disputes with the other servants in the household to maintain dominance in the inner apartments.

Kasim is a guard at one of Nikhil's sub-treasuries. After a robbery occurs on his watch, his wildly exaggerated account of the event raises suspicions among the police that he may have been colluding with the thieves.