A blonde man from Sydney who, driven by dreams of fortune, heads to the New Zealand goldfields and forms a deep connection and romance with Anna Wetherell, showcasing a supportive and loving nature.

An alluring and cunning businesswoman who operates a gambling parlor and delves into fortune-telling, known for her involvement in schemes to amass wealth and con others.

A tall, imposing figure from Hong Kong with a dubious past of smuggling, who partners with Lydia in cons and is known for his menacing and violent tendencies.

A handsome and intelligent Scotsman who, after studying law at Cambridge, seeks his fortune in the New Zealand goldfields and becomes an impartial observer of the events at Hokitika.

A middle-aged Chinese opium den operator at a mining camp outside Hokitika, driven by a personal vendetta against Carver due to past betrayals involving his family.

A modest young banker from New Zealand who works at the Reserve Bank in Hokitika, reluctant to voice strong opinions but unafraid to take a stand when necessary.

The owner of the West Coast Times in Hokitika, originally from Hanover, who balances maintaining Jewish traditions with his commitment to ethical journalism.

Manager of the Gridiron Hotel who also handles Crosbie's estate, expressing his affection for Anna in a possessive manner, leading to conflicts over her choices and debts.

An English businessman and goldfields magnate with a penchant for card cheating, who manages sex workers and is known for his fiery temper and prejudices.

A Chinese gold digger working under indentured servitude on the Aurora mine, striving for financial gains to return to China, while battling prejudices and building alliances with fellow diggers.

A strong and handsome Māori man from the Poutini Ngai Tahu iwi, known for searching pounamu and having a close friendship with Crosbie Wells, with ambiguous involvement in events post-Crosbie's death.

The moody and intense chemist in Hokitika, known for his loyalty to friends and his interactions with Anna, reflecting on shared excesses and struggles.

A successful and optimistic British shipping agent in his 50s, known for his cheerful demeanor and close companionship with Alistair Lauderback, whom he supports politically.

A London lawyer turned New Zealand politician, seeking success in politics, marked by a commanding presence and assertive personality.

The jailer in Hokitika with a strict sense of justice, who harbors personal grudges and operates with a questionable moral compass regarding imprisonment and revenge.

An English digger whose mysterious death sets off key events in the story, known for his fortunes in the goldfields, his solitude, and his attempts to connect with relatives.

An Irish Free Methodist reverend stationed in Hokitika, who offers spiritual guidance with compassion and without judgment, particularly towards Anna.

A Norwegian commission merchant in Hokitika, known for his sociable nature and for brokering important sales, though sometimes compromising his integrity to gain favor.

A French junior clerk at the Hokitika courthouse, who meets Anna through his role at the jailhouse and shows kindness by helping her after her arrest.