Dorimant is a notorious womanizer and man-about-town in 1670s London. He is highly attentive to his appearance, relying on his servant to ensure his clothing reflects his elite status. He treats romantic relationships as strategic games rather than emotional commitments, seeking constant amusement through trickery and seduction. His mastery of social codes gives him significant influence over his peers.

Harriet is a wealthy, sharp-witted young heiress visiting London with her protective mother. She refuses to conform strictly to the restrictive gender expectations of her society, maintaining a critical distance from the superficial games of the town. Her intelligence allows her to match the city's notorious gentlemen in conversation without submitting to their manipulations.

Sir Fopling Flutter is a newly arrived gentleman from Paris, obsessed with his clothing, appearance, and manners. He serves as the epitome of modern vanity, commanding a large retinue of attendants and seeking out mirrors in every room he enters. He firmly believes his French fashion and habits make him superior to London society.

Mrs. Loveit is Dorimant's current mistress, deeply and sincerely attached to him in a society that mocks emotional vulnerability. She experiences love as an overwhelming force and struggles to maintain the cool detachment expected of fashionable women. Her sincere passion leaves her vulnerable to public humiliation and the manipulations of her lover.

Young Bellair is a pragmatic and well-liked gentleman who values sincere affection over the cynical romantic games played by his peers. He faces the threat of disinheritance from his father due to his secret romantic preferences. He successfully operates within the complex rules of London society without fully embracing its cruelest habits.

Medley is a highly connected gentleman who thrives on the exchange of information and scandal. He seamlessly transitions between different social circles, operating as a facilitator of rumors and romantic plots. He observes and critiques the behavior of his peers while actively participating in their superficial society.

Belinda is a younger friend of Mrs. Loveit who harbors her own secret desires. She operates behind her friend's back, hoping to secure Dorimant's affections for herself. She actively participates in deceptive schemes but experiences anxiety about the consequences of her actions on her own reputation.

Lady Woodvill is Harriet's wealthy mother, deeply suspicious of London's fashionable gentlemen. She holds a strong prejudice against Dorimant based entirely on his scandalous reputation, without ever having met him. She attempts to control her daughter's future by arranging a practical marriage.

Emilia is the discreet and virtuous companion to Lady Townley. She maintains a sincere, private romance despite the highly public and cynical nature of her social environment. She attracts the attention of both a father and a son, complicating her quiet position in society.

Lady Townley is Old Bellair's sister and a central figure in London's social scene. Her home serves as a popular gathering place for the young, idle elite to exchange rumors and display their wit. She prides herself on her taste and ability to entertain fashionable guests.

Old Bellair is Young Bellair's father and Lady Townley's brother. He attempts to direct his son's future by forcing an arranged marriage with a wealthy heiress. Despite his age, he remains susceptible to the town's romantic games and develops an unexpected infatuation with a younger woman.

Pert is Mrs. Loveit's waiting-woman. She observes her mistress's distress and offers practical, albeit sometimes unwelcome, advice regarding the cruel treatment Mrs. Loveit receives from men.

Busy is Harriet's maidservant. She tries to encourage her mistress to conform to the fashionable standards of London society, including proper hair styling and appropriate romantic behavior.

Foggy Nan is an orange-woman who uses her access to wealthy gentlemen to earn money through trade and gossip. She serves as a bridge between the working class and the isolated, wealthy elite.

Handy is Dorimant's valet de chambre. He meticulously prepares his master's wardrobe, playing a crucial role in maintaining Dorimant's carefully constructed public image.

Swearing Tom is a shoemaker who profits from the lavish spending of London's fashionable elite. He resents the hypocrisy of wealthy gentlemen who criticize working-class indulgences while living decadently themselves.

Mr. Smirk is a chaplain who facilitates secret arrangements for the younger generation, operating quietly within the bustling social scene.