At fifty years old, Thomas Cromwell serves as Secretary to the King and Lord Privy Seal. Born the son of a blacksmith in Putney, he has risen to become the second most powerful man in England. He relies on his sharp intellect, legendary memory, and diplomatic skills to manage the king's affairs. He maintains a massive household at Austin Friars and constantly protects himself from aristocratic rivals who despise his common origins.

King of England, Henry has recently severed ties with the Holy Roman Empire to declare himself Head of the Church of England. He struggles with a painful leg wound from a jousting accident and carries the heavy burden of securing a legitimate male heir for the Tudor dynasty. He is a demanding, impulsive monarch who requires constant reassurance and uses his courtiers to fulfill his complex personal desires.

The diminutive daughter of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon. She remains fiercely loyal to her mother's Spanish Catholic heritage and refuses to acknowledge her father as the head of the church. Because her existence rallies Catholic loyalists and ancient families, she lives in constant danger while attempting to maintain her religious convictions.

King Henry's third wife, recently elevated to queen following the execution of Anne Boleyn. She presents a demure, devout, and calm public image, providing a sharp contrast to the previous queen. She carefully manages the king's volatile temperament and hopes to secure her position by bearing a male heir.

Thomas Howard is a powerful aristocrat and leader of one of England's oldest families. He deeply resents Thomas Cromwell's rise from commoner status to Lord Privy Seal. He continuously looks for ways to restore the power of the ancient nobility and undermine Cromwell's influence at court.

A bishop and staunch religious conservative who opposes the Protestant Reformation. He operates as one of Cromwell's most persistent political enemies, frequently using religious doctrine and parliamentary maneuvering to erode the Secretary's power.

The ambassador to the Holy Roman Empire, representing the interests of Charles V. He functions as a key diplomat in London, advocating for the restoration of Catholicism and secretly spreading damaging rumors about Cromwell's ambitions.

Henry's second wife, whose recent execution for alleged treason and infidelity sets the plot in motion. Though dead, her memory haunts the court, and the hasty removal of her initials from royal properties occupies the king's servants.

The deceased former Lord Chancellor of England. He originally lifted Cromwell out of obscurity, and his memory serves as an ongoing source of inspiration for Cromwell and a point of resentment for the noble families who hated his power.

A capable clerk and Earl of Southampton working closely within Cromwell's administrative machine. He assists in managing the complex logistics of the country, from diplomatic correspondence to keeping watch over minor courtiers.

A trusted aide and member of Cromwell's inner circle. Raised in Cromwell's household, he acts as a dependable pair of hands for the Secretary's sensitive political operations.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, who shares Cromwell's Protestant leanings and desire to see the Bible printed in English. He worries constantly about the king's conservative religious views and the danger of holding reforming beliefs.

Thomas Cromwell's surviving son. He lacks his father's ruthless ambition but enjoys the wealth and status that come from his family's elevated position. His father carefully arranges his life to secure the family's legacy.

A descendant of the Plantagenet line who holds strong Catholic sympathies. She quietly resists the new order, secretly sewing treasonous banners supporting her exiled son's rebellion against the king.

A poet and courtier currently imprisoned under suspicion of being one of Anne Boleyn's lovers. Cromwell works to protect him, honor a promise to his father, and secure his release so he can be sent abroad as an ambassador.

King Henry's illegitimate son, holding the title of Duke of Richmond. Despite his illegitimacy, he believes he is fit to rule England and openly speaks of his claim to the throne, creating a delicate situation for the king's advisors.

Henry's first wife and a Spanish princess, whose marriage the king annulled to marry Anne Boleyn. Though dead, her memory continues to inspire the rebels who march against the king's religious reforms.