Mr. White is an older man with a thin grey beard who lives with his wife and adult son in a remote, quiet home. Though he complains about his house's isolated location and exhibits a risk-taking disposition during chess games, he genuinely values his peaceful family life. His curiosity about the outside world makes him particularly receptive to the exotic tales brought by their houseguest.

Mrs. White is an older woman with white hair who diligently tends to her family's home and comfort. She maintains a practical, grounded perspective, often acting as a calming presence when her husband becomes frustrated or loses at games. Initially, she demonstrates a dismissive and lighthearted attitude toward the purported magical object introduced into their home.

Herbert is the cheerful adult son of Mr. and Mrs. White, who still lives with his parents while working at the Maw and Meggins factory. He brings warmth and humor to the household, freely teasing his father and maintaining a lighthearted atmosphere. When presented with a supposedly magical artifact, he treats it as a frivolous joke and eagerly encourages his father to test it.

Sergeant-Major Morris is a tall, burly man with a ruddy complexion and beady eyes. He is a weary traveler who has seen much of the modern, outside world, including wars and plagues. He introduces a dried-up monkey's paw from Asia to the sheltered White family, though his grave demeanor indicates he fears the object's power.