Adeline is a nineteen-year-old woman raised in a strict convent who possesses a sensitive and resilient spirit. She is dependent on the kindness of strangers after being forced from her home by the man she believes to be her father. She writes poetry and walks through the local woods to calm her anxieties. Her striking beauty and lack of familial protection make her vulnerable to the unwanted attentions of powerful men.

Pierre is a French gentleman who squandered his fortune through gambling and subsequently engaged in fraudulent schemes. He seeks refuge in a ruined medieval abbey to hide from the authorities. He is moody and frequently absents himself for long periods. He struggles between his basic moral conscience and a desperate desire for self-preservation.

Philippe, the Marquis de Montalt, is a wealthy nobleman who owns the ruined abbey where the La Motte family takes shelter. He presents a polite and elegant demeanor that masks a highly aggressive and selfish nature. Driven by ambition and immediate desires, he uses his high social rank to intimidate others and demand compliance.

Theodore is a courteous and well-educated young man serving as an officer in the Marquis de Montalt's regiment. He exhibits a noble independence of spirit and genuine concern for the safety of others. Recognizing the threat his commanding officer poses, he attempts to warn and protect Adeline at considerable risk to his military career.

Madame La Motte is the wife of Pierre La Motte, forced to abandon her comfortable life in Paris due to her husband's financial ruin. She initially provides maternal comfort to the orphaned Adeline but grows resentful and suspicious as her husband's behavior becomes erratic. She struggles to adapt to the rustic and isolated conditions of their ruined shelter.

Louis is an army officer and the son of Pierre and Madame La Motte. He tracks his family down after learning of their sudden departure from Paris. He possesses a gentle and affectionate disposition. He quickly develops unrequited feelings for Adeline and struggles to accept that she only values his friendship.

Peter is a practical and talkative coachman serving the La Motte family. Originally from the mountainous Savoy region, he prefers his rustic homeland to the French forests. He provides essential labor by repairing the ruined structure they occupy and procuring supplies from nearby villages.

Annette is a domestic servant working for the La Motte household. She assists with the daily chores necessary to make the ancient and decaying ruins habitable for the displaced family.

La Luc is an educated and rational clergyman residing in the Savoy region. Following the death of his wife, he dedicated himself to raising his children and tending to his parishioners. He suffers from failing health but maintains a dignified and generous character. He finds joy in philosophical discussions and the natural beauty of the nearby mountains.

Clara is the lively and sweet-tempered daughter of La Luc. Raised in a peaceful environment, she enjoys sketching and playing the lute. She strives to balance her artistic hobbies with her daily responsibilities and quickly forms a bond with Adeline.

Madame La Luc is the pragmatic sister of the local clergyman. She prepares remedies for the villagers and manages the daily operations of the chateau. She ensures a neat and orderly home environment for her family and their guests.

Monsieur Verneuil is an intelligent and well-mannered French traveler exploring the Savoy region. He possesses a discerning mind and shares many philosophical views with the local clergyman. His conversational skills make him a welcome and engaging guest at the chateau.

Du Bosse is a menacing individual holding Adeline captive in a remote cottage. Acting under the orders of unseen superiors, he violently forces the fleeing Pierre La Motte to take the young woman away. He threatens immediate harm if his demands are ignored.