Widge is a twelve-year-old orphan from the English countryside who has never known his biological parents. He has spent his life trying to survive neglect and harsh conditions, developing a fierce independence and an inability to easily trust others. Trained in a rare form of shorthand called charactery, he is thrust into the bustling world of Elizabethan London when a new master purchases him for a specific, secret task.

Falconer and Simon Bass represent the intimidating new authority figures in Widge's life. Simon Bass is an investor who directs Widge to illegally copy an unpublished script, while Falconer acts as the aggressive, dark-cloaked escort who transports the boy to London. They demand strict obedience and threaten violence to ensure the mission succeeds.

Sander is a tall, thin apprentice with the Lord Chamberlain's Men who shares a room with Widge. He is outgoing, patient, and eager to help the newcomer learn the ways of the theatre, from sweeping the stage to memorizing lines. He consistently offers genuine companionship, challenging Widge's belief that people are inherently cruel.

Julia/Julian is an apprentice with the Lord Chamberlain's Men who demonstrates a strong aptitude for acting and fencing. Growing up in a rough area of London with a difficult family background, this apprentice understands Widge's feelings of isolation. The character steps in to defend Widge from bullies and forms a bond with him over their shared hardships.

Timothy Bright is the rector of a small parish in Yorkshire who originally studied medicine at Cambridge. He adopts Widge to serve as a transcriptionist rather than a son, utilizing the boy to copy sermons from neighboring churches. He is a harsh master who prioritizes his own convenience over the well-being of his apprentice.

William Shakespeare is a playwright and player for the Lord Chamberlain's Men. He is a quiet, somewhat melancholy man who occasionally mutters to himself and keeps to his own thoughts. His newest play, *The Tragedy of Hamlet*, is the target of the illegal copying mission.

Thomas Pope is a brawny, established member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men who takes in apprentices. He provides a home, food, and basic care for boys like Widge and Sander. He is genuinely concerned for the boys' well-being, creating a household environment that resembles a functional family.

Mr. Armin serves as the fencing master for the Lord Chamberlain's Men. He teaches the apprentices how to fight safely for the stage and maintains discipline among the boys. He speaks up for Widge when the boy first arrives at the theatre, encouraging the company to give the newcomer a chance.

Nick is the oldest apprentice in the Lord Chamberlain's Men and often acts as a bully to the younger boys. He is frustrated with his current standing in the company, feeling he has outgrown playing female roles but lacking the discipline to secure adult male parts. He frequently shows up late or intoxicated, creating friction within the troupe.

Mistress MacGregor is the caretaker of the orphanage where Widge spends his early childhood. She is the one who originally gave Widge his name, derived from calling him a "pigwidgeon" due to his small and frail size. She oversees a dreary environment where the children are often hungry.

Libby is a servant girl employed at Simon Bass's house. She tends to domestic duties, offering to wash Widge's clothes and directing him to the master's study upon his arrival.

Mr. Heminges is a leader who helps run the business side of the Lord Chamberlain's Men. He monitors the apprentices' situations and offers financial assistance when he believes Widge's former master is attempting to reclaim him.

Will Sly is a former apprentice who has successfully transitioned into a full member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men. He relays messages from the company leaders to the apprentices and serves as an example of what the boys can achieve.

Chris Beeston is a former apprentice now working as a player with the company. He inadvertently provides Widge with background information about Simon Bass's history with the Lord Chamberlain's Men.

Jack is the company's cannoneer who manages the special effects for the plays. He spots Widge hiding backstage and tries to apprehend him, accidentally misfiring his cannon and causing a serious accident in the process.

Samuel, also known as Sam, is a "hopeful" at the theatre, a young boy aspiring to earn a full apprenticeship with the company. He gossips with Widge about the other boys' habits in the tiring room.

James is another young "hopeful" working at the Globe, hoping to prove his worth and stay on as a permanent apprentice with the Lord Chamberlain's Men.

Adam is the stable boy at Simon Bass's substantial house, responsible for caring for the horses and managing the outdoor labor.