Simon is a master shoemaker operating a bustling shop near Tower Hill in London. He possesses a loud, charismatic, and boisterous personality, frequently treating his workers to beer and merrymaking to boost their spirits. Deeply proud of his trade, which he calls the "Gentle Craft," he values hard work and communal solidarity over aristocratic prestige.

Rowland is a nobleman and the nephew of the Earl of Lincoln. Assigned to command troops in the impending war against France, he instead chooses to desert his post to remain close to the woman he loves. He adopts the disguise of "Hans," a working-class Dutch shoemaker, showing a willingness to abandon his aristocratic privilege to achieve his personal desires.

Rose is the daughter of the Lord Mayor of London, raised in a comfortable but highly controlled environment. Confined to her family's country estate to keep her away from a nobleman her father disapproves of, she feels like a prisoner in her own home. She possesses a sharp wit and firmly rejects the suitors her father attempts to push upon her.

Ralph is a young, newly married journeyman shoemaker who works in Simon Eyre's shop. Conscripted into the army to fight against the French, he represents working-class duty, accepting his patriotic obligations even though it means leaving his wife behind. He crafts a special pair of shoes for his wife before he leaves to ensure she remembers him.

Oatley is the current Lord Mayor of London, a wealthy citizen who strictly guards the boundaries of social class. He firmly believes that citizens should not marry courtiers, fearing a nobleman would squander his daughter's wealth. He uses his authority to confine his daughter to their country estate and actively attempts to arrange a marriage he deems more appropriate.

Jane is a young working-class woman newly married to Ralph. When he is sent to war, she remains in London alone, supporting herself by working in a shop as a seamstress. Her vulnerability in the city without her husband exposes her to aggressive, unwanted romantic pressures from wealthier men who refuse to take no for an answer.

A powerful nobleman who polices the behaviors and associations of his family members. He is deeply offended by his nephew's willingness to work a manual labor job in the past, viewing it as a stain on their aristocratic bloodline. He sets spies on his nephew to ensure he boards the ship for the war in France.

Simon Eyre's wife, a vocal and visible presence in the shoemaking workshop. While she does not participate directly in the economic transactions, she manages the workers in her husband's absence and eagerly embraces the fashionable clothing and titles that accompany his rising social status.

A senior journeyman shoemaker in Simon Eyre's shop. Practical and business-minded, he is quick to understand the financial potential of outside business deals and actively encourages his master to take risks that could elevate them all.

A jovial, witty journeyman shoemaker in Simon Eyre's shop. He uses humor to keep morale high among the workers and proves clever enough to outwit members of the upper classes when they attempt to interfere with the shoemakers' affairs.

A wealthy London gentleman who spends his days engaging in leisure activities like hunting. He uses his financial security to pursue romantic conquests, easily shifting his focus from one woman to another when rejected, often ignoring the boundaries and wishes of working-class women.

The ruling monarch of England, functioning as the absolute authority over all social classes and military deployments. He is curious about the working-class citizens of London and possesses the unique power to alter a person's social standing with a single decree.

Rose's maid and loyal confidante. Though she holds personal reservations about the arrogance of noblemen, she actively assists her mistress in gathering information and arranging secret meetings in the city.

An attendant and spy employed by the Earl of Lincoln. He travels between England and France to deliver reports on the war and tracks the movements of the Earl's nephew in London.

Rowland Lacy's cousin and a military officer. He remains loyal to his family member, agreeing to take command of the troops and lead them to France so his cousin can secretly remain in London.

A gentleman and cousin to Master Hammon. He accompanies his relative on hunts and shares his habit of engaging in leisurely flirtation with the women they encounter.

A military officer who conveys the King of England's official orders regarding the upcoming invasion of France, setting the strict deadline for the troops' departure.

The nephew of the Lord Mayor of London. He serves as an agreeable confidant for his uncle, listening to his plans regarding business and arranged marriages.