Werther is a well-educated, middle-class young man who abandons his family's expectation that he will pursue a government career. He instead travels to the rural town of Wahlheim to focus on art and the natural world. Driven by intense emotion rather than reason, he views himself as an artist seeking authentic experiences. He quickly becomes completely absorbed by a passionate, overwhelming infatuation with a local woman.

Lotte is the daughter of the local steward and serves as a surrogate mother to her eight younger siblings. She is practical, deeply devoted to her family, and appreciates literature and dancing. Though she genuinely values Werther's friendship and shares his artistic interests, she remains firmly committed to her engagement to another man.

Albert is a mature, practical businessman who holds a respectable court position. He stands as a direct foil to Werther's emotional volatility, preferring reason and stability over passionate outbursts. He maintains a composed, patient demeanor and attempts to extend understanding toward his rival.

The Editor is an unnamed narrator who compiles the protagonist's correspondence. He acts as a sympathetic archivist who organizes the letters and provides necessary context for the reader. He attempts to offer an objective frame for the highly emotional narrative while expressing care for the subject's emotional hardships.

The "Farmer Lad" is a young local worker employed by a widow. He harbors a deep, consuming infatuation for his employer, who is older than him and hesitant to remarry. His intense devotion and emotional turmoil serve as an early mirror to Werther's own romantic fixations.

Miss von B. is a young aristocratic woman who feels burdened by her high social rank and societal expectations. She shares a desire for simpler, rural living, which draws her into a tentative courtship with the protagonist. Their connection faces significant barriers due to the strict social hierarchy of her peers.

Wilhelm is Werther's practical and circumspect friend back home. He acts as the primary recipient of the extensive letters, frequently offering grounded advice and arranging employment opportunities. He serves as a distant but reliable sounding board for his friend's intense emotional outbursts.

Count C. is an aristocratic man who possesses intellectual depth and a warm demeanor. He provides a temporary refuge from the strict court environment, though his preference for Werther's company causes friction with higher officials.

The Ambassador is a pedantic and strict official who demands adherence to social rank and proper business conduct. He frequently clashes with his impulsive young assistant, representing the rigid social conventions of the era.

Lotte's father is a local magistrate and a widower with nine children. He is a respected figure in the community who manages his large family with the significant help of his eldest daughter.

Heinrich is a former secretary to the steward who experiences severe mental distress. He fixates on an unrequited romance, providing another parallel to the extreme consequences of obsessive love.

Malchen is one of Lotte's many younger siblings. Her innocent interactions highlight the idyllic domestic life that captivates visitors to her family's home.

The local clergyman is a welcoming host known for the beautiful walnut trees on his land. He engages his visitors in lively conversation about human disposition and happiness.

Friederike is the vicar's daughter who visits with her family's guests alongside her romantic partner.

Mr. Schmidt is a local curate and the romantic partner of the vicar's daughter. He remains quiet during social visits, which disappoints those seeking elevated conversation.

Madame M. is an ill woman whom Lotte routinely visits. Facing the end of her life, she reveals that she secretly adjusted her miserly household allowance to keep her home running properly.