Elizabeth is a poor, older woman living in the village of Edmonton. Denied basic respect and marginalized due to her poverty, physical appearance, and age, she faces constant social isolation. The community frequently scapegoats her for their bad luck and crop failures, causing her to harbor deep resentment toward those who mistreat her. She desires the power to fight back against her oppressors.

Dog is a supernatural entity taking the shape of a black dog. He acts as a familiar and seeks to exploit the negative intentions of the villagers, offering them assistance in exchange for their souls. His supernatural nature allows him to turn invisible to certain characters while interacting physically with others.

Frank is a young man from a respectable gentry family who finds himself trapped by his own deception. Desperate to protect his inheritance and reputation from his father's anger, he struggles to maintain a dangerous web of lies involving his secret wife and his community. He presents a smooth, unruffled exterior that masks a state of inner panic.

Winnifride is a pregnant servant who is secretly married to Frank Thorney. Despite her difficult socio-economic circumstances and complicated past with her employer, she determines to live a morally upright life. She honors the sanctity of her marriage and frequently worries about Frank's loyalty and spiritual well-being.

Young Banks is the son of a local landowner and serves as a jovial, clownish figure in the village. An enthusiastic participant in the local Morris dance, he pursues the affections of Katherine Carter. His innocent desires lead him to inadvertently interact with supernatural forces, though he treats these encounters lightly.

Old Thorney is Frank's father and a gentleman whose estate faces severe financial jeopardy. He pushes for his son to make a highly profitable marriage to save the family from ruin, completely unaware of Frank's existing commitments. He expects absolute filial obedience and calculates his family's survival based on financial alliances.

Susan is the daughter of a wealthy yeoman and is genuinely in love with Frank Thorney. Innocent and trusting, she interprets Frank's troubled demeanor favorably, believing his excuses. She desires a loyal marriage and is willing to stand up for herself against suitors she dislikes.

Old Carter is a wealthy landowner and yeoman who fiercely loves his two daughters. He is generous and practical, offering a large dowry upfront to secure a match he believes will make Susan happy. He judges suitors based on their honesty rather than just their wealth.

Katherine is Susan's younger sister. She is cautious about romance and wishes to test her suitor's loyalty before fully committing to him. She is practical and observant, supporting her sister while carefully managing her own prospects.

Sir Arthur is the wealthy employer of both Frank and Winnifride. He initially appears concerned with the honor of his household, but quickly reveals a hypocritical nature. He attempts to manipulate the situations of those in his employ for his own convenience.

Old Banks is a local landowner who fiercely guards his property and social status. He is quick to anger and plays a leading role in the community's verbal and physical abuse of Elizabeth Sawyer, eagerly blaming her for any misfortune that befalls his farm.

Somerton is a respectable outsider from a nearby village who owns his own land. He patiently courts Katherine and maintains a friendly disposition, believing that honest wooing is the best way to win a heart.

Warbeck is an arrogant and verbose suitor who pursues Susan Carter. He relies heavily on boasting about his income and becomes easily irritated when his advances are rejected by women who see through his posturing.

Anne is a village woman who previously wronged Elizabeth by striking her pig. This seemingly minor domestic dispute makes her a primary target for supernatural revenge.

Old Ratcliffe is a countryman in Edmonton and the husband of Anne. He tries to protect his wife when she begins exhibiting strange behavior, rallying other villagers to help him.