Mary is a young woman living in a colonial New England seaport. Following the reported death of her sailor husband, she takes on the responsibility of managing their shared household. She possesses a quiet serenity that allows her to collect herself quickly after the initial shock of her loss. Drawing on her religious faith and practical mindset, she prepares meals and tries to maintain normalcy in the home.

Margaret is a newlywed residing in a modest two-bedroom home with her sister-in-law. She reacts to the news of her husband's death in combat with intense, overwhelming emotion, refusing sustenance and struggling to sleep. The physical reminders of her marriage around the house cause her severe distress. She relies heavily on Mary for immediate emotional support.

He is a colonial soldier who leaves his newlywed bride to fight in Canadian warfare against French forces. He jointly owns a coastal New England house with his brother, establishing a close-knit domestic life for their respective wives. The report of his death in battle triggers the story's central mourning period.

He makes his living working on ships out of a principal seaport in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He recently married Mary and shares a modest home with his brother's family. A report arrives stating he perished at sea at the exact same time his brother died in battle.

Goodman Parker operates a local inn in the coastal colonial town. He wears a wide hat and coat to travel through a heavy nighttime rainstorm. He visits the sisters' home late at night to speak specifically with Margaret.

Stephen is a local sailor who works on coastal voyages in the Bay Province area. He has a prior romantic history with Mary from before her marriage. He arrives at the house late at night, persisting in his request to speak with her despite her initial reluctance.