A major figure in the British romantic literary period and the speaker of the poem "To a Skylark." Originally in line to inherit a baronetcy and a seat in the House of Lords, his radical ideology leads to his expulsion from Oxford University. As a poet, he rejects detached rationalism in favor of emotion and imagination. He observes the skylark while traveling in Italy, using the bird's song to reflect on human suffering and the elusive nature of pure joy.

An unseen but omnipresent avian entity encountered by the Shelleys in Livorno, Italy. Within the poem, the bird pours out beautiful, spontaneous music from the heavens as it flies continuously upward. It acts as a representation of the divine in nature. It possesses an excess of pure happiness that remains entirely free from human weariness or annoyance.

The second wife of Percy Bysshe Shelley and a prominent author in her own right. She elopes with Shelley, leading to extensive travels across Europe. During one of these excursions, she encounters the inspiring skylark with him in Livorno. She famously works on *Frankenstein* while weathering a famine in a manor with other creatives.

Percy Bysshe Shelley's first wife. She marries the young poet shortly after his departure from Oxford. Their relationship becomes complicated when he spends time with philosopher William Godwin and falls in love with Godwin's daughter.

A prominent thinker who heavily influences the young Percy Shelley. He serves as the subject of Shelley's first major work, *Queen Mab*. His philosophical connection to Shelley becomes intensely personal when the young poet falls in love with his daughter.

An enigmatic fellow poet and major figure of the British romantic movement. He provides shelter to the Shelleys in a manor for an entire season when famine conditions strike the European countryside. He hosts the group while Mary works on her famous novel.

The 1st Baronet of Castle Goring and the patriarch of an extremely wealthy English family. His aristocratic status places his grandson in line to inherit a castle, extensive estates, and a powerful political position.