Troilus is a prince of Troy and a highly skilled warrior. He initially scorns romance, believing it robs men of their reason and free will. This arrogance prompts Cupid to strike him with an arrow, causing an immediate, uncontrollable infatuation with Criseyde. He struggles to conceal his intense emotions while maintaining a strict sense of honor to protect her reputation.

Criseyde is the beautiful daughter of the astrologer Calkas, left behind in Troy when her father defects to the Greek army. She is an independent woman who manages her own finances and fears losing her sovereignty to a jealous or controlling husband. Her initial reluctance to entertain romance slowly gives way as she recognizes Troilus's devotion, though her precarious social status forces her to prioritize her own safety.

Pandarus is Criseyde's uncle and a devoted friend to Troilus. He uses his rhetorical skill and cunning to act as a matchmaker, plotting to bring the two together. He approaches romantic matchmaking much like a hunter driving a deer toward a target, employing stories, logical arguments, and occasional deception to persuade his niece to accept Troilus's affections.

Diomede is a Greek soldier descended from the warrior Tideus. He acts as a rational and calculated suitor for Criseyde once she arrives in the Greek camp. He uses logical arguments about the inevitable fall of Troy to attempt to win her affections, offering a pragmatic alternative to Troilus's highly emotional devotion.

Calkas is a Trojan astronomer and prophet who discovers that his city is doomed to lose the war. He abandons his home and his daughter to join the Greeks, later using his influence to negotiate a prisoner exchange so Criseyde can be returned to him.

Ector is a prince of Troy and Troilus's older brother. He is highly respected throughout the city for his bravery and nobility. He acts as a protector for Criseyde when her social standing is threatened by her father's defection.

Deiphebus is a Trojan prince and the brother Troilus feels closest to. He hosts a gathering to discuss a legal case against Criseyde, unwittingly providing a venue for Troilus to safely interact with her.

Helen is the famously beautiful figure whose abduction started the Trojan War. She appears at a dinner gathering to offer her support to Criseyde against local legal troubles.

Antigone is a Trojan maiden and Criseyde's niece. She sings a song praising the virtues of romantic love, which helps soften Criseyde's anxieties about entering into a relationship.

The god of love seeks revenge against Troilus for his arrogant dismissal of romance. He shoots Troilus with an arrow through the eye, forcing the prince to experience intense, uncontrollable infatuation.

Cassandra is a prophet of Apollo and Troilus's sister. She interprets signs and dreams, providing harsh but accurate truths about the shifting dynamics of the war and romantic alliances.

Antenor is a Trojan prisoner of war. The Greek army agrees to release him in exchange for bringing Criseyde to her father, setting up a difficult separation for the lovers.

Poliphete is a Trojan citizen who maliciously files a lawsuit against Criseyde, threatening her property and estate.

Sarpedon is a Trojan warrior who hosts a festive gathering with music and dancing. Pandarus uses this event to try and distract Troilus from his melancholy.