Rupert is a county school inspector. He is thin and prone to ill health. He holds unconventional, philosophical views about relationships and society, believing that intellectual understanding ruins spontaneity. He seeks a form of love that goes beyond traditional romance, desiring a deep, balanced connection with both a woman and a man.

Ursula is a 26-year-old teacher at Willey Green Grammar School. She feels stifled by her life in the Midlands town of Beldover and fears passing her days without achieving a profound emotional connection. She is fiercely independent, strongly resenting any attempts by men to control her or dictate her future.

Gudrun is Ursula's 25-year-old sister. She is an artist who recently returned to Beldover from the bohemian circles of London. She finds her hometown ugly and restrictive, preferring to stand out with her vibrant clothing and detached demeanor. She observes the world around her with a critical eye and searches for inspiration and a partner who matches her intensity.

Gerald is the wealthy heir to the local coal mine in Beldover. He views the world mechanically, seeking to dominate nature and increase industrial profit at the expense of human charity. Despite his physical strength and business success, he struggles with feelings of emptiness and a dark family history involving accidental childhood violence.

Hermione is a wealthy and beautiful woman who places a high value on knowledge and intellectual discourse. She frequently hosts gatherings at her estate, Breadalby, where she attempts to direct the thoughts and actions of her guests. Her reliance on intellect over emotion causes friction with those who prefer spontaneity.

Loerke is a dark-skinned German artist. He holds strict views on his profession, believing that art exists entirely separate from the artist and the real world. He possesses a sarcastic sense of humor and prefers the company of women and other artists over traditional masculine figures.

Thomas is the patriarch of the Crich family and the long-time owner of the local coal mines. He attempts to manage the mines according to his Christian values, providing charity to the widows of fallen workers. His failing health leaves the future of the business to his son.

Christiana is the matriarch of the Crich family. She dislikes the poor and frequently disapproves of her husband's charitable nature toward the miners. She maintains a critical attitude toward her children.

Will is the father of Ursula and Gudrun. He is an old-fashioned man with a quick temper who values traditional social codes. He works as a church organist and becomes easily frustrated when his daughters and their suitors express abstract or modern ideas.

Diana is one of the younger sisters in the Crich family. She participates in the social events surrounding the Shortlands estate, maintaining her place in the wealthy family structure.

Winnie is Gerald's youngest sister. She is an artistic and somewhat aloof young girl who divides the world into people she respects and people she ignores. She shows a strong passion for drawing her pets.

Miss Darrington, who is also called Pussum, is a young woman living in London. She is pregnant and associates with the city's bohemian circles. She is quick to defend herself when insulted.

Julius is a bohemian Londoner who hosts artists and travelers in his flat. He collects diverse art pieces and prefers a relaxed, unconventional lifestyle, though he often struggles to control the social dynamics of his peer group.

Leitner is a traveler and companion to Loerke. He spends his holiday engaging in winter sports while managing a tense dynamic with his travel partner.

Laura is a member of the Crich family. She attends the family gatherings and participates in the social events hosted at the Shortlands estate.

Rosalind is another of the Brangwen siblings. She lives with her parents and navigates the busy household in Beldover.

Billy is the young brother of Ursula and Gudrun. He lives at home with his parents and siblings, representing the domestic life Ursula wishes to escape.

Dora is a young sister of Ursula and Gudrun. She resides at the family home in Beldover and is shy around visitors.