Stephen Wraysford
The main protagonist of the story, Wrayswford is very much an anti-hero. He is a lieutenant during WWI and he rules over his men with an iron fist, and treats them with disdain, despite caring for them in his own way. His only salvation is his lingering love for Isabelle.
René Azaire
The husband of Isabelle and the envy of Wraysford in that he is married to her and has both power and wealth. He is shown to be quite heartless and shallow, and it is implied that he is physically abusive towards Isabelle.
Isabelle Azaire
The main love interest of Wraysford and the source of his infatuation through the course of the book. She is in a loveless marriage and therefore seeks solace, and eventually, love, in Wraysford. Despite her love for him, she does eventually leave him once she discovers her pregnancy as she does not believe their love is enough to support a child.
