Constantia
Constantia is the novel's main character and protagonist. She is a strong, young, independent, and virtuous woman who faces numerous challenges throughout the novel. She is intelligent, resilient, and an upstanding citizen who is capable of giving the world quite a bit. Like every woman of her time, though, she has trouble navigating the complexities of her circumstances. After her father dies, her family is left financially bereft and with very few prospects to succeed, forcing her to conjure up her strength and determination to find a way out of her situation for the sake of her family.
To get her family out of financial trouble, Constantia works with other people, including Ormond, who becomes obsessed with her. At first, she enjoys Ormond's company. However, he quickly becomes obsessed with her, forcing her to flee him. Her character embodies the novel's themes of feminism and its exploration of what it means to be an upstanding, self-reliant citizen.
Ormond
Ormond is the novel's main antagonist. He is a mysterious and multi-faceted character who, upon meeting Constantia, becomes deeply infatuated with her. At first, he appears to be a kind and genial older man who wants to help Constantia. However, Constantia quickly discovers that Ormond is a shadowy figure who is driven by selfish motives. He wants to become a more enlightened individual but is also obsessed with Constantia and wants to start a relationship with her. She rebuffs his interest, but that makes him more obsessed with her, threatening her safety. He is a deeply disturbed and evil man; to boot, he is exceptionally cunning and manipulative.
Martinette de Beauvais
Martinette is Constantia's friend, closest confidante, and advisor. She is a wise, loyal, and supportive character; she supports Constantia through her varied trials and tribulations. Like Constantia, Martinette comes from a poor background. But she comes from a family who loves her deeply, causing her to become a fighter for what is right.
