- Tess Durbeyfield, the novel's protagonist, a country girl
- John and Joan Durbeyfield, Tess's parents
- Eliza Louisa ('Liza-Lu) Durbeyfield, the eldest of Tess's younger siblings
- Angel Clare, intending farmer who becomes Tess's husband
- Alec Stoke-d’Urberville, Tess's seducer/rapist and father of her child
- Mrs d’Urberville (or Stoke-d’Urberville), Alec's mother
- Marian, Izz Huett and Retty Priddle, milkmaids, friends of Tess
- Reverend and Mrs Clare, Angel's parents
- Reverends Felix and Cuthbert Clare, Angel's brothers
- Mercy Chant, schoolteacher whom Angel's family initially hopes he will marry
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