Main characters
- Baroka – The Bale or viceroyal chieftain of Ilujinle, a Yoruba village in the realm of the Ibadan clan's kingdom. A crafty individual, he is the Lion referred to in the title. At 62 years of age, he has already sired 63 children thanks to polygamy. And still wants to woo Sidi, the jewel
- Lakunle – The progressive and absurdly arrogant Westernised teacher. He is in his twenties. He appears to only be semi-literate.
- Sidi – A beautiful but somewhat egotistical village girl who is wooed by both Baroka and Lakunle. She is also the village belle. She is the titular Jewel.
- Sadiku – The chief's sly senior wife, head-wife of his harem:
- Ailatu – Baroka's favourite, who loses her place in his affections due to her jealousy of sidi.
Supporting characters
- The Surveyor - an outsider who plans to construct a road through the village.
