Thomas Harrington
A New Englander whose desire for Harriot Fawcet is both intense and wrong. The story centers around the controversial nature of their illicit relationship.
Harriot Fawcet
The mistress of Harrington who originally feels hesitant because she understands the illicit nature of the relationship Harrington intends for them. The drama of the story centers around the later-discovered fact that Harriot is actually the illegitimate half-sister of Harrington.
Jack Worthy
The thoughtful narrator of the story who interacts primarily through letters with Harrington as the story unwraps.
Mrs. Eliza Holmes
Mrs. Eliza Holmes remembers that Harriot was the illegitimate child of Thomas and Myra's father, and when she catches wind of the affair, it is she who informs the parties in question.
Myra Harrington
The sister of Thomas and the thoughtful outsider who watches the story unfold. In the end it is Myra who is called upon to break the news to Thomas and Harriot that their relationship is incestuous.
