- Christopher "Kit"[8] Watson: Thirteen-year-old Christopher "Kit" Watson, the protagonist of the novel and enjoys writing stories. He is from one of the "Old families."[5]
- John Askew: The antagonist, Thirteen-year-old Askew, is described by critics as "alluring and dangerous,"[9] befriending Christopher throughout the course of the novel. He is described as a skilled artist and is from one of the "Old families."[5]
- Alison Keenan: Allison, or Allie, is a character that becomes friends with Christopher and has aspirations of being an actor. She is seen as a "temptress and protector,"[9] and described as a "bad-lass"[10] by Christopher's Grandfather.
- Grandfather Watson: Grandfather Watson is an old man who lives and has worked in the town of Stoneygate. He worked in the coal mines before they were closed and is described by critics as the "wise one."[9]
- Bobby Carr: Bobby Carr, acts as a bodyguard and messenger to Askew. He is suspicious of Christopher when he first joins their group and is used by Askew to fetch Christopher for their confrontation in a mine shaft.
- Mother and Father Watson: Christopher's parents play the role of caretakers for Grandfather Watson while he is ill.
- Miss Bush “Burning Bush”:[11] Miss Bush is a character who uncovers the game of Death, which gets Askew expelled, and assigns Christopher the story he ends up telling Askew in the mine.
- Father Askew: Askew's Father is an alcoholic who gets sober after Askew returns from running away.
- Mother Askew: Askew's mother is the character that raises Askew and his baby sister. When Askew runs away she asks Christopher to bring him back.
- Silky: The ethereal or imagined 'ghost boy' Kit Watson and his grandfather see in their dreams about the mine shafts.
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