Mary
Mary is the forbidden lover of Sebastian, the son of Sir Alexander, who is forbidden by Sebastian to visit him until he can execute his plan to reunite them as fiancés.
Sebastian
He is a nobleman's son whose courtship with his girlfriend ends abruptly when his father calls off the wedding. Sebastian plans to trick his father into admitting that Sebastian should be with whomever will make him happiest.
Sir Alexander
He is a stern man with an angry side and a sensitive side whose overreaction about the dowry caused his son Sebastian to forfeit his engagement. Sir Alexander falls for Sebastian's trickery.
Moll
Moll is an androgynous woman who will not marry and who is therefore a perfect accomplice for the prank against Sir Alexander. She eventually plays along with Sebastian.
Goshawk
As a foil for Sebastian, he fails to persuade his love interest, Mistress Openwork, into having an affair.
Trapdoor
He is a minor character who finds himself oddly drawn to Moll's androgynous charm.
Openwork
Openwork is a tailor.
Laxton
He is an ironic character who offers money in return for sex. Moll accepts, but instead of meeting him in the field for a romp, she draws a sword and attacks him, making him admit to his moral corruption.
Gallipot
He is an apothecary.
Mistress Gallipot
She is Gallipot's wife, who has an affair with Laxton.
