Saul, portrayed as a foil to David, is the first king of Israel known for his pursuit of David, presenting a significant threat during David's early life. His presence in the narrative serves to contrast with David's character.

Absalom, the ambitious son of David, emerges as an antagonist seeking to overthrow his father's rule. He plays a crucial role in illustrating the dynamics of authority and aspiration within the story.

The narrator acts as both a storyteller and an explicator, guiding the reader through the narrative with commentary and interpretation. This character is voiced by the author and engages in dialogue with a reader-character.