Mr. Fox, the novel’s protagonist, is a writer whose fictional depictions of women spark the main conflict. He grapples with the implications of his storytelling and the impact on the women in his life.

Daphne is Mr. Fox’s wife, who begins as a seemingly passive figure in their strained marriage. Her character develops into a strong and independent woman, challenging traditional gender roles.

John Pizarsky is a secondary character who serves as a contrasting masculine presence in Daphne's life. His interactions with Daphne highlight her emotional isolation within her marriage to Mr. Fox.