George is Mrs. Peyton’s nephew and the heir to the Terrebonne Estate, a handsome young man recently returned from Europe. He is torn between his affection for Zoe and the estate’s financial troubles.

M’Closky is a Northern villain who formerly oversaw Terrebonne and now owns part of the estate. He is in love with Zoe and goes to great lengths to achieve his ambitions.

Scudder is a Yankee who oversees Terrebonne and is associated with improvements and inventions. Though troubled by his role in the estate's decline, he is a mostly kind man who helps Mrs. Peyton.

Pete is an elderly slave at Terrebonne characterized as a comic relief and filling the "Uncle Tom" stereotype. He is portrayed as playful and subservient.

Mrs. Peyton is the widow of Judge Peyton and an older woman trying to keep the Terrebonne Estate. She is kind-hearted and cares for Zoe as if she were her own child.

Dora is a wealthy Southern belle with affections for George and represents a potential solution to the estate's financial problems. She demonstrates kindness throughout the play.

Sunnyside is Dora’s father and a wealthy plantation owner who is kind-hearted and supportive of Mrs. Peyton’s plight to save the estate.

Paul is a 13-year-old slave boy described as a quadroon and beloved by many characters. He is good friends with Wahnotee and plays a crucial role in the narrative.

Wahnotee is a Native American chief from the Lepan tribe and close friend of Paul. He is depicted as a "noble savage" and has an important relationship with Paul.