Manus is Hugh's older son, a kind and soft-spoken man who helps teach at his father's school. He is characterized by his economic difficulties and his reluctance to propose to Maire due to his financial situation.

Owen is Hugh's younger son, a charming man who returns from Dublin to assist the British army as a translator. His work involves anglicizing Irish place names, reflecting complex loyalties.

Yolland is a British soldier and orthographer who develops a fascination with Irish culture and language. Despite the language barrier, he forms a bond with Maire.

Captain Lancey is in charge of Yolland's department, which focuses on mapping Ireland. He is formal and uneasy with the locals, creating tension with the Irish villagers.

Maire is a strong-minded local woman intent on learning English to embrace modern change, as influenced by Irish liberator Dan O’Connell. She becomes romantically involved with Yolland.

Sarah is a young woman with a severe speech impediment who studies under Manus's guidance to improve her speech. Her actions reveal her feelings for Manus, despite her communication challenges.

Jimmy Jack is an old friend of Hugh's known for his scholarly appearance and fanciful discussions of women and romance. He embodies the allure of classical knowledge and literature.

Doalty is a warm-hearted young man noted for his mischievous acts against the British surveyors, reflecting early rebelliousness. He later seeks more structured resistance.

Bridget is a cheerful country girl, intrigued by Doalty's rebellious nature and sharing in some of his antics. She is observant and one of the first to notice signs of the potato blight.