Gwenda starts as a daughter of landless laborers and evolves into a family matriarch, overcoming societal constraints through intelligence and determination.

Godwyn becomes the prior of Kingsbridge, driven by self-interest and ambition, with a leadership style causing repercussions throughout the community.

Merthin, a talented craftsman from a fallen knight's family, gains recognition for his construction skills and faces personal challenges related to love and ambition.

Ralph, the son of an impoverished knight, pursues power and status ruthlessly, often using violent means, embodying the feudal era's darker aspects.

Thomas, a former knight turned monk, navigates life in a monastery with humility and keeps a dangerous secret from his past.

Lady Phillipa uses her noble status to protect those around her, showing both the influence and limitations women faced during the period.

Philemon, Gwenda’s brother rising from poverty, exploits weaknesses in people and institutions to ascend in ecclesiastical ranks.

Annet is a beautiful young woman whose life becomes intertwined with Wulfric's, influencing the futures of several characters.

Anthony, brother to Petranilla and uncle to Caris, is a passive prior who struggles with maintaining his church's and town's infrastructure.

Matthew is a barber and lay-surgeon known for using practical knowledge to treat injuries successfully.

Betty is a baker who openly supports Caris in her efforts to make improvements in the town.

Bessie, daughter of an inn owner, is one of Merthin's lovers and leaves him her inn after her death.

Beth serves as the treasurer in the nunnery, playing a role in uncovering financial misconduct.

Alice, Caris’s sister, harbors jealousy toward Caris's achievements and supports the accusations against her.

Elfric, a lackluster craftsman, ends Merthin’s apprenticeship under false accusations and stands opposed to progressive changes.

Griselda, daughter of Elfric, falsely claims Merthin fathered her child, impacting his professional path.

Carlus, vying for control of the priory, is a deeply faithful monk with limited political insight.

Buonaventura, a Florentine wool trader, encourages Merthin to broaden his horizons beyond Kingsbridge.

Cecilia, prioress of the nunnery, is a mentor to Caris and strategically navigates the challenges facing women in leadership roles.

Sim is part of an outlaw gang, exploiting Gwenda until she takes drastic action for her freedom.

Claude is a church official who, after replacing Philemon, forms a close personal bond with Bishop Henri.

Elizabeth, the well-read daughter of Sairy, becomes an adversary of Caris after facing rejection from Merthin.

Davey, son of Gwenda and Wulfric, is highly ambitious and resolves long-standing family conflicts through marriage.

Edward III is known for his effectiveness on the battlefield and pragmatic leadership, impacting the fates of several characters.

Alan, bailiff to Ralph, assists in several crimes alongside Ralph and pays the ultimate price at Gwenda's hands.

Sir Gerald, Ralph and Merthin's father, disregards Merthin's achievements while focusing on restoring lost family status.

Lady Maud is the mother of Ralph and Merthin.

Henri is a shrewd and politically astute bishop, often an ally to Caris and the town leadership.

Tam, an outlaw leader, provides crucial information about the monks during the plague but eventually dies from it.

Isabella, Queen of England, plays a pivotal role in the nation's political shifts and is tied to the novel's inciting events.

Joby, father to Gwenda and Philemon, makes decisions driven by poverty, resulting in life-changing consequences for his children.

Joseph is a monk-physician adhering to ancient texts, inadvertently motivating Caris towards more practical medical studies.

Lolla, Merthin’s headstrong daughter, reflects the erratic social changes of her time as she rebels during the plague.

Gregory, a skilled lawyer and later royal counselor, uses his expertise to wield influence for various political entities.

Mair, a nun devoted to Caris, accompanies her to France amidst seeking justice for the nunnery.

Murdo is a corrupt friar whose manipulation incites violence and plays into political schemes.

Nell is condemned for witchcraft amid chaos, culminating in her tragic death during a bridge collapse.

Odila is the beautiful daughter of nobility impacted by the story's events.

Petranilla is the politically astute mother of Godwyn, instilling in him the skills for manipulation.

Philip VI is the French king whose military and political strategies influence the broader historical context.

Nathan is a bailiff whose corruption impacts the lives and fortunes of Gwenda and her family.

Richard, son of Earl Roland, is forced into supporting Godwyn due to a scandal and ultimately perishes in battle.

Roland, a ruthless noble, values ruthless ambition and plays a critical role in upholding the feudal status quo.

Sam, product of a turbulent union, transitions from laborer to squire through recognition from Ralph.

Silvia, Merthin's Florentine wife, meets a tragic end during the plague before spurring Merthin's return to England.

Sime, an educated but arrogant monk physician, becomes part of Philemon's political maneuvers.

Tilly is a young bride tragically caught in Ralph’s dangerous ambitions and violent actions.

Madge, a powerful collaborator in town, supports Caris's initiatives, including advancements in healthcare.

Mark, a transitioned weaver, partners with Caris to produce scarlet cloth, enhancing Kingsbridge’s economy.

Saul, a monk with deep faith, opts out of politics to maintain integrity and leads St. John in the Wood.

William succeeds Earl Roland and administers his power with a sense of responsibility.

Mattie is a skilled herbalist who faces accusations of witchcraft, leading her to flee for her safety.

Edmund, a wool merchant and Caris's father, is influential in the town's burgeoning independence efforts.

Rose, wife of Edmund and mother to Caris and Alice, inspires Caris’s medical interests following her illness.