Robert Merivel
A man who tells of his coming of age in this novel. As the protagonist and narrator, Merivel's account of 17th century London is highly informed by his personal experience. He tells of his education, his family, his relationship to the King, and the women whom he has loved.
King Charles II
A busy king who appoints Robert to the position of physician of the palace dogs. This king also commands Robert to marry Celia so that she can live in the palace without questions from the people. Celia is actually one of the king's many girlfriends though.
Celia
The king's girlfriend who is married to Robert on paper so that Celia can live in the palace peacefully, without controversy from the church or the people. Celia's marriage comes with a serious dowry, the kind of wealth only a king could offer.
Pearce
Pearce is Robert's friend and confident who comes to help when Robert is in trouble. He is a Quaker who works at a psychiatric hospital with old-school ways.
Katherine
A random patient at the hospital who ends up sleeping with Robert and getting pregnant. Robert doesn't love her and wonders about the child, but when she delivers the child, it dies. Katherine is left alone in the wake of the pregnancy and tragic loss of her child, but also she is left by Robert who never really loved her.
