Sarah
Sarah is a 17-year-old girl living in Medieval England, who decides to become an "anchoress." This means that she will be isolated in a small cell, free from distractions. She does this for religious reasons and hopes to devote herself to God, but also does this because she wants to escape the struggles of the world.
The dead anchoresses
During her stay in the cell, Sarah is visited by the spirits of previous anchoresses called Agnes and Isabella. We learn that Isabella had been attacked by a bishop and was forced to escape.
Sir Thomas
The landlord's son Sir Thomas had feelings towards Sarah before she became an anchoress, which were unrequited. This is part of the reason Sarah became an anchoress, in order to escape his advances.
Sarah's maids
Anna and Louise are Sarah's maids while she is in the cell. They are one of her only connections to the outside world, and they rely on her for advice and guidance.
