Dr. Thorne
Dr. Thorne is a medical practitioner with many years of experience in the apothecary. Dr. Thorne is the uncle of Mary and her custodian. For many years, Dr. Thorne has kept the identity of Mary a secret to protect her reputation. Society treats illegitimate children with disdain. Therefore, Dr. Thorne decides to raise Mary as her biological daughter.
Dr. Thorne lives in an upper-class neighborhood. Like his friends, Dr. Thorne is a successful man who has made substantial wealth from his career The biggest concern for Dr. Thorne is to help Mary acquire a good life despite her status as an illegitimate child.
Mary Thorne
Mary Thorne is Dr. Thorne's niece, born outside wedlock. Mary does not know her biological father because no one has ever bothered to let her know the truth. Mary is an outgoing person who wants to achieve her dreams. Mary is a beautiful woman full of humor; no man can ignore her presence. When Frank Gresham first meets Mary, he falls in love with her.
Sir Rodger
Sir Rodger is a rich and influential man in society. Sir Rodger is a hardworking man who created wealth during the industrial revolution. Sir Rodger won several contracts to construct the railway, and he ended up becoming wealthy. In his old age, Sir Rodger loves fun, and he attains this by drinking alcohol in expensive clubs.
Frank Gresham
Drank Gresham is the eldest son of Squire Gresham and Lady Arbella. Frank's parents are influential people in society but face financial problems. Therefore, they expect Frank to marry a rich woman to help them regain their influence. However, Frank is in love with Mary. Mary is a poor girl who does not have the right to inheritance. Frank decides to disobey his parents and goes ahead to marry Mary. Consequently, Frank is an independent man who is not influenced by his parents to make decisions that directly affect his life.
Lady Arbella
Lady Arbella is Squire Gresham’s wife and mother to Frank. Lady Arbella is a supercilious woman who does not want her son to marry a poor wife. According to Lady Arbella, her son cannot marry a poor woman.
Squire Gresham
Squire Gresham is the father of Frank. Gresham is also a very good friend to Dr. Thorne because they belong to the same social class. However, of late, Gresham is facing financial difficulties, and he needs his son to marry a very rich woman to help the family bail itself out of debt.
