Samuel Pepys
The author of the diary was not exactly known as a major literary figure of his day. In fact, he was something of a government bureaucrat who rose all the way to the position of Chief Secretary to the Admiralty, serving both King Charles II and King James II in this capacity. Were his diaries never published, his greatest claim to fame would certainly be the legacy of reform he instituted at the Admiralty and for being a loyal supporter of the embattled Charles II. Since the diary was not written for the purpose of publication, Pepys is his own most important character even when discussing more famous names than his own.
Lady Barbara Palmer Castlemaine
The diary is rather scandalous as a result of Pepys's open sexuality, even though the diary was written in a cryptic code he invented. He has many sexual affairs and lusts after many women. Lady Castlemain stands out not because Pepys desire her so greatly, but because he failed to actually act upon that last. The Lady was very smart in the ways of politics and clearly knew how to get her way and expected to do so. She is a major player in the court of the King and eventually has her torrid affair with the monarch and not Pepys.
The Duke of York
The Duke of York is the brother of the reigning king. In this case, that king was Charles II and the Duke was his brother, James. As the diary commences, James is in exile with the banished Charles plotting their return. When James does return, he take over the title of Lord High Admiral of the Navy which gives Pepys the inside track he desires for the purpose of making his influence actually result in reform. In return, the Duke often looks to Pepys for someone he can confide in.
Betty Martin
Betty Martin is a name that seems more at home as the pretty neighbor in an American TV series than a player in the court of the English king. And, indeed, there is a parallel. While young and pretty, Pepys engages in a torrid romance, but once age creeps up, he moves to marry her happily out of his way. Once married, however, Pepys has a change of heart and they eventually reignite their passion.
The First Earl of Sandwich
The First Earl of Sandwich is Edward Montagu and a first cousin to Pepys. Montagu’s Earldom allows him to help his cousin navigate his way upward through the business world of London and eventually proves himself worthy of being established as admiral secretary at the behest of Montagu. The first major manifestation of his new responsibility is to bring Charles II back to England safe and sound after which point Montagu essentially becomes his cousin’s official patron. Eventually, however, Montagu will lose influence as a result of disastrous decisions related to England’s conflict with the Dutch.
Elizabeth Pepys
Elizabeth is Mrs. Pepys and though not the smoothest of marriages exists between them, Pepys makes it clear he does truly love his wife despite his many affairs. Nevertheless, they add up over time and that means trouble with the jealous Elizabeth. A major turning point in the novel is when she catches him in the act with their maid and after casting the maid out of the house, assertively takes control, thus putting a major crimp in her husband’s extramarital affairs.
King Charles II
The monarch seated on the throne for most of the bulk of the diary is Charles II. Following the execution of his father, King Charles I, the son and his brother fled England and waited until Oliver Cromwell could be overthrown. Charles II is, arguably, the most important character in the diaries aside from Pepys simply by virtue of position, but most of the relationship between the diarist and the king is related to a constant battle over funding for the navy.
Deb Willett
Willett is the poor, unfortunate maid who becomes the epicenter of the struggle for power between Pepys and his wife. To her credit, Deb tries to resist the advances of Pepys for as long as she can, but he eventually wears her down.
