Daniel Waterhouse
Daniel Waterhouse is the readers entrance into the historical world of Europe, during the reigns of Queen Anne, and in France, Louis XIV. The changes in science and politics are shifting like tectonic plates beneath Waterhouse as he navigates his search for Jack the Coiner, attempting to help Newton prove himself to the academy, while seeking justice against whoever conspired against him.
Isaac Newton
This famous mathematician, thinker, and genius was involved in a famous dispute with Leibnitz because both men discovered calculus independently (allegedly) and published papers around the same time, leading to allegations that either Newton stole it from Leibnitz or vice versa. Newton is an unparalleled genius, but so is Leibnitz in different ways, so no one can get to the bottom of it, but the novelist includes Newton's fictional resurrection by the alchemical Philosopher's Stone, a nod toward the historical Newton and his contribution.
Jack the Coiner
This duplicitous man is an untrustworthy source who was alleged to have been involved with tampering with the Pyx, which means he was a counterfeit money maker. He is also involved in the debate about Newton, and perhaps it was he who bombed Isaac Newton to kill him. He escapes his execution after being found guilty for his crimes.
Eliza
Eliza is Jack the Coiner's secret girlfriend, and she is also a handmaiden to a royal princess. She fears for her life when the terrorist attacks begin around Europe, because she believes perhaps someone will attempt to overthrow the royal family, and later, when her husband escapes from certain death by hanging, she moves to France with him.
