Maisie
A young, sweet girl whose life takes a turn for the worse when her parents decide to separate. She is often neglected as a child, which causes her to become quiet and analytical. Her closest relationships are to her caretakers, especially Mrs. Wix, rather than her parents.
Ida Farange (Mrs. Farange)
Maisie's mother, a selfish woman who neglects her daughter and engages in bitter arguments with her ex-husband, Beale. She marries a man named Sir Claude soon after separating from Mr. Farange, though she keeps her former husband's name. It is insinuated that Ida is not faithful to Sir Claude, engaging in flirtation and trysts with multiple other men. Ida rarely cares for her daughter, even during the periods when Maisie is living with her, leaving that responsibility to servants and governesses. When Ida does speak to Maisie, it is usually to guilt her or criticize her father.
Beale Farange (Mr. Farange)
Maisie's father. He is barely present in the book since after her parents' divorce Maisie is moved back and forth between homes frequently. Though James does not describe Maisie's father much, he is clearly as petty as her mother, since he refuses to create a stable living situation for Maisie. He marries Miss Overmore, Maisie's young governess.
Sir Claude
A good man who takes interest in Maisie and acts as a temporary father figure after marrying Ida. He genuinely seems to care for her and wants her to live with him. However, he gives in to his own selfish desires and engages in an affair with Miss Overmore, creating more drama and preventing Maisie from having a stable living situation.
Miss Overmore (Mrs. Beale)
One of Maisie's governesses. She is initially described as being well-mannered and educated as well as highly beautiful. However, her character drastically changes when she marries Beale and engages in an affair with Sir Claude; her more calculating and opportunistic side comes out.
Mrs. Wix
Maisie's other governess. She is described as being quite ugly and bizarre. She is not as educated as Miss Overmore, but she has good principles she abides by, and she looks down upon the affair between Miss Overmore and Beale. She also cares deeply for Maisie, and in the end, the two live happily together.
Susan Ash
A servant at Maisie's father's house who occasionally takes care of Maisie.
The Captain
A man Ida Farange seems to be having an affair with while married to Sir Claude. Maisie meets him one day while walking with Sir Claude in the park.
The Countess
A very wealthy woman Beale Farange seems to be having an affair with while married to Mrs. Beale (Miss Overmore). Maisie is taken aback by her dark skin color.
Clara Matilda
Mrs. Wix's biological daughter, who died at a young age. She is mentioned rarely in the story, but it is likely that Mrs. Wix is in part using Maisie as a replacement for her own daughter.
Mr. Perriam
Another man Ida Farange seems to be having an affair with while married to Sir Claude. He is described as being short and fat.
