Miles Coverdale

Miles Coverdale, a young New England poet, serves as the narrator of the story. He is characterized by his high sensitivity and keen observational skills. As he immerses himself in the experimental communal living at Blithedale Farm, Coverdale's attention is drawn to three fellow participants: Zenobia Fauntleroy, Priscilla Moodie, and Hollingsworth. His fascination with them stems from his interest in their lives and personalities. Miles harbors unspoken love for Priscilla Moodie, a sentiment he never discloses to her, adding an element of introspective melancholy to his narrative.

Hollingsworth

Hollingsworth is depicted as a dark, formidable figure who once worked as a blacksmith. His life is dominated by a singular obsession: establishing a philanthropic institution focused on criminal reformation to reduce societal evil. This passion leads him to Blithedale Farm, where he hopes to erect his reformatory with the financial aid and influence of Zenobia, a wealthy participant. However, his love for Priscilla Moodie creates tension, alienating Zenobia, who is Priscilla’s half-sister. This dynamic contributes to Zenobia's subsequent suicide, a traumatic event that burdens Hollingsworth with guilt. Her parting curse haunts him, leading him to abandon his reformative ambitions until he can reconcile his perceived culpability in her death. Despite marrying Priscilla, Hollingsworth remains a broken man, his conscience forever troubled by the belief that he drove Zenobia to her demise.

Zenobia Fauntleroy

Zenobia Fauntleroy is a strikingly wealthy and attractive young woman from a different region of the United States. Her presence is marked by her flamboyant personality and the distinctive flower she wears in her hair. Discontent with the limitations placed on women, Zenobia aspires to reshape societal norms, asserting what she believes to be women's rightful roles. Initially enamored with Hollingsworth, she offers him both her fortune and support in his reformative mission. However, Zenobia's world shatters upon discovering Hollingsworth's love for her half-sister, Priscilla, and her own resultant financial ruin, which strangely benefits Priscilla. Learning her true familial ties with Priscilla further destabilizes her, culminating in her tragic decision to drown herself. Though known as Zenobia throughout the narrative, her true surname is Fauntleroy, a fact the narrator chooses to obscure.

Mr. Moodie

Mr. Moodie, a deeply reserved and reticent figure, earns his livelihood as a peddler. He confides in Miles Coverdale about his fall from wealth and esteemed family background, having previously borne the surname Fauntleroy before adopting Moodie. Driven by crime from his original home, Mr. Moodie's wealth was transferred to his daughter, Zenobia, under the pretense of his death. In New England, he remarried and fathered Priscilla Moodie, Zenobia’s half-sibling. By entrusting Priscilla to Hollingsworth, Mr. Moodie inadvertently triggers the tragic events that unfold.

Priscilla Moodie

Priscilla Moodie, initially depicted as a frail and ethereal figure, is the half-sister to Zenobia. For years, she sustains herself and her father by crafting small items for him to sell. Over time, her character develops depth through her relationship with Hollingsworth, who reciprocates her affection. Following Zenobia’s suicide, Priscilla marries Hollingsworth, assuming the role of his emotional anchor as he grapples with his profound guilt.

Mr. Westervelt

Mr. Westervelt is a handsome yet superficial promoter with a dubious moral compass. He maintains an enigmatic connection with Zenobia, suggesting a shared past. Westervelt's manipulation extends to exploiting Zenobia as the Veiled Lady in his lyceum act, ostensibly using hypnosis to convince audiences of his prophetic abilities. His exploitation ceases when Zenobia, seeking refuge, flees to Hollingsworth mid-performance.