Gwendolen Harleth is a beautiful yet financially struggling young woman who feels compelled to marry a wealthy man to achieve the luxurious lifestyle she craves. Despite knowing about Henleigh Mallinger Grandcourt's previous mistress and their four illegitimate children, she marries him, driven by her mother's financial ruin. Her marriage is unhappy, exacerbated by her secret love for Daniel Deronda. After Grandcourt's accidental drowning, Gwendolen is tormented by guilt, believing she could have saved him and regretting her past wishes for his death. She confesses these feelings to Daniel, who disapproves of her gambling and materialism. Ultimately, she resolves to reform and live altruistically, even as her hopes of marrying Daniel are dashed by his announcement of marrying Mirah.

Daniel Deronda is a noble and well-educated gentleman, the ward of Sir Hugo Mallinger. At Cambridge University, he aids Hans Meyrick, a poor student, in securing a scholarship. His compassionate nature is further demonstrated when he rescues Mirah Lapidoth, a young Jewish woman, from drowning in the Thames and assists in launching her singing career. Daniel is deeply preoccupied with uncovering the truth about his parentage, leading him to explore the Jewish East End of London. By the novel’s conclusion, he discovers his Jewish heritage, which pleases him, and he marries Mirah.

Henleigh Mallinger Grandcourt is Sir Hugo Mallinger's nephew and heir. He callously abandons his mistress of nine years to marry Gwendolen Harleth, subsequently breaking her spirit with his cold and supercilious disposition. Grandcourt's will reveals that he has favored his illegitimate son and his mistress over Gwendolen, intensifying the sense of betrayal and loss in her life.

Mirah Lapidoth is a young Jewish woman saved by Daniel Deronda from suicide. After being rescued, Daniel takes her to his friends' home, where she recovers and begins a successful singing career. Reunited with her brother, Mordecai, she eventually marries Daniel.

Ezra Lapidoth, also known as Mordecai, is Mirah's brother, a learned yet ailing young Jew. Living with the Cohens, he teaches their son while working at a bookshop. Despite a life marked by poverty and hardship, he finds solace in his conversations with Daniel, which bolster Daniel's affinity for Judaism. Mordecai eventually reunites with Mirah through Daniel's efforts and dies at the novel's end.

Sir Hugo Mallinger, the intelligent and benevolent owner of Diplow Hall, raised Daniel Deronda, whom he regards fondly as an English gentleman. While initially objecting to Daniel's embrace of his Jewish identity, Sir Hugo remains supportive and close to him.

Mrs. Lydia Glasher is an attractive woman who left her husband and son to become Grandcourt's mistress, bearing him four illegitimate children. She reveals her story to Gwendolen, urging her to refuse Grandcourt's marriage proposal on moral grounds.

Hans Meyrick, a student at Cambridge, benefits from Daniel Deronda's assistance in securing a scholarship due to an eye injury. He harbors unrequited love for Mirah and eventually becomes an artist and dilettante.

Mrs. Fanny Davilow, Gwendolen’s widowed mother, consistently submits to her daughter's will.

The Reverend Henry Gascoigne, formerly Captain Gaskin, serves as the rector of Pennicote, near Offendene.

Mrs. Nancy Gascoigne, wife of the Reverend Gascoigne and sister to Mrs. Davilow, supports her less fortunate sister and introduces Gwendolen to eligible suitors, though she cannot resist boasting about her benevolence.

Rex Gascoigne is the son of the Reverend and Mrs. Gascoigne, pursuing a career in law and is romantically interested in his cousin Gwendolen.

Catherine Arrowpoint is a gifted and appealing young woman, Gwendolen’s rival, who falls in love with and marries her tutor, Julius Klesmer, despite her parents' disapproval.

Herr Julius Klesmer, a German-Jewish...

Mrs. Meyrick, Hans’s mother, nurses Mirah back to health after Daniel brings her to the Meyrick home. Despite her impoverished circumstances, she is a kind woman who cherishes Daniel.

Mr. Lapidoth, Mirah’s father, is a failed actor and singer who abandoned his children after stealing their money. He eventually reappears, and his children extend forgiveness to him.

Princess Leonora Halm-Eberstein, Daniel’s mother, is an accomplished singer and actress. She entrusted Daniel to Sir Hugo Mallinger so that he might grow up as a gentleman unaware of his Jewish roots. She later reveals her identity to Daniel in Genoa.

Ezra Cohen, a shrewd yet kind shopkeeper in the East End, provides lodging for Mordecai. He plays a role in introducing Daniel to the Jewish community in London.

Joseph Kalonymos, a respected banker from Mainz and acquaintance of Daniel’s grandfather, provides Daniel with crucial insights into his ancestry.

Mrs. Arrowpoint, Catherine's mother, had aspirations for her daughter to secure a more socially acceptable marriage.

Mr. Arrowpoint, Catherine's father, is known for his hospitality.

Thomas Lush is a manipulative follower and confidant of Grandcourt.

Kate Meyrick, the eldest daughter of Mrs. Meyrick, is skilled in sewing and embroidery.

Amy Meyrick, the second daughter in the Meyrick family.

Mab Meyrick, the youngest of the Meyrick daughters, possesses musical talent.

Alice Davilow is Gwendolen’s rather plain half-sister.

Bertha and Fanny Davilow are Gwendolen’s half-sisters, known for their tendency to whisper.

Isabel Davilow, another half-sister of Gwendolen, is characterized as a listening child.

Anna Gascoigne, Rex's modest sister, attempts to assist Gwendolen.

Warham Gascoigne, Anna's brother, embarks on a journey to India.

Miss Merry serves as the governess for the four Davilow girls.

Mr. Middleton is the curate at Pennicote, harboring feelings for Gwendolen.

Lady Brackenshaw presides as the social authority in Pennicote.

Lord Brackenshaw, husband of Lady Brackenshaw.

Mrs. Vulcany is known for her role as a Pennicote gossip.

Mrs. Addy Cohen is the wife of Ezra Cohen.

Mrs. Cohen, Ezra’s mother, assists in managing the family shop.

Jacob Alexander Cohen, Ezra’s son, is a precocious child who receives tutoring from Mordecai.

Adelaide Rebekah Cohen is Ezra’s attractive daughter, noted for her dark eyes.

Eugenie Esther Cohen, the youngest member of the Cohen family, is a baby.

Mr. Ram owns the East End bookshop where Mordecai works and where he and Daniel first meet.

Baroness von Langen serves as Gwendolen’s host during her time gambling at the Casino in Leubronn.

Baron von Langen, the husband of the Baroness.

Mr. Vandernoodt is a wealthy and sociable gentleman residing at Leubronn.

Lady Mallinger, the wife of Sir Hugo, is notable for marrying him after the adoption of Daniel.