Matthew Harrison Brady

Matthew Harrison Brady has unsuccessfully run for the U.S. presidency three times. Nevertheless, his failures haven't diminished his skill as a speaker or his influence as a politician. His extensive experience in national politics has made him relish being in the public eye, particularly enjoying the sound of his own voice and the admiration from his loyal supporters. Despite losing three national elections, Brady remains a favorite among rural communities due to his deeply conservative and fundamentalist biblical views. Although it is not directly stated, there is an implication that Brady might use the publicity from this trial to consider a fourth presidential bid.

Sarah Brady

Though she is Brady's wife, Sarah often acts more like his caretaker. She is constantly concerned about his well-being, reminding him to moderate his eating, manage his activity, rest, and be wary of the "treacherous" night breezes. After Drummond humiliates him at the end of Act II, she comforts him by holding him in her arms.

Rachel Brown

Rachel Brown, like her boyfriend Bert who is on trial, is a schoolteacher. She is also the daughter of the passionate Reverend Brown, a fervent advocate of creationism. Rachel finds herself caught in the play's central conflict. If she supports Bert out of love, she risks abandoning her father and her religious beliefs. Conversely, if she sides with her father's views, she betrays the man she loves. A compassionate and gentle soul who prefers peace over conflict, Rachel must face her own beliefs and uncertainties to determine what truly matters to her.

Reverend Jeremiah Brown

Reverend Brown embodies uncompromising fundamentalism. While Bert represents freedom of thought, Brown is his ideological opponent. He firmly believes that the Bible is accurate "as written" and views any challenge to its truth as blasphemy. When Rachel objects to his condemnation of Bert during a fervent sermon in Act II, Reverend Brown's intense religious zeal leads him to curse his own daughter.

Bert Cates

Bert Cates is a mild-mannered, reserved schoolteacher. Although he disagrees with Reverend Brown's religious perspective, Bert chose to teach evolution because he believed it was wrong to withhold new ideas from people simply because they might conflict with religious views. He is not an agitator; in fact, he is uncomfortable with the commotion surrounding his case and nearly considers conceding just to return to his normal life.

Henry Drummond

The defense attorney, Henry Drummond, is known for representing some of the most infamous criminals in America. In the courtroom, he is passionate, charismatic, and clever, which contrasts with his quiet and reserved nature in private. Drummond views the law as a tool to uncover the truth. He is an idealist at heart but is fully aware of the law's practicalities. His aim in coming to Hillsboro is not merely to defend a teacher who has violated a statute but to champion the individual's right to think and reason freely, without governmental intrusion.

E. K. Hornbeck

E. K. Hornbeck is a jaded reporter from the big city who delights in mocking the simple lifestyle of Hillsboro and their skeptical stance on evolution. He particularly enjoys ridiculing Brady and his beliefs. Hornbeck considers himself the sole bearer of the "real" truth and derides anyone who doesn't share his perspective. In the play, Hornbeck symbolizes the "intellectual elite" and also provides comic relief.