H.

In William Hazlitt's Liber Amoris, the protagonist, referred to as "H.", is an embodiment of Hazlitt himself, caught in a tumultuous emotional tempest. Involved in a divorce from his wife, addressed only as "Mrs. ––," H. finds himself in Scotland, deeply infatuated with a young woman named Sarah. His obsession is such that he feels his sanity and will to live are reliant on her affection for him. H.'s emotional state is precarious, as he praises Sarah while simultaneously accusing her of flirtation and lamenting her interest in other men. This internal conflict is captured poignantly in his declaration, "I am thy creature, thy slave—I only wish to live for your sake—I would gladly die for you—"

Hazlitt's narrative is deeply self-reflective, chronicling his own folly in love with Sarah Walker, and highlighting the chasm between reality and his romanticized perceptions. Although aware of the liberties Sarah allows him, H. persists in idealizing her innocence and purity, clinging to the hope of persuading her into marriage, only to confront the harsh truth of his delusions.

S.

Sarah L., often referred to as "S.," is the object of H.'s intense affection. Described by H. as "heavenly fair" and reminiscent of a Raphael painting, she is employed in her parents' boardinghouse where H. resides. Sarah is a young woman in her late teens, who maintains a firm stance that she cannot reciprocate H.'s love. Her previous romantic involvement with a socially superior man ended due to class differences, and she aspires for love from another, whom she does not disclose to H., causing him anguish. Despite the apparent affection she shows H., such as sitting on his lap and exchanging kisses, Sarah's feelings do not transcend friendship. Her flirtations with other men, including Mr. C., expose the disparity between H.'s perception and her reality.

Mr. C.

Mr. C. is another lodger at the boardinghouse and one of the men Sarah interacts with, provoking H.'s jealousy. His presence highlights Sarah's social engagements beyond H., further illustrating the protagonist's inner turmoil as he grapples with his unreciprocated love.

Mr. L. and Family

Mr. L., Sarah's father, with whom H. has significant conversations, reveals the dynamics within Sarah's family and her interactions with H. The family includes Sarah's younger sister Betsey, her older sister Mrs. M., and an unnamed brother. Micaiah Walker, known as M. W., is Sarah's father and landlord to H., embodying the patriarchal figure in Sarah’s life.

C. P.

C. P., identified as Peter George Patmore, is H.'s confidant and correspondent. In their exchanges, H. divulges his overwhelming emotions for Sarah and discusses the possibility of marriage. C. P. acts as a sounding board for H.'s thoughts and ambitions, even being persuaded to meet with Sarah's brother-in-law, "M.", regarding H.'s matrimonial aspirations.

J. S. K.

J. S. K., or James Sheridan Knowles, is a close friend of Hazlitt and the recipient of the final letters in Liber Amoris. An actor and playwright, Knowles serves as a trusted confidant to whom H. recounts his experiences in Scotland, reflecting on his journey and emotional upheaval.

William

William, the young son of H., remains a peripheral figure in the narrative, yet his presence underscores H.'s personal life complexities, juxtaposed against his tumultuous romantic endeavors.