Pamela Andrews, a fifteen-year-old servant girl of Lady B———, is the central figure of the narrative. Initially employed in Bedfordshire, she plans to return home after Lady B's death but is convinced to stay by Mr. B———, who promises to be a fair master. However, his true intentions become clear as he repeatedly attempts to undermine her virtue. Pamela, a devout and virtuous Christian, finds the notion of Mr. B’s forced advances horrifying. Her fear and moral strength drive her to faint and curtail any inappropriate interactions. The tale is relayed through Pamela’s letters and diary entries, capturing her trials as she tries to escape the clutches of Mr. B———, despite being held captive at his country estate by the nefarious Mrs. Jewkes.

Despite her hardships, Pamela embodies strength and resilience. She is aided by Mr. Williams, the local minister in Lincolnshire, who attempts to help her escape and even offers marriage to protect her. Eventually, Mr. B———, moved by her unyielding virtue, offers her an honorable marriage which she accepts. This marriage elevates her to high society, where she faces new challenges. Through grace and understanding, she navigates these complexities, even forgiving Mr. B's infidelity and suggesting they welcome his daughter, Miss Goodwin, from a previous liaison, into their home. As the narrative concludes, Pamela’s enduring virtue is rewarded as she earns respect and admiration from all, including Mr. B’s skeptical family members.

Known as Mr. B———, he is the young squire who inherits the estate after his mother's death. While initially appearing kind by retaining his mother's servants, Mr. B is soon revealed as manipulative, with a sense of entitlement stemming from his wealth and higher social standing. He schemes to seduce Pamela, seeking to make her his mistress under carefully outlined terms. His actions are morally questionable, as he vacillates between anger and a claim of "uncontrollable" desire for Pamela. Eventually, faced with Pamela’s virtue, Mr. B undergoes a transformation, crediting her moral fortitude with his change of heart. Despite initial concerns about societal perceptions of marrying a servant, he defies convention and marries Pamela, claiming reformation and an honorable intent.

Lady Barbara Davers, Mr. B’s sister, initially opposes her brother's decision to marry Pamela, perceiving it as a disgrace to the family. Her immediate reaction is one of anger towards Pamela, whom she pressures with her status. However, her perspective shifts after reading Pamela's poignant letters to her parents, recognizing her genuine virtue. Gradually, Lady Davers's attitude softens, and she becomes one of Pamela's staunch supporters, impressed by her beauty, grace, and steadfast moral compass.

Mr. Williams, the chaplain at Mr. B’s Lincolnshire estate, is a paragon of virtue and integrity. Despite the risks, he becomes Pamela’s ally, helping her communicate with the outside world by exchanging secret letters. He even offers to marry her to shield her from Mr. B’s predatory pursuits. His involvement lands him briefly in jail due to Mr. B’s machinations, but once Mr. B repents, Williams is reinstated and performs the marriage ceremony for Pamela and Mr. B, signifying his restored status and the triumph of justice.

Mrs. Jewkes plays the role of the villainous housekeeper at Mr. B’s country estate. Her unwavering loyalty to Mr. B and her own unsavory past make her an accomplice in his schemes against Pamela. As Pamela’s jailer, she ensures her imprisonment, thwarting escape attempts. However, after Pamela’s marriage to Mr. B, Mrs. Jewkes’ demeanor becomes slightly more agreeable, likely due to Pamela's newfound status as her mistress.

Mrs. Jervis, the benevolent...

John and Elizabeth Andrews, Pamela’s destitute parents, are depicted through their letters that express concern and disdain for Mr. B’s advances towards their daughter. They encourage Pamela to abandon her position if Mr. B’s conduct becomes intolerable. Their views shift dramatically after Pamela weds Mr. B, with John in particular expressing great joy at his daughter's improved circumstances.

Sally Godfrey is a former lover of Mr. B, with whom he has a daughter. Sally’s life diverges significantly as she marries and relocates to Jamaica, assuming the role of a widow. Her daughter, Miss Goodwin, becomes a point of contention, as Pamela, displaying her characteristic compassion, suggests they raise Miss Goodwin alongside their own son, Billy.

Miss Goodwin, the daughter of Mr. B and Sally Godfrey, is introduced towards the conclusion of the story. Pamela’s proposal to raise her demonstrates her broad-hearted nature and willingness to embrace familial complexities, viewing Miss Goodwin with high regard and affording her the opportunity to grow up in a nurturing environment.

John the Footman, employed at the Bedfordshire estate, plays a duplicitous role by intercepting Pamela’s letters to her parents, delivering them instead to Mr. B. His betrayal complicates Pamela’s attempts to communicate her predicament and escape Mr. B’s schemes.

Mr. Colbrand is characterized as a menacing figure who assists Mrs. Jewkes in confining Pamela at Mr. B’s country estate. His loyalty to Mr. B contributes to the oppressive environment Pamela finds herself trapped in.

Jackey, the son of Lady Davers, is portrayed as antagonistic towards Pamela, even going so far as to draw a sword on her. His actions reflect the broader resistance within Mr. B’s family to Pamela’s new status, though this animosity gradually dissipates as Pamela proves her worth.

Sir Simon Darnford and Lady Darnford are friends of Mr. B who express a desire to help liberate Pamela. Their involvement reflects the broader societal interest and concern regarding Pamela’s situation.

Beck Worden serves as Lady Davers’s maid, a minor role within the household dynamics, yet indicative of the complex servant-master relationships prevalent in the narrative.

A Countess, with whom Mr. B is philandering, plays a pivotal role in highlighting Mr. B’s moral failings. Her discovery of Pamela’s letters leads to a personal revelation about the virtues of fidelity and integrity.

Billy is the son of Pamela and Mr. B. His birth signifies the continuation of the family line and the integration of Pamela into the societal structure she once served as a mere housemaid.

Mr. Longman is Mr. B’s steward, entrusted with managing estate affairs. His position represents the trust Mr. B places in his staff, despite the upheavals within his personal life.

Robin, the coachman, under duress, transports Pamela to Mr. B’s country estate, further ensnaring her in Mr. B’s web. His role illustrates the broader complicity of staff in Pamela's plight.

Nan is a brusque servant tasked with guarding Pamela at the country estate, embodying the harsh conditions Pamela endures while under the oppressive watch of Mrs. Jewkes.

Lady Jones, a neighbor, is initially a potential refuge for Pamela, offering sanctuary should Pamela successfully escape the confines of Mr. B’s estate, signifying a glimmer of hope amid her struggles.

Mrs. Towers, a neighbor, is vocally critical of Pamela, representing the societal skepticism and judgment Pamela must overcome to gain acceptance and respect.

Mr. Brooks and Mrs. Brooks are neighbors whose presence underscores the social milieu surrounding Pamela and Mr. B, contributing to the community's perception of Pamela.

Mrs. Arthur, another neighbor, visits the newlywed Pamela, offering a critical perspective that Pamela must navigate as she establishes her place in society.

Sir Jacob Swynford, Mr. B’s uncle, is initially predisposed to dislike Pamela due to her humble origins. However, her charm and virtue ultimately win him over, exemplifying her transformative impact on those around her.

John Andrews and

Elizabeth Andrews, the parents of Pamela.

The Daughter of Sally and Mr. B———.

John, Mr. B———’s groom, who carries most of Pamela’s letters to her parents but keeps some for his master.