Luis de Vargas

Luis de Vargas is the central character and a sheltered, naive seminary student who is preparing for the priesthood. His correspondence with his uncle, the dean of the seminary, reveals his evolving feelings toward Pepita Jiménez, his father's intended young bride. During his summer visit home, he discovers his father's marital plans, only to eventually fall in love with Pepita himself. This ironic and comedic love triangle forms the crux of the story, contrasting the traditional tragic or sinful narratives often associated with such entanglements. Luis's journey reflects his struggle between his religious aspirations and personal desires, culminating in a duel with Count de Genazahar over insults directed at Pepita.

Don Pedro de Vargas

Don Pedro de Vargas is Luis's understanding father, who plans to marry Pepita Jiménez. Rather than being disturbed by his son's affection for Pepita, Don Pedro encourages it, seeing the potential for happiness it could bring. He is well content with the idea of Luis abandoning his path to priesthood to marry Pepita, adding a layer of comedic irony to the narrative as he subtly orchestrates the relationship between his son and his fiancé.

Pepita Jiménez

The titular character, Pepita Jiménez, is a captivating young widow of nineteen, who initially married Gumersindo, an elderly moneylender, at the age of sixteen. Despite her past and current engagements, she finds herself genuinely in love with Luis, Don Pedro's son. Her character embodies the complexities of love and choice, as she navigates the expectations placed upon her by society and the desires of her heart.

Gumersindo

Gumersindo is a wealthy, elderly moneylender in his eighties, who briefly enters into a marriage with Pepita when she is only sixteen. His death soon after their marriage leaves Pepita a young widow. His financial dealings with Count de Genazahar play a minor part in the story, as the count's unpaid debts add tension to the plot.

Antonona

Antonona, also referred to as Antoñona, is Pepita's devoted governess and duenna. Despite her role as a guardian of Pepita's virtue, Antonona subverts expectations by actively supporting the romance between Luis and Pepita. Her encouragement of their relationship, contrary to her duties, provides a source of humor within the narrative.

The Vicar

The Vicar is a senior clergyman, often acting as a bishop's deputy, who expresses a desire for Pepita to marry Don Pedro. His perspective highlights the societal and religious influences attempting to shape Pepita's life choices.

Currito

Currito, Luis's cousin, introduces elements of leisure and conflict into the story. He accompanies Luis to the casino, where they gamble with Count de Genazahar. The outing escalates when insults directed at Pepita lead to a duel between Luis and the count, demonstrating Currito's role in the unfolding drama.

Count de Genazahar

Count de Genazahar is a character enmeshed in financial and personal conflicts. Indebted to Gumersindo and unwilling to repay, he seeks to marry Pepita, viewing her as a means to resolve his monetary woes. His derogatory remarks about Pepita in the casino provoke a duel with Luis, which results in both men being wounded, adding a climactic confrontation to the narrative.