Gösta Berling is a tall, slender, and handsome man with a poetic soul, despite his irresponsible nature. Once a priest, he was unfrocked due to his indulgence in brandy. Following his dismissal, he wandered as a beggar before becoming one of Margareta’s Cavalier pensioners. He showed his benevolence when he acted as a good Samaritan to Anna. Engaged to Marianne and later married to Elizabeth, Gösta eventually transforms into a virtuous man. He is remembered for his complex relationships and ultimate redemption.

Countess Elizabeth Dohna is a lively and charming woman who initially finds herself trapped in a marriage with a foolish husband. She escapes this unsatisfying union to embrace a more joyous life. After her marriage is annulled, Elizabeth bears a child and proposes marriage to Gösta to provide their child with a father. This union, however, is short-lived as the child passes away shortly after birth. Her life is marked by her pursuit of happiness and the tragedies she endures.

Margareta Celsing Samzelius, once a stunning beauty, is now the aging and influential wife of a major. Her past as Altringer’s mistress shadows her life. Despite her innocence, she is both strengthened and hardened by her misfortunes. After admitting to adultery, she is disowned by her husband and abandoned by the Cavaliers she supported. Reduced to begging, she returns to her estate only after her husband’s death, dying soon after. Her story is one of resilience and tragedy.

Marianne Sinclair, known for her beauty, wit, and intellect, deeply loves Gösta. Her life takes a downturn when she is scarred by smallpox and subsequently rejected by Gösta, leading her to live as a recluse in her father’s home. Marianne’s journey is one of love, loss, and isolation.

Captain Christian Bergh, a crony and drinking companion of Gösta, is a coarse and malicious giant. His irresponsible actions lead to Gösta losing his position as a priest. Secretly in love with Margareta for four decades, he ultimately causes her disownment by her husband through his drunken misconduct. His life is characterized by unrequited love and destructive behavior.

Altringer, once Margareta’s fiancé and later her lover, leaves a significant legacy. He bequeaths his wealth to Major Samzelius to ensure Margareta benefits from it. Altringer's story is one of past romance and financial influence.

Sintram, an apelike ironmaster, revels in his own malevolence. As a figure who delights in wicked deeds, he sows chaos in the lives of those around him. Sintram embodies the theme of inherent malice and the deliberate destruction of others.

Anna Stjärnhök is a wealthy, beautiful young woman known for breaking off her engagements to two men. She eventually elopes with Gösta, only to have her engagement plans altered once more. Her story is one of tumultuous romance and decisive actions.

Ferdinand Uggla, Anna’s first fiancé, is a gentle and timid man whose relationship with her is revitalized by Gösta. Despite being initially separated by Anna’s decisions, Ferdinand represents kindness and the hope for reconciliation.

Ebba Dohna, once a sweetheart of Gösta, tragically sought death due to his deceit. Her narrative is one of heartbreak and despair brought on by unfulfilled love and betrayal.

Count Henrik Dohna is the unattractive, wrinkled, and naive brother of Ebba and the husband of Elizabeth. Despite his flaws, he is characterized by his honesty, highlighting the contrast between inner virtue and outward appearance.

Countess Märta Dohna is the mother of Ebba and Henrik, known for her animosity towards Elizabeth, whom she mistreats. Her...

Major Samzelius, Margareta’s unattractive and bear-like husband, meets a violent end from a bear bite. His life was marked by bitterness and conflict, overshadowing Margareta’s story with his harsh nature.

Melchior Sinclair, the wealthy and abusive father of Marianne, casts her out for her love for Gösta. His character is entrenched in themes of authority, domestic strife, and the consequences of patriarchal control.

Dahlberg, described as a small and bald wealthy man, is Anna’s second, older fiancé. She becomes engaged to him for financial security, which highlights the influence of wealth on romantic choices.

Captain Lennart, part of the Cavaliers, meets his demise at the hands of a drunken brawler. His death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking within the reckless lifestyle of the Cavaliers.