Wolf Solent

Wolf Solent, a history master hired by Squire Urquhart. Wolf returns to Ramsgard and meets Gerda Torp. Yielding to his animal nature, he seduces her, but he later makes her his wife. Forced by financial necessity to assist the squire on a pornographic project, Wolf is then forced by Gerda to cash a check for his degrading work with the squire. The existence of his spiritual love for Christie Malakite confuses his life, but this love refuses to become physical, and he remains with his wife.

Gerda Torp

Gerda Torp, Wolf’s beautiful wife, still attractive to men. Gerda loses her loyalty to Wolf and has an affair with Bob Weevil when Wolf refuses to cash the check.

Christie Malakite

Christie Malakite, Wolf’s spiritual mate. Unable to arouse physical love in Wolf, she moves away with Olwen after her father dies.

Squire Urquhart

Squire Urquhart, the Ramsgard squire engaged in writing a history of all the salacious stories of Dorset.

Ann Solent

Ann Solent, Wolf’s mother.

Selena Gault

Selena Gault, Wolf’s father’s former mistress.

Albert Smith

Albert Smith, a hatter.

Mattie Smith

Mattie Smith, Wolf’s illegitimate half sister, later Darnley’s wife.

Olwen

Olwen, the product of an incestuous relationship between Mr. Malakite and his oldest daughter.

Bob Weevil

Bob Weevil, Gerda’s flashy young lover.

Mr. Torp

Mr. Torp, Gerda’s father, a stonecutter.

Lob Torp

Lob Torp, his son.

Darnley Otter

Darnley Otter, Wolf’s friend and Mattie’s husband.

Jason Otter

Jason Otter, Darnley’s brother, a poet.

Mr. Malakite

Mr. Malakite, a bookseller, Christie’s father.