Chevalier des Grieux
The passionate young narrator, willing to sacrifice family, vocation, honesty, and safety for Manon.
Manon Lescaut
Des Grieux's beloved, drawn both to him and to the security and pleasure wealth can purchase.
Tiberge
Des Grieux's loyal, religious friend, repeatedly offering practical help and moral correction.
Lescaut
Manon's opportunistic brother, a soldier who introduces des Grieux to gambling and criminal schemes.
The Man of Quality
The outer narrator who assists des Grieux and records his confession.
Old and young G. M.
Wealthy father and son whom the lovers deceive and who use influence against them.
Des Grieux's father
A loving but controlling parent who repeatedly tries to separate his son from Manon.
Synnelet
The governor's nephew in Louisiana and des Grieux's final romantic rival.