Oliver Wheatman
The educated yeoman narrator, initially inexperienced but resourceful, brave, and morally stubborn.
Margaret Waynflete
The colonel's daughter, pursued by Brocton and increasingly bound to Oliver through shared danger.
Colonel Christopher Waynflete
Margaret's Jacobite father and an experienced soldier who recognizes Oliver's worth.
Master Freake
A wealthy Hanoverian merchant whose practical help repeatedly crosses political divisions.
Kate Wheatman
Oliver's sharp-tongued, affectionate sister and Jack Dobson's beloved.
Jack Dobson
Kate's soldier sweetheart, whose apparent death becomes Oliver's private burden.
Lord Brocton
A predatory aristocrat who pursues Margaret and abuses the protections of rank.
Bonnie Prince Charlie
The charismatic Stuart claimant whose campaign creates Oliver's brief military career.
Donald and Maclachlan
Highland comrades whose loyalty gives the retreat its most painful cost.
Sultan
The powerful horse who becomes Oliver's indispensable companion on the road.