Dick Turner - Mary's husband, a struggling white farmer. He is well-meaning but financially inept, and his inability to succeed adds strain to their marriage and Mary's mental state.

Moses - A Black farmworker who becomes a central figure in the story. He works as a house servant for the Turners, and his complex relationship with Mary—marked by power dynamics, racial tension, and unspoken emotions—drives much of the novel's climax.

Charlie Slatter - A neighboring farmer, more successful and pragmatic than Dick. He represents the harsh, colonial mindset of white settlers and plays a role in the aftermath of the story’s tragic events.

Tony Marston - A young Englishman who arrives to work on the Turners' farm as an assistant. He witnesses the deteriorating situation and serves as an outsider’s perspective on the unfolding drama.