Jude Fawley
A young man from Marygreen who dreams of studying at Christminster but becomes a stone mason instead.
Susanna Bridehead
Jude's cousin. She is unconventional in her beliefs and education, but marries the schoolmaster Richard Phillotson.
Arabella Donn
Jude's first wife. She enjoys spending time in bars and in the company of men.
Aunt Drusilla
The relative who raised Jude.
Richard Phillotson
The schoolmaster who first introduces Jude to the idea of studying at the university. He later marries Sue.
Little Father Time (Little Jude)
Jude and Arabella's son, raised in Australia by Arabella's parents. He is said to have the mind of an old man, though he is a young child.