Charudatta: A brahmin merchant of Ujjayini
Vasantasena: A beautiful courtesan of Ujjayini
Samsthanaka (Shakara): King Palaka’s brother-in-law
Rohasena: Charudatta’s young son
Dhuta: Charudatta’s wife
Radanika: Charudatta’s trusted attendant
Maitreya (Vidushaka): Charudatta’s good friend
Aryaka: A cowherd pretender to the throne of Palaka
Vardhamanaka: Charudatta’s servant or cheta
Samvahaka: Shampooer to Charudatta, then an unsuccessful gambler and finally a monk
Sthavaraka: Shakara’s servant or cheta
Sutradhara: The stage manager
Madanika: Vasantasena’s trusted attendant
Vrddha/The Old Woman: Vasantasena’s mother
Nati: The wife of the sutradhara
There are many other minor characters contributing to the progress of the plot.