Kind, emotional, beloved by her peers, and coming from a wealthy background. She is leaving school to return home, receiving gifts and affection from everyone at the academy.
Sharp-witted, cynical, resentful of her social standing, and fluent in French. She prepares to leave the academy for a week-long stay with Amelia before starting a job as a governess. She shows her defiance by throwing a gift out of the carriage window.
Stately, severe, socially conscious, and a friend of the late Dr. Johnson. She presides over the departure of the students, showing great favor to Amelia while maintaining a cold, professional dislike for Rebecca.
Appears clumsy but dances in an amusing and natural manner. Mentioned by the Manager as a puppet in the show.
Reflective, melancholy, and observant; he serves as the narrator/presenter of the story. He sits before the curtain, observes the fair, and introduces the puppets and the moral tone of the performance to the audience.
A weary performer and family man who works as a tumbler. He is seen washing off his face paint and eating dinner with his family behind the scenes.
A child performer belonging to a family of tumblers. He sits behind the canvas with Tom Fool during dinner.
Described as uncommonly flexible in the joints and lively on the wire. Mentioned by the Manager as one of the lead puppets in the upcoming show.
Carved and dressed with great care, though she has a smaller circle of admirers than Becky. Mentioned by the Manager as a carefully crafted figure in the performance.
A richly dressed figure representing high-status villainy. Mentioned as a character who will be taken away by Old Nick at the end of the play.
A figure representing the devil or a collector of souls. Mentioned as the one who will fetch away the Wicked Nobleman.
Kind-hearted, timid, and easily intimidated by her sister. She attempts to be kind to Rebecca by giving her a dictionary, which Rebecca subsequently rejects.