The main character in the novella is Ebenezer Scrooge. At first we see his miserliness in contrast with his humble clerk, Bob Cratchit, and his cheerful nephew, Fred. The ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley, warns Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits.

The Ghost of Christmas Present, the Ghost of Christmas Past and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come all show Scrooge scenes that ultimately bring about his change of character.

He is particularly moved by Bob Cratchit's family and his son, Tiny Tim, to whom he eventually becomes like a second father.

Main characters

• Ebenezer Scrooge
• Bob Cratchit
• Scrooge's nephew, Fred

Secondary characters

• The Ghost of Christmas Past
• The Ghost of Christmas Present
• The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come
• Tiny Tim

Minor characters

• Jacob Marley
• Belle
• The charity collectors
• Fezziwig
• Fan