Anna Frith is the protagonist and first-person narrator of the story. Anna is initially introduced as a widow and simple housemaid struggling to provide for her two sons. However, Anna quickly reveals herself as an intelligent and resourceful young woman. Though not formally educated, she is one of only a few literate residents in her village. She is a dynamic character who undergoes significant changes in one year as the bubonic plague tears through her village.

After the outbreak of the plague and the loss of both her sons, Anna demonstrates her resilience. Aided by her friend and mentor, Elinor Mompellion, Anna takes on various roles within the community, from caring for the sick to serving as a midwife. Anna’s first successful delivery as a midwife is a turning point for her character, as she realizes she has a purpose for living. Anna’s experiences also force her to confront The Complexities of Gender Roles, as she must fight against patriarchal structures and violent, deep-seated misogyny from members of the community— including her father—as she grows in independence.

The trauma of the plague prompts Anna to question not only her place in society but also her beliefs, particularly her faith in God.