I.T.W

Henry Drummond:

A defense attorney representing Bertram Cates; a champion of free thought and critical inquiry

Matthew Harrison Brady

The prosecuting attorney; a staunch supporter of creationism and traditional values.

Bertram Cates:

A young teacher on trial for teaching evolution in a small town.

E. K. Hornbeck

a cynical journalist covering the trial; represents skepticism and modernity.

Reverend Jeremiah Brown

A fundamentalist preacher and father of Rachel; embodies religious zealotry.

Rachel Brown

Reverend Brown's daughter and Cates' love interest; torn between loyalty to her father and her love for Cates.

Judge

Presides over the trial; generally leans in favor of the prosecution.

Meeker

The bailiff who runs the jail and court; represents the average townsfolk.

Mayor

 A political figure who tries to maintain order while supporting Brady for public relations.

Mrs. Brady

Matthew Harrison Brady's supportive but protective wife.

Howard

A young student who testifies about Cates teaching evolution.

Melinda

Another young resident of the town who expresses traditional views.

Elijah

A fervent Bible-seller and local zealot.

Storekeeper

Represents neutrality, indifferent to the ideological clash of the trial.