- Hosea: The author and main protagonist of the book. He is a prophet who is called to a life of suffering and sacrifice in order to demonstrate God's love for Israel.
- Gomer: Hosea's wife. She is unfaithful to him, but he remains faithful to her as a symbol of God's faithfulness to Israel.
- Baal: A Canaanite god who is worshipped by the Israelites. He is a symbol of idolatry and apostasy.
Other characters:
- The children of Israel: The people of God's chosen nation. They are often portrayed as unfaithful to God, but He continues to love them and seek their redemption.
- The prophets: God's messengers who call the Israelites to repentance and warn them of the consequences of their sin.
- The priests: The religious leaders of Israel who are supposed to guide the people in the worship of God. However, they are often corrupt and lead the people astray.
- The kings: The political leaders of Israel who are supposed to protect the people and provide for their welfare. However, they often abuse their power and oppress the people.
- The nations surrounding Israel: These nations are often hostile to Israel and pose a threat to their survival.
The characters in the book of Hosea are complex and deeply human. They struggle with sin, idolatry, and apostasy, but they are also capable of great love, faithfulness, and redemption. Their stories show us the reality of God's love and mercy, even in the midst of our own sin and brokenness.