Protagonists:
* Edmond Dantès: The central character, a young sailor falsely accused of treason and imprisoned for 14 years. He escapes, gains vast wealth and knowledge, and adopts the identity of the Count of Monte Cristo to enact revenge on those who wronged him.
* Haydée: A young Turkish woman, the daughter of a Greek who was betrayed by one of the main antagonists. She is rescued by the Count and becomes his confidante and, to some extent, his adopted daughter.
Antagonists:
* Fernand Mondego (Count de Morcerf): A former friend of Edmond who betrays him for his own ambition and later marries Mercedes. He is driven by greed and a desire for power.
* Villefort: A ruthless prosecutor and ambitious man, Villefort condemns Edmond to prison out of fear for his own reputation and political standing. He is a complex character motivated by both ambition and fear.
* Danglars: A jealous and ambitious banker who envies Edmond's success and seeks to destroy him through financial ruin. He is primarily motivated by greed and vindictiveness.
* Caderousse: A former sailor and friend of Edmond who betrays him to gain money. He is a weak character easily manipulated by others and motivated by self-interest.
Other Significant Characters:
* Mercedes (Countess de Morcerf): A young woman in love with Edmond who, believing him dead, marries Fernand. She later realizes her mistake and is torn between her love for Fernand and her guilt for leaving Edmond.
* Albert de Morcerf: The son of Fernand and Mercedes, he is a young nobleman who falls in love with Haydée and unwittingly becomes involved in his father's past crimes.
* Maximilien Morrel: The son of Edmond's employer, he is a loyal friend who helps the Count in his quest for justice.
* Madame de Villefort: The wife of Villefort, she is a strong-willed woman who tries to protect her family from her husband's cruel schemes.
* Bertuccio: The Count's loyal servant, he assists him in his plans and serves as a link to his past life.
These are just some of the main characters in *The Count of Monte Cristo*. The novel is full of intricate relationships and complex motivations, making it a fascinating and enduring work of literature.