The uncovering of the Gunpowder Plot can perhaps be seen as the culmination of a long list of plots and conspiracies against the Government and Crown from the early days of Elizabeth's reign. The characters listed below were instrumental in the many plots that littered Elizabeth's time on the throne. Many of these characters were known to the plotters, some personally, others still were related either by blood or marriage.

Each of these figures has an important place in the development of what became known as the Gunpowder Plot.