Jane Gloriana Villanueva (Gina Rodriguez) is a devoted Catholic who has vowed to her grandmother, Alba, to preserve her virginity until marriage.
Over the course of the first season, Jane also becomes acquainted with her father, telenovela star, Rogelio De La Vega, who was previously unaware of his daughter's existence.
Xiomara Gloriana De La Vega (née Villanueva) (portrayed by Andrea Navedo) is Jane's laid back mother, and Alba's daughter.
She and Jane's father, Rogelio De La Vega, were high school sweethearts until he moved away, and she chose to not tell him about the pregnancy.
Michael is initially the head detective in the hunt for Sin Rostro, a high-profile drug dealer who seems to be based in the Marbella.
Shot on his wedding night in the shoulder, close to the heart, he becomes hospitalized; complications from the shooting result in him becoming bedridden for a long time.
Luisa Alver (portrayed by Yara Martinez) is the doctor who artificially inseminated Jane, as well as Rafael's sister.
Rose Solano (portrayed by Bridget Regan) is a crime lord who falls in love with Luisa, and is the main antagonist of the series.
Nadine Hanson (portrayed by Azie Tesfai, seasons 1–2) is Michael's partner who turns out to be working for Sin Rostro.
Ivan Rogachevsky (portrayed by Chris Corbin, seasons 1–2) is Miloš' goon hired to track down Petra and Magda.
Elena Di Nola (Fabiana Udenio, seasons 1–3): Emilio's second wife and Rafael's adoptive mother, she is a crime lord that rivals Rose.
Mateo Villanueva (portrayed by Dennis Mencia, seasons 2 and 4) is Alba's late husband, Xiomara's father, and Jane's grandfather.
Derek Ruvelle (portrayed by Mat Vairo, season 2): Elena's son who was at one point believed to be Rafael's half-brother.
Dennis Chambers (portrayed by Christopher Allen) is Michael's best friend and the detective in charge of investigating Scott's death.
Chuck Chesser (portrayed by Johnny Messner) is the Fairwick Hotel's newest owner who has a longterm feud with Petra.
Fabian Regalo del Cielo (Francisco San Martin) is Rogelio's telenovela costar who Jane has her first fling with.
[1] Series lead Gina Rodriguez and the costume designer pitched the idea to showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman, who immediately offered Posey the role.
River Fields (portrayed by Brooke Shields) is a beloved American actress and advocate for awareness of postpartum depression, who takes issue after Rogelio speaks on men suffering PPD.