The principle characters in this book are Hosea, his wife Gomer, and the three children from their marriage: Jezreel ("God Scatters"), Lo-Ruhamah ("Not Pitied"), and Lo-Ammi ("Not My People").
Nothing is known of Hosea outside this book, but based on the kings listed in 1:1, he must have prophesied for at least 38 years. He is the only one of the writing prophets to come from the northern kingdom.
Hosea prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel and frequently mentions the capital city of Samaria.