Professor Hershel Layton is a renowned archaeologist at a London university and a well-mannered gentleman with a keen intellect and insight into solving puzzles.

He is often followed by his assistant, the young Luke Triton, who also is adept at solving puzzles. Later in the series, following the events of The Curious Village, Layton is joined by Flora Reinhold who helps to tend his university offices but also seeks to go on adventures as well.

Layton's mysteries often run him into the police chief of Scotland Yard, Inspector Chelmey. Layton also encounters Don Paolo, a gifted inventor and self-declared nemesis of Layton due to losing the love of his life, Claire, to Layton's charms.