The major characters of Kidnapped are David Balfour, Alan Breck and Ebenezer Balfour. Other characters include Rankeillor, Henderland, Hoseason and Cluny.

David is kidnapped by Ebenezer and transported in a ship. He meets Alan Breck and ends up fleeing through the Highlands. David and Alan return to the Lowlands to trap Ebenezer.

Both the Highlands and the Lowlands of Scotland feature. The Highlands are presented as a natural, wild and tribal place, but the Lowlands are civilised, cultivated and law-abiding.

There are a number of themes running throughout Kidnapped. These include: duality, man versus nature, loyalty and friendship, honour and respect.