How many original roles are involved in an ordinary promissory note naming a maker and a payee, before any transfer?

A promissory note under section 4 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 has two original parties: the maker, who signs the undertaking to pay, and the payee, to whom payment is to be made. Unlike a bill of exchange, it has no drawee; other parties, such as indorsees, join only on negotiation.