She is the tall, red-haired eldest daughter of Thomas Jefferson. Following her mother's premature death, she accepts a solemn deathbed promise to watch over her grieving father, a vow that dictates the course of her life. She travels with him to Paris, attends a convent school, and constantly places her family's needs and public standing above her personal desires.

A brilliant Virginia statesman, planter, and the author of the Declaration of Independence. Despite his towering public intellect, he has a deep fear of abandonment and relies heavily on his eldest daughter for emotional stability following his wife's passing. He accepts an appointment as a diplomat in France, immersing himself in international politics while keeping his private life strictly guarded.

A capable, handsome young man who serves as Thomas Jefferson's secretary. Unlike the traditional Virginia planters, he holds abolitionist sentiments and seeks to build his career and fortune through the diplomatic corps. He provides essential emotional support to Patsy during her darkest moments.

A handsome, distant cousin of the Jeffersons and the heir to several Virginia plantations. He possesses a volatile temperament shaped by a difficult relationship with his demanding father. He is deeply tied to the traditional southern view that equates land ownership with personal worth and status.

An enslaved young woman belonging to the Jefferson household and the unacknowledged half-sister of Jefferson's late wife. She bears a striking physical resemblance to her half-sister. Quiet, observant, and resilient, she navigates an incredibly complex and secretive position within the family structure.

Patsy's delicate and beautiful younger sister. Having spent her early childhood in America separated from her father and older sister, she is somewhat detached from them initially. She relies heavily on the servants who care for her and struggles with the physical demands of her travels.

Thomas Jefferson's beloved wife and mother to Patsy, Polly, and Lucy. Her fragile health ultimately fails her shortly after childbirth, prompting a serious deathbed request to her eldest daughter that sets the course for the rest of Patsy's life.

The demanding and tyrannical father of Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr. He exerts immense pressure and control over his children, using his wealth and lands to manipulate his heirs.

The youngest daughter of Thomas and Martha Jefferson. Her tragic early passing deeply impacts Patsy's sense of familial responsibility and guilt over not keeping the family united.

The highly practical and warm wife of John Adams. She immediately takes a maternal interest in Patsy, ensuring she is properly outfitted and prepared for the rigors of European society.

An American diplomat and peer to Thomas Jefferson during their time representing the new nation in Europe.

Sally Hemings's brother, an enslaved man in the Jefferson household who travels to France to be trained as a master French chef. He becomes vocal about his desire for liberty while living abroad.

Another of Sally Hemings's brothers, who formally requests his liberty from Jefferson, highlighting the philosophical contradictions of the household.

A seemingly respectable business associate in Paris who Patsy astutely discovers is a British spy charging his exorbitant tailor bills to her father.

A married European woman with whom Thomas Jefferson becomes deeply and publicly infatuated during his time in Paris. Her capricious behavior disturbs Patsy.

A sister of Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., who becomes embroiled in a dark, devastating societal scandal at the Bizarre plantation, requiring intense family management.

A cousin of the Randolph siblings whose reputation is permanently marred by grim rumors and a subsequent murder trial involving an alleged secret pregnancy.

The wife of Richard Randolph. She is deeply involved in the bitter feuds and tragedies within the extended Randolph family network.

The eldest daughter of Patsy. As she grows up, she faces severe hardships in her own life, mirroring the difficult marital dynamics and struggles seen by women in her family.

The husband of Ann, known for his hostility, heavy drinking, and volatile temper that brings sudden violence directly onto the Monticello estate.

The eldest son of Patsy. He takes on significant adult responsibilities early on, volunteering for military service in the artillery and later stepping in to manage crushing familial debts.

The bride of Jeff Randolph. Her family objects to her marrying into a planter family, representing the shifting economic tensions of the era.

One of Patsy's daughters, who dutifully casts herself as a primary caregiver for her aging mother and grandfather at Monticello.

One of Patsy's daughters. She chooses to marry for love rather than fortune, providing a contrast to the heavily strategic matches made by others in her family.

One of Sally Hemings's children. Reaching adulthood forces a complex reckoning regarding his status, location, and the emotional toll of formal liberty.

The politically astute wife of James Madison. She helps guide Patsy through the intricate social and political landscape of the nation's capital.

A prominent Virginia politician, close associate of Thomas Jefferson, and eventually his successor in office.

A French military officer and Revolutionary War hero who shares a long, historical friendship with Jefferson. He openly critiques the continued existence of slavery in America.