Clive is a celebrated composer commissioned to write a major piece called the Millennial Symphony. He lives in a large villa inherited from a wealthy uncle and structures his life strictly around his creative output. Following the death of his former partner Molly, he grows isolated and deeply anxious about his own health. This hypochondria prompts him to seek a drastic medical pact with his closest friend, believing his artistic calling exempts him from standard societal obligations.

Vernon is the ambitious editor of the *Judge*, a struggling broadsheet newspaper facing declining circulation. He experiences a sense of existential dread and immense professional pressure to modernize the paper to boost readership. Driven by professional survival, he considers compromising his intellectual standards for sensationalist stories, particularly when a scandalous opportunity lands in his lap.

Julian is the right-wing foreign secretary of the United Kingdom, known for his punitive political platform and championing of traditional family values. Behind his stern, authoritative public persona, he conceals a deeply hidden private life that contradicts his conservative policies. He is a highly ambitious politician aiming for the position of prime minister.

George is a wealthy publisher who produces low-brow books about conspiracy theories and pseudoscience. As Molly's widower, he is fiercely possessive of her memory and openly resents the men who were her former lovers. He holds a financial stake in the *Judge* and leverages his resources to manipulate others and settle personal grievances.

Molly was a vibrant restaurant critic and photographer who recently died from a rapid degenerative neurological illness. Before her illness, she was a dynamic, socially active woman whose circle included many prominent men in London. She serves as the emotional link connecting Clive, Vernon, Julian, and George, and her remaining possessions spark a massive ethical conflict.

Rose is a distinguished pediatric heart surgeon and the wife of Julian Garmony. She projects an image of quiet competence and possesses a sharp strategic mind regarding her family's public image. She is deeply pragmatic and fiercely protective of her marriage, willing to take control of public relations crises to defend her husband's political standing.

Frank is the young deputy foreign editor at the *Judge*. He represents a newer generation of journalists eager to modernize the newspaper by shifting toward more tabloid-style reporting. He presents himself as an eager ally to Vernon during times of staff revolt.

Tony is the lawyer and managing director of the *Judge*. He oversees the legal and corporate aspects of the newspaper, ensuring that the publication navigates the strict boundaries of British journalism.

Hart is an American Beat poet who attends Molly's funeral. He claims to have known Molly in 1965 when she was a teenager, a boast that deeply offends Clive.

Mandy is Vernon Halliday's wife. Their relationship experiences severe strain due to the immense pressure Vernon faces in his role at the newspaper.

Jean is Vernon's secretary at the *Judge*. She manages his schedule and alerts him to urgent news developments and press conferences.

Lettice is the features editor at the *Judge*. She attempts to pitch serious journalistic pieces, such as articles on international euthanasia laws, but struggles against Vernon's push for sensationalism.

Giulio is the conductor tasked with leading the orchestra for the premiere of Clive's Millennial Symphony. He provides candid feedback on the composition's quality.

Paul is a music critic who attends the events surrounding the Millennial Symphony in Amsterdam. He provides snide commentary on the compositions he reviews and disrupts social gatherings.