Sasha is a middle-aged woman of Creole and Welsh descent who returns to Paris in 1937 after five years in England. Relying on alcohol and sleeping pills to quiet her mind, she meticulously schedules her daily routine to avoid confronting painful memories of her past marriage. She frequently feels isolated from society and uses new clothes and hair dye to mask her deep emotional exhaustion.

Enno is Sasha's husband, a former journalist and songwriter of French origin. He boasts of his career during the war but often relies on the charity of friends and acquaintances to fund his travels. He pursues his own diversions and promises Sasha a stable life once they settle down, though his actions frequently contradict his words.

René is a charismatic man who claims to be French Canadian, though Sasha suspects he is actually Spanish. He approaches Sasha under the guise of needing someone to talk to, sharing elaborate tales of escape from the French army. He persistently attempts to bond with Sasha over shared emotional scars and insists on integrating himself into her life.

Nicolas is a naturalized French citizen from Ukraine who adopts a philosophical approach to life, preferring to accept things as they are rather than forcing them to change. Recognizing Sasha's profound loneliness, he actively suggests methods to combat her isolation and introduces her to his artistic friends.

Serge is a painter who creates and collects West African masks. He possesses a gentle, perceptive demeanor, offering Sasha tea instead of alcohol when she grows distressed in his studio. He shares personal stories of his time in London and bonds with Sasha over a melancholy picture of a Jewish man playing the banjo.

Sidonie is an old friend of Sasha's who resides in London. Concerned by Sasha's drinking, aging appearance, and general decline in well-being, she encourages her to return to Paris to revive her spirits and purchase new clothes.

The Neighbor is a mysterious, ghost-like man staying in the room next to Sasha's hotel room. He frequently leaves his shoes outside his door and wears a distinctive white nightshirt. His physical presence and perceived sneers cause Sasha great anxiety, fueling her growing paranoia.

Mr. Blank is the manager of the London branch of the French dress-house. He is suspicious of Sasha's employment gaps and severely berates her over a linguistic misunderstanding, completely shattering her fragile confidence.

Mr. Lawson is an old male acquaintance of Sasha's who resides in Brussels. He previously told Sasha to look him up if she ever visited, leading her to seek his financial support during a desperate moment when she and Enno run out of money.

Hans is a Dutch man with a blustering look who hosts Sasha and Enno. He lives in a crowded house where nothing feels entirely clean or entirely dirty.

Tonny is a gentle Dutch woman who, along with her husband Hans, hosts Sasha and Enno during their time in the Netherlands.

Alfred is one of Enno's friends in Paris. He joins Enno and Sasha for a meal at a local café shortly after their arrival in the city, representing Enno's network of connections.

Lise is a twenty-two-year-old embroiderer and singer who spends time with Sasha and Enno's social group. She frequently expresses dissatisfaction with life, which draws Sasha's sympathy.

Paulette is a confident and beautiful woman in Sasha and Enno's Parisian social circle. She entertains the group with outlandish tales of romance and folly.