George is a 16-year-old English schoolgirl living in Cambridge who copes with the recent, sudden death of her mother. She is intelligent, articulate, and highly observant, frequently analyzing and playing with language as a way to process her emotions. Her grief causes her to assume a caretaking role for her younger brother while she cultivates an intense interest in Italian Renaissance art.

Francescho is an Early Renaissance painter who exists in an insubstantial "purgatorium" state tied to George. Born female, Francescho adopted a male identity in childhood to secure a formal apprenticeship and pursue a career in art. He possesses a keen eye for human beauty, a rebellious streak, and a deep appreciation for the working-class people he incorporates into his frescoes.

Often called "H", she is a confident, rebellious classmate of George who initiates their friendship. She is known at school for her artistic talent and her willingness to physically defend others against bullies. She respects George's unconventional habits and engages her in witty banter, translation games, and emotional support.

George's late mother, a political commentator and online activist who created anti-government popups known as Subverts. She possessed a strong sense of justice born from her 1960s upbringing and firmly believed the government monitored her actions. Her sudden death fractures her family's stability.

George's father works in the roofing industry. Following his wife's death, he turns to alcohol to cope with his grief. This habit creates distance between himself and his children, making him struggle to parent effectively while managing his own sorrow.

George's younger brother. He shows signs of chronic emotional upset due to his mother's death, describing the realization of his loss as an earthquake. He develops a sudden, intense interest in geography and relies heavily on George for comfort.

A mysterious woman who formed a quasi-romantic friendship with Carol Martineau before Carol abruptly cut ties over surveillance suspicions. She later visits the local art gallery to view Francesco del Cossa's painting, an action that prompts George to follow her.

The school guidance counselor tasked with helping George process her bereavement. She attempts various conversational techniques to reach her client, maintaining patience despite George's initial hostility and silence.

Francescho's lifelong best friend and the heir to a noble family. Despite their class differences, he treats Francescho as an intellectual equal, matching his wit. He harbors complicated romantic feelings for Francescho.

A working-class brickmaker who recognizes his child's immense artistic talent. Driven by grief over his wife's early passing and a desire to secure a future for his talented child, he proposes the plan for Francescho to adopt a male identity and pursue a formal apprenticeship.

Francescho's mother, who instills a love of storytelling and Greek myths in her child. She interprets classical myths with an unconventional perspective on authority before passing away while Francescho is still very young.

A young apprentice nicknamed "the pickpocket" by Francescho. He works closely under Francescho's instruction, occasionally clashing with his master over ambition and acts of forgery, but ultimately showing deep devotion.

The powerful and wealthy ruler who commissions the grand fresco in Piazza Schifanoia. He presents himself as modest and just to the public, but privately rules with cruelty and refuses to pay his artists a fair wage.

A scholar who supervises the artistic work on the Piazza Schifanoia fresco. He hires Francescho and occasionally pushes back against his radical artistic choices, but eventually concedes due to the undeniable quality of the work.

A celebrated court painter who started as a cobbler's son. He reacts with rage to Francescho's radical interpretation of a Greek myth, becoming a lifelong artistic rival.

A woman working at the brothel who discovers Francescho's biological sex. She trades lessons in physical pleasure for Francescho's sketches and eventually serves as a model for the muses in his great fresco.

The most popular worker at the brothel. She accepts a sketch instead of physical intimacy, keeping Francescho's secret safe and introducing him to the other women who work there.

A strong, handsome man who shares a brief, intimate encounter with Francescho in the woods. Francescho later immortalizes him in the palace fresco as a symbol of strength and virtue, defying artistic norms.