The eldest Schlegel sibling is an independent intellectual living in Edwardian London. Supported by an inheritance from her parents, she spends her time engaging in debates about art, society, and philosophy. She approaches life with pragmatism. She seeks to find a middle ground between her family's idealism and the practical, business-driven world of the Wilcox family.

Margaret's younger sister is highly idealistic, impulsive, and driven by her emotions. She values art, music, and personal connections over social conventions or practical matters. Her quick judgments and intense reactions often lead her into interpersonal conflicts, especially as she attempts to help those she views as less fortunate.

The patriarch of the Wilcox family is a wealthy businessman who manages a rubber company with interests in Africa. He values action, practicality, and enterprise over emotional expression. He operates with a strict sense of authority and views the world in terms of economic progress. He rarely considers the emotional consequences of his business decisions.

The matriarch of the Wilcox family possesses a quiet, mystical presence that contrasts with her family's loud, active nature. She holds a deep, spiritual connection to her ancestral countryside home, Howards End. Though she claims to lack the intellectual eloquence of the Schlegels, she demonstrates a profound intuitive understanding of people and knows how to quietly manage conflicts.

A poor insurance clerk living in a shabby basement apartment on the edge of London. He aspires to elevate his social and intellectual standing by reading authors like John Ruskin and attending concerts. His lack of wealth makes this difficult, causing him frequent anxiety about his belongings and status. He harbors a sincere love for romantic adventure and natural beauty.

The youngest Schlegel sibling is an Oxford student who prefers reading and studying over engaging with the outside world. He intends to live comfortably on his inheritance rather than pursue a career. He remains largely detached from the social and romantic dramas that consume his older sisters.

The traditional aunt of the Schlegel siblings who views it as her duty to protect her nieces and nephew. She often jumps to conclusions about their social situations and romantic prospects. Her attempts to intervene on their behalf sometimes create awkward misunderstandings.

Mr. Wilcox's eldest son is an authoritative and highly suspicious man who works in the family's rubber business. He fiercely protects his family's wealth and status, quickly viewing the Schlegels as a threat to his inheritance. He shares his father's practical mindset but lacks his charm, often reacting to situations with hostility.

The younger Wilcox son, who intends to travel to Nigeria to work in the British colonies. He is easily intimidated by his family's expectations and quickly regrets his emotional outburst with Helen once he realizes the social complications it causes.

The youngest Wilcox child and only daughter. She is primarily interested in outdoor sports, social events, and her upcoming marriage, largely allowing her dominant father and brothers to dictate family matters.

Charles's wife, who often feels out of place or bored during serious family matters. She pays close attention to local gossip and occasionally blurts out information that the rest of the Wilcox family attempts to keep quiet.

Leonard Bast's fiancée, an older woman whom Leonard views as unrefined. She shows no interest in his intellectual pursuits or musical hobbies. She constantly demands reassurance of his love and commitment, viewing their relationship through a highly practical lens.

An elderly, eccentric local farm worker who maintains a long-standing connection to Howards End and the family of Mrs. Wilcox. She acts as a kind of unofficial caretaker and spiritual guardian of the property, making cryptic predictions about the house's future.