Hazel is an eighteen-year-old piano player living with her parents in a flat in London. Naturally shy, she prefers to communicate through her music rather than small talk. She volunteers to work at a YMCA relief hut in France to entertain Allied soldiers. Her strong moral compass leads her to challenge the discriminatory practices she encounters at the military camp.

James is a nineteen-year-old recruit from Chelmsford waiting to ship out to the trenches in France. He is a quiet and self-contained young man who possesses a deep sensitivity to art and music. As he begins his military training and deployment, he relies on his correspondence with Hazel to maintain his humanity in brutal conditions.

Colette is a Belgian singer volunteering with the YMCA in France. She lost her entire family and her childhood sweetheart when German forces destroyed her hometown of Dinant early in the war. She seeks solace by helping others and quickly forms a close bond with Hazel over their shared love of music.

Aubrey is a talented ragtime pianist from Harlem serving in the 15th New York National Guard band. He plays with a cheeky, confident sense of humor that charms those around him. Stationed in France, he uses his musical gifts to lift the spirits of his fellow soldiers while enduring constant racial prejudice from white servicemen.

The Greek goddess of love, beauty, and passion serves as the primary narrator of the mortal love stories. Though she appears perfectly beautiful and occasionally aloof, she secretly envies humans for their ability to experience genuine emotional connection. She uses the stories of two mortal couples to explain her actions to her husband during an impromptu trial.

The god of fire, blacksmiths, and volcanoes serves as the judge for his wife's infidelity trial. He bears physical scars and walks with a stooped posture. He listens carefully to the evidence presented, trying to understand the value of the mortal romances being described.

The god of war is trapped in the golden net alongside his divine lover. He views human life as brief and insignificant, frequently interrupting the trial to express his boredom with mortal romance. He takes pride in the destructive power of military conflict across the globe.

The god of music, disease, and the sun is summoned as the first witness in the divine trial. He takes a particular interest in mortal musicians and follows Aubrey's career closely. He views the destructive plagues he has unleashed with the same artistic pride he applies to musical developments.

The intimidating god of the underworld manages the souls of the dead. He commands immediate respect from the other gods, who quiet down in his presence. He pays close attention to the tragic casualties of the human war.

The head secretary at the relief hut enforces rigid and racially discriminatory policies among the volunteers. She insists that the white female volunteers avoid the Black soldiers to maintain propriety. She represents the systemic prejudice that complicates life for the young musicians at the camp.

A historical figure who leads the 15th New York Army Band in France. He recognizes Aubrey's immense musical potential and encourages him to write down his original compositions. He acts as a protective mentor to the Black musicians under his command.

A soldier and musician in the 15th New York band alongside Aubrey. He pays close attention to the racial tensions at the camp and constantly warns his friend about the danger posed by hostile white servicemen.

A veteran private who has already experienced the horrors of the front lines. He answers the younger recruits' questions about the trenches with sobering honesty. He keeps a photograph of his wife and child with him at all times.

Hazel's father plays the piano at the local town hall to support his family. He warns his daughter against falling in love with a soldier, knowing the heartbreak the war brings.

Hazel's mother carefully monitors the war news from their flat in Poplar. She maintains regular correspondence with her daughter when Hazel travels to France.

James's mother waits anxiously for news from the front lines. She worries deeply about her eldest son's physical and mental well-being as the war progresses.

Colette's childhood sweetheart from her hometown in Belgium. His memory profoundly shapes Colette's emotional state and motivates her volunteer work during the war.

Colette's aunt provides a safe home in Paris after the destruction of Dinant. She occasionally hosts her niece and Hazel when they secure leave from their YMCA duties.

Frank Mason's wife remains in England while he fights on the Western Front. She represents the families waiting anxiously at home for their loved ones to return.

James's younger sister who lives at the family home in Chelmsford. She maintains a close bond with her older brother.

James's younger brother. James worries constantly about the possibility of the war lasting long enough to draft him.

An experienced sniper in the British forces who trains James. He recognizes the psychological toll the work takes on young soldiers and tries to manage their duties accordingly.

A French military trainer who recognizes Aubrey's musical talent. He takes Aubrey to local taverns and bars to play for crowds during their downtime.