William is a professional who works in London and commutes by train to the country on weekends. He values traditional family life and feels deeply nostalgic for the cozy city home he once shared with his wife and children. As his wife embraces a new social circle, he experiences intense isolation in his own house. He brings practical gifts like fruit for his children, hoping to connect with them despite the constant presence of houseguests.

Isabel is William's wife. She recently adopted a bohemian lifestyle following a trip to Paris with her new social circle. She dismisses her past domestic life as overly sentimental and prefers spending time with artistic friends at her new country home. She masks her emotions behind a derisive new laugh and frequently ignores her husband's attempts to connect.

Moira is an aspiring artist who wears a strawberry-shaped bonnet. She actively encourages Isabel to abandon traditional family life, viewing herself as a rescuer saving her friend from domestic boredom. She treats William's home as a free weekend retreat while openly insulting his focus on work.

Bobby is a member of Isabel's bohemian clique who lacks a formal trade. He wears modern dance attire and freely consumes the resources around him. He casually walks out of a shop with unpaid sweets, relying completely on Isabel to settle the bill.

Dennis is a writer who joins the weekend gathering at the country house. He speaks almost entirely in unoriginal platitudes, assigning dramatic titles to everyday occurrences. He eagerly devours the meals provided by his host while contributing nothing of substance to the household.

Bill is a painter who spends the weekend at Isabel and William's home. He shows little actual interest in his craft, refusing requests to paint his friends by complaining about the indoor lighting. He prioritizes eating and lounging over artistic creation.

Paddy is one of William and Isabel's young sons. He lives in the new country house surrounded by exotic toys from various nations. He is routinely sent away on separate engagements while his mother entertains her adult friends.

Johnny is William and Isabel's other young son. He receives a melon and a pineapple from his father during a weekend visit. Like his brother, he spends little actual time with his parents due to the constant presence of bohemian houseguests.