Ella is a 24-year-old American education consultant fulfilling her childhood dream of studying Victorian literature at Oxford University on a Rhodes Scholarship. Highly structured and scheduled, she attempts to balance her demanding political consulting job in the United States with her new academic and social life in England. Her fierce drive for control and careful planning often masks a deeper fear of loss stemming from a childhood tragedy.

Jamie is a wealthy, aristocratic teaching assistant at Oxford who takes over Ella's Victorian literature class. Known for his elegant but arrogant demeanor and a reputation for brief, casual relationships, he initially clashes with Ella due to his blunt attitude. Beneath his cynical exterior and privileged background, he possesses a deep passion for poetry and a closely guarded personal life.

Maggie is a friendly, pink-haired Oxford student who quickly welcomes Ella into her immediate social circle. She is observant and supportive, often acting as a sounding board for Ella's academic and romantic dilemmas while quietly struggling with her own personal insecurities.

Charlie is an eccentric, witty Oxford student who adopts the pseudonym "Sebastian Melmoth" as a nod to Oscar Wilde. Outspoken and highly perceptive, he enjoys the vibrant social life of the university and frequently serves as the outspoken voice of reason regarding his friends' romantic missteps.

Tom is a former Oxford student who never completed his degree but remained in the city to work as a tutor, helping others apply to the university. He is charming, flirtatious, and deeply embedded in the local culture, though he often appears oblivious to the genuine romantic feelings directed at him.

Cecelia is an aloof and sophisticated Oxford student who has recently returned to her graduate studies. She is highly protective of Jamie Davenport and his family, projecting a cold exterior that makes her an intimidating presence to newcomers who try to enter their inner circle.

Gavin is the intense and demanding former White House chief of staff running Janet Wilkes's presidential campaign. He relies heavily on Ella's political consulting skills and constantly pressures her to prioritize American political ambitions over her Oxford education, regularly interrupting her life abroad with urgent calls.

Janet is a successful, grassroots senator running in the presidential election. She is a highly capable politician balancing her national campaign with personal challenges. Unlike her campaign manager Gavin, Janet is deeply supportive of Ella's educational goals and personal wellbeing.

Connor is a fellow American Rhodes Scholar pursuing a master's degree in global health after quitting his job in healthcare. He is predictable, stable, and shares a similar ambitious background with Ella, offering her a safe social connection in a foreign environment.

William is Jamie's wealthy, aristocratic father who grew up without money before marrying into wealth. He is overbearing, highly critical of Jamie's choices, and constantly clashes with his son over issues of duty, legacy, and medical decisions.

Antonia is Jamie's mother and a descendant of the Vanderbilt family. Unlike her stern husband, she is warm, welcoming, and attempts to bridge the emotional distance between the conflicting members of her family, offering kindness to those Jamie cares about.

Oliver is Jamie Davenport's brother. His medical struggles and the resulting conflicts over his care have profoundly impacted the Davenport family dynamics, casting a long shadow over Jamie's perspective on life, autonomy, and his relationship with his parents.

Hugh is the elderly, no-nonsense porter at Magdalen College who handles student check-ins and mail. Despite his gruff exterior and rigid adherence to protocol, he maintains a steady, watchful presence over the college's residents.

Ian is an arrogant and belligerent student who antagonizes Ella during a pub outing. His aggressive behavior, unwanted advances, and anti-American insults push Ella past her breaking point, leading to a physical altercation.

Simon is the friendly worker at the local chip shop. He is welcoming to Ella, offering her advice on condiments, and is familiar with Jamie Davenport's frequent visits to the establishment, later encouraging their blossoming romance.

Eugenia is Ella's "scout," a traditional Oxford university cleaner assigned to her room. She is a reliable, daily presence in the residential college who strictly adheres to her schedule, occasionally walking in on Ella's private moments.

Ridley is a rower at Oxford who catches Charlie's eye. He is hesitant to explore his sexuality, making him the object of Charlie's persistent but unrequited affection as they navigate the university's social scene.

Martin is an old friend of Jamie's who inadvertently creates tension when he crosses paths with Jamie and Ella early in their relationship. His probing questions about Jamie's personal life cause Jamie visible distress.

Sophie is Martin's fiancée. During a drunken encounter at a club, she inadvertently reveals guarded information about Jamie's family history to Ella, sparking a major confrontation between the couple.