Philip is an orphaned boy who grows up in a strict, highly religious household in the rural village of Blackstable. Born with a clubfoot, he often feels isolated and socially awkward, drawing unwanted attention from his peers at school. He relies heavily on books for comfort and develops a strong desire to find a community where he belongs. His sensitivity to art and beauty drives him to explore various career paths across Europe before he settles into medical studies in London.

Mildred is a waitress with a pale complexion, thin lips, and a delicate appearance. She is often rude, materialistic, and openly indifferent to Philip's affection, viewing his attention with bored detachment. She prioritizes her own financial security and social standing, showing a preference for men who can offer her entertainment, presents, or clear financial support.

Thorpe is an educated journalist with a deep appreciation for Spanish literature, poetry, and art. He lives a bustling, happy domestic life with his large family in London, having left behind a wealthy but stifling previous marriage. He possesses warm, unconventional views and quickly acts as a welcoming father figure for Philip.

Cronshaw is an eccentric poet who lives a bohemian life in Paris. He enjoys debating philosophy and the purpose of existence, encouraging young art students to question traditional moralities. He possesses a keen artistic mind but struggles with alcohol dependency and abject poverty.

Griffiths is a handsome, charismatic, and popular medical student. He displays a natural ease in social situations that Philip often envies. He acts kindly when Philip falls ill, but his carefree attitude toward romance eventually creates friction between them.

Mr. Carey is a rural clergyman living in the village of Blackstable. He maintains a reserved, highly religious, and frugal household, structured entirely around his duties to the church. He holds conservative views on education and expects his nephew to follow a respectable, traditional path into the clergy.

Aunt Louisa is the wife of Mr. Carey. Because she has never had children of her own, she feels awkward and anxious around her young nephew. She tries to show kindness by offering him books and quietly supports him financially when she can.

Hayward is an Englishman who abandoned his legal studies at Cambridge to travel through Europe. He prefers reading poetry and discussing abstract beauty over practical work. He introduces Philip to new intellectual ideas and remains a steady, lifelong correspondent.

Fanny is a determined art student who wears the same shabby brown dress every day to her classes. She possesses very little artistic talent but refuses to abandon her dreams of becoming a great artist. She is often surly and defensive, isolating herself from the other students while battling severe poverty.

Norah is a pragmatic and cheerful woman who makes her living writing popular fiction. She offers Philip emotional support, true affection, and a stabilizing presence during his time in London.

Miss Wilkinson is an independent woman who works as a governess in Germany. She is older than Philip and speaks freely about her past lovers, which both shocks and fascinates the young man, leading to his first romantic encounter.

Lawson is a dedicated art student who rooms with Philip for a time in Paris to save money. He introduces Philip to the bohemian circles of the city and remains a loyal acquaintance when they both return to London.

Sally is the eldest daughter of Thorpe and Betty Athelny. She works as an apprentice to a dressmaker and is generally quiet and shy around Philip during his weekly visits.

Betty is Thorpe Athelny's partner and the mother of his nine children. A former housemaid, she is practical and runs the large household efficiently, ensuring her children grow up to be capable and hard-working.

Mr. Perkins is a headmaster from a middle-class background who brings modern ideas to the traditional boarding school. He notices Philip's isolation and tries to guide the boy's education and spiritual development.

Rose is one of Philip's classmates. He forms a close friendship with Philip, though their bond is often strained by Philip's intense jealousy and possessiveness regarding Rose's attention.

Weeks is an American living in Germany. He is practical and knowledgeable, frequently debating art and religion with Hayward in the evenings while Philip observes.

Foinet is an experienced art expert who critiques the work of the students at Amitrano's. He provides harsh but honest feedback regarding his students' lack of talent.

Miller is an older man who catches Mildred's attention at the restaurant. His presence sparks intense jealousy in Philip as Mildred begins to favor him.

Mary Ann is the single household servant for Mr. Carey and Aunt Louisa. Though initially annoyed by having a young boy in the house, she quickly grows fond of Philip and acts as an early source of comfort for him.