David is a thoughtful, academically gifted boy of Burmese and English descent who is raised by his single mother in the town of Foxleigh. He attends the Bampton School on a scholarship, where he faces his emerging gay sexuality and encounters both subtle and overt racial prejudice. A talented mimic, he develops an early interest in acting that offers an outlet for his expression and identity.

Avril is a hardworking dressmaker raising David on her own after a brief affair in Burma. She provides a loving and protective environment for her son but remains reticent about her past overseas. Independent and resilient, she pursues a business and personal partnership with a local woman, ignoring the gossip of their small town.

Mark is a wealthy upper-class philanthropist who sponsors the Hadlow Exhibition, a scholarship that allows David to attend Bampton. He is courteous and fair-minded, often serving as an aspirational figure for the young David. He uses his wealth to support the arts and education.

Giles is the privileged son of Mark and Cara Hadlow and attends Bampton alongside David. He is aggressive and entitled, prone to using slurs and physical intimidation to assert his superiority. His behavior is driven by a mix of class entitlement, racism, and his own unexamined desires.

Cara is an accomplished artist and the matriarch of the Hadlow family. She resides at the Woolpeck estate and observes the dynamics between her children and their guests with a watchful eye. She maintains a polite and culturally refined household.

Mr. Hudson is an English teacher and Bampton schoolmaster who introduces students to classical music. He serves as a referee for school sports and provides a sophisticated cultural environment for David. He maintains strict professional boundaries despite the rumors among the students.

Raymond is the artistic director of the Terra touring theater company. He is a demanding, left-wing creative leader who casts actors in unconventional roles, challenging traditional theater norms. He runs a rigorous rehearsal process and relies on external funding to keep his company afloat.

Hector is an ambitious Black actor born in Liberia. He possesses strong stage presence but frequently faces racial prejudice in the British acting industry. He is serious and cautious, working hard to secure roles beyond the stereotypical parts usually offered to actors of color.

Richard is a writer and editor who takes a professional and personal interest in David's life. He serves as an interviewer and becomes a steadfast, stabilizing presence, offering David understanding and companionship.

Mrs. Croft is an independent woman who hires Avril for dressmaking services before going into business with her. She owns a large house and offers Avril and David a new place to live, becoming a steady and supportive presence in their household.

Elise is Mark's mother and a famous French actress preparing for a classical Greek role. She recognizes David's vocal projection and talent for acting, warning him about the limitations the theater world places on actors of color.

Brian is Avril's brother, characterized by his blunt, insensitive manner. He holds bigoted views regarding race and sexuality, openly disapproving of Avril's life choices and creating friction within the extended family.

Lydia is the daughter of Mark and Cara Hadlow. She is perceptive about her brother Giles's behavior, suggesting that his aggression toward David stems from jealousy.

George is Cara's uncle, a traditional man who assumes David is a foreigner based on his skin color. He previously procured horses for the war effort and lives an old-fashioned rural life.

Manji is an Indian student at the Bampton School. He is one of the few other boys of color in David's house, and the two share the experience of navigating an overwhelmingly white, upper-class environment.

Chris is a young man who recognizes David from television and takes an immediate interest in him. He initiates an early romance with David, communicating through letters while David is on tour.

Nick is an academic high-achiever at Oxford University who strikes up a fast friendship with David. He is affectionate and welcoming but only reciprocates David's intense feelings on a platonic level.

Marco is an Italian waiter working at a hotel in Devon. He captures David's attention and imagination during a summer vacation, representing one of the teenager's first intense experiences of attraction.

Jane is a longtime friend of Avril Win. She provides local companionship in their small town and holds memories of Avril's long life.