The youngest son of a wealthy Yorkshire family, Christopher works as a brilliant statistician for the government. He possesses an encyclopedic memory and a profound intellect. Because he adheres to archaic gentlemanly morals, he styles himself as an extinct Tory. This specific worldview puts him at odds with modernizing society and his own turbulent marriage.

A remarkably beautiful woman who harbors an intense animosity toward her husband. She possesses a manipulative streak and intentionally torments Christopher for his stoicism and saintly morals. Despite her erratic behavior and affairs, she strictly identifies as Roman Catholic.

A fiercely independent suffragette and highly skilled Latin scholar. She advocates for women's rights and works hard to support her family following their financial decline. Her sharp intellect and self-reliant nature form the foundation of a deep connection with Christopher.

Christopher's older brother, who holds an indispensable position in the Department of Transport. He serves as the primary heir to the family's ancestral home, Groby. He shares his brother's reluctance to manage the estate and prefers a quiet, pragmatic life.

A literary critic and government statistician from a working-class Scottish background. He relies heavily on Christopher's patronage and genius to advance his own position in English high society, constantly worrying about maintaining social appearances.

Christopher's godfather and a prominent military officer. He holds highly traditional views on society and military strategy. He exhibits strong favoritism toward Sylvia, readily blaming Christopher for their marital discord.

Valentine's mother and a respected author. She relies on her writing to survive after her husband's death, receiving quiet financial backing from Christopher's father that she keeps secret from her children.

An Irish Catholic priest who serves as Sylvia's spiritual advisor. He openly criticizes her vindictive nature and warns her about the moral consequences of her actions.

Sylvia's mother, an older woman who enjoys high society but feels exhausted by her daughter's relentless drama. She holds Christopher in high regard despite her daughter's hatred of him.

The wife of a wealthy rector, she carefully cultivates a refined image to mask the chaos of her home life. She seeks social climbing opportunities and serves as a muse figure for literary men in Macmaster's circle.

A military officer whom Sylvia uses as a pawn in her social games. He is deeply infatuated with her, rendering him vulnerable to her cruel manipulations.

Macmaster's nephew and a fellow officer. He suffers under the heavy strain of command and harbors a bitter resentment toward his uncle's easy social success.

Mark Tietjens's French partner. She maintains a deep loyalty to Mark and France, viewing English customs and agricultural practices with intense suspicion and disdain.

The son of Sylvia and Christopher, though his biological parentage remains a point of tension. He grows up caught in the crossfire of his parents' psychological warfare.

A wealthy Anglican rector struggling with a severe mental health condition. His polite social gatherings are frequently interrupted by his uncontrollable vulgar outbursts.

An officer who struggles with the French language and relies heavily on Christopher's diplomatic skills to manage his relationship with his French fiancée.

A powerful minister in the government who greatly values Christopher's statistical acumen, even when Christopher despises the political twisting of his numbers.

General Campion's brother-in-law. He mutually despises Christopher but endures his company on the golf course to maintain social appearances.

Valentine's brother who struggles with alcohol and inappropriate behavior, adding to his family's domestic stresses.

A Welsh soldier serving in Christopher's unit whose domestic troubles cause significant stress. His dangerous family situation back home prompts him to desperately request leave.

A Portuguese Catholic officer and son of a poet who idolizes Christopher's quiet strength and literary knowledge in the trenches.

The headmistress at the girls' school where Valentine teaches. She greatly admires Valentine's late father but disapproves of the scandalous rumors surrounding Christopher.

A wealthy American tenant who firmly believes she possesses the reincarnated soul of Madame de Maintenon. She brings modern American ideas to the traditional English estate.

An old friend of Sylvia's who maintains a fierce loyalty to his own social circles, making him highly resistant to her manipulative rumors regarding the Tietjens family.

An American-German prisoner of war who recognizes Christopher's talent for identifying antique furniture, setting the foundation for a post-war business venture.

A fellow suffragette who protests alongside Valentine. She goes into hiding with the help of Valentine's network to avoid police capture.

A man from Sylvia's past. She engaged in a brief affair with him before marrying Christopher, leading to quiet speculations regarding the true parentage of her son.