Mrs. Alida Slade is a middle-aged, affluent widow from New York City who is traveling in Italy with her daughter. Once the proud and active wife of a highly successful corporate attorney, she now finds herself with too much free time and actively misses her former social prominence. Energetic and observant, she harbors a quiet, long-standing envy of her companion while reflecting on their shared history.

Mrs. Grace Ansley is a middle-aged widow who grew up alongside Alida and lived across the street from her in Manhattan. Reserved and outwardly prudent, she often occupies her hands with knitting to mask her inner reactions during conversation. She maintains a quiet demeanor that contrasts sharply with her friend's energetic personality.

Barbara is the vivacious young adult daughter of Grace Ansley. She is currently visiting Rome with her mother and regularly attracts the attention of eligible bachelors in their social circle. Full of energy and described as having rainbow wings, she stands in sharp contrast to her quieter travel companion.

Jenny is the extremely pretty and deeply caring daughter of Alida Slade. She is a dutiful young woman whom her mother views as an angel. While she is a supportive and safe presence, her mother privately worries that she lacks the vividness and spirit of her friend Barbara.

Delphin is a highly successful corporate attorney and the late husband of Alida Slade. Decades earlier, he was the object of affection for both Alida and Grace during their youthful travels in Italy. His memory continues to cast a long shadow over the lives of both women as they reminisce.

Horace is the late husband of Grace Ansley. He is remembered by his former neighbors as an irreproachable but relatively bland gentleman from old New York. He married Grace very quickly after she suffered an illness in Rome, living a tame and exemplary life across the street from the Slades.