Emmeline is a fifteen-year-old aspiring dressmaker living in London at the onset of the war. She possesses a natural talent for sketching and designing wedding gowns. Resourceful and independent, she seeks to build a career for herself despite the demands of caring for her younger sister. Her ambition frequently places her in opposition to her mother's practical expectations.

Julia is a seven-year-old girl living in London. She relies heavily on her older sister for care and emotional support due to their mother's demanding work schedule. Her candid nature sometimes surprises adults, but her primary focus remains staying by her sister's side during the uncertainties of wartime evacuation.

Kendra is an American college student studying history at Oxford University. She values understanding the emotional realities of historical events rather than just memorizing facts. She approaches her interview subject with empathy and connects over their shared experiences as older sisters.

Charlotte is a widow living at Thistle House in the Cotswolds. She provides a warm, calm environment for evacuated children fleeing the conflict in London. She actively supports the creative pursuits of those in her care and provides both materials and encouragement while managing the household.

Annie is a hardworking single mother employed as a kitchen maid for a wealthy widow in London. She faces significant societal pressure and financial stress while attempting to provide for her two daughters. She frequently clashes with her eldest daughter over responsibilities, prioritizing practical survival over ambitious dreams.

Jonah, known as Mac, is an American journalist reporting for CBS from London during the conflict. He maintains a cheerful and good-natured demeanor despite the grim realities of his reporting assignments. He offers practical assistance and companionship to those affected by the bombings.

Mrs. Crofton is the owner of Primrose Bridal in London. She possesses a keen eye for talent and quickly recognizes the potential in a young applicant's sketches. She serves as a mentor figure by offering practical training and industry connections.

Graham is a professional involved in costume design and dressmaking who handles affairs in London. He maintains strict professional standards and requires proper parental permission before accepting an apprentice, but he openly acknowledges genuine artistic talent.

Neville is an actor who previously maintained a relationship with Annie. He presents a complicated history, having lied about his true identity and family status to those close to him.

Beryl acts as a protective caretaker for an elderly relative in the Cotswolds. She expresses concern about her relative's emotional fragility when discussing historical trauma with strangers.

Rose is a young woman living in the Cotswolds who requires constant care due to a childhood injury. She functions at the developmental level of a young child and enjoys simple activities in the garden.

Thea is a London resident who lives near the Downtree family. She provides practical childcare assistance and offers a safe presence for a young neighbor during times of vulnerability.

Mrs. Billingsley is a wealthy London resident who maintains a staffed household. She requires demanding hours from her domestic employees, affecting their availability for their own families.

Nana is a deceased family matriarch who previously visited London. She held strict traditional views and openly expressed judgment regarding her daughter's life choices.

Mrs. Braughton, who goes by Alice, coordinates the transport and placement of evacuated children. She manages the difficult logistics of matching London youths with countryside families.

Howard is a middle-aged local in the Cotswolds seeking to take in an evacuee. He holds rigid social expectations and reacts poorly to candid discussions of illegitimacy.

Margaret is a countryside resident who takes an immediate liking to a young London girl. She hesitates to accept siblings together due to their unconventional family backgrounds.

Henry is a married man residing in London. He maintains complex private connections that he supports financially from a distance.

Agnes is a woman of high social standing who fiercely protects her household's assets. She reacts with immediate suspicion toward unexpected individuals inquiring about her husband's affairs.

Colin is the son of a wealthy London family. He demonstrates a strong sense of fairness and attempts to honor his father's financial intentions.

Hugh is an evacuated boy relocated to the Cotswolds. He easily finds common ground with other youths who have experienced displacement due to the aerial bombings.

Philip is a young evacuee adjusting to life away from the city. He participates in household routines and forms bonds through shared artistic projects.

Dr. Diamant is a therapeutic professional treating clients with severe childhood trauma. The doctor encourages unorthodox methods, such as writing letters to absent family members, to facilitate emotional healing.

Simon is an accountant who connects with a coworker over their shared struggles of fitting in after childhood hardships. He provides steady support and encouragement during difficult personal journeys.