Ulysses is a 24-year-old British soldier from London who previously helped run his father's globe-making business. He maintains a gentle and empathetic demeanor despite the traumas of war. Upon returning to civilian life, he works as a bartender and leans on his chosen family to rebuild his future. He demonstrates a profound capacity to care for others and forms deep, loyal bonds with the people around him.

Evelyn is a 64-year-old British art historian who travels through war-torn Italy to help identify and protect priceless Renaissance masterpieces. She lives proudly and openly in her private life while navigating the restrictive social expectations of the mid-20th century. Her deep reverence for art acts as her guiding philosophy for understanding human connection and history.

Peggy is a tough-minded young woman working as a bartender in London while her husband serves overseas. She craves independence and dreams of escaping her difficult circumstances for a fresh start in America. Her desire for autonomy often clashes with the limited economic and social options available to women in post-war England.

Cress is an older, quiet man from Ulysses's London neighborhood who harbors a deep appreciation for the natural world. He often keeps to himself but serves as a steady and reliable presence for his community. His gentle nature makes him highly perceptive of the emotional struggles of his friends.

Alys is a perceptive young girl who grows up under the care of Ulysses rather than her biological mother. She develops a keen talent for drawing and shares Ulysses's deep appreciation for classic art. Coming of age as an expatriate in Italy, she represents a new, progressive generation navigating identity and self-discovery.

Col is the gruff but protective owner of a local London pub that serves as a central hub for the neighborhood. He struggles with loneliness after his wife's departure and fiercely protects his daughter. He often acts as the anchor for his community despite his occasional poor judgment in business alliances.

Ginny is Col's adult daughter who has an intellectual disability. She possesses a cheerful, childlike demeanor and forms strong attachments to the people who frequent the pub. Her vulnerability makes her a source of deep concern for her father and the surrounding community.

Darnley is a young British commander serving with the Allied forces in Italy. He possesses a refined appreciation for Renaissance art, treating local masterpieces with reverence rather than the indifference typical of wartime soldiers. He commands respect through empathy rather than strict authority.

Massimo is a knowledgeable Italian notary who helps the English expatriates settle into their inherited Florentine home. He serves as a cultural bridge, guiding them through local customs and neighborhood dynamics. He acts as an essential ally in their transition from outsiders to accepted community members.

Eddie is a handsome American soldier stationed in London during World War II. He projects charm and promises of a better life, representing an escape from war-torn England for the women he dates.

Dotty is a famous abstract artist and longtime companion to Evelyn. She is adventurous, perceptive, and deeply connected to the sensory experiences of life. Her artistic eye catches details that others miss, making her an excellent travel companion for Evelyn.

Pete is a talented piano player from Ulysses's London neighborhood. He provides the musical backdrop to the community's gatherings and remains a loyal friend to the group, eventually visiting them in Italy to pursue a life surrounded by art and music.

Margaret is an older British woman with a passion for art history who takes refuge in Italy during the war. She struggles with jealousy regarding Evelyn's past romances and youthful adventures.

Romy is an American teenager living in Italy who becomes the object of Alys's first major infatuation. She is impulsive and interested in traditional societal expectations, creating friction with Alys's more authentic desires.

Livia is a beautiful Italian maid who introduces a young Evelyn to the sensual and emotional depths of Italy. Her lower working-class status forces her to keep her personal life and desires strictly hidden from her employers.

Claude is a highly intelligent parrot who observes the dramas of the human characters around him. He possesses an uncanny ability to understand situations and vocalize warnings, eventually becoming a cherished member of Ulysses's expatriate family in Italy.