Dora is a 21-year-old former art student who feels trapped and apathetic in her marriage to a domineering older man. Coming from a lower-middle-class London background, she finds the pious and strict atmosphere of Imber Court highly oppressive. She struggles to find her own identity and begins testing her independence through small rebellions, such as a secret plan to retrieve an ancient bell from a nearby lake.

Michael owns the Imber Court estate and acts as the reluctant leader of its lay religious community. He holds a lifelong desire to become an ordained priest but wrestles constantly with his sexual orientation and past choices. He attempts to guide the community through quiet devotion while managing intense internal guilt regarding a former student.

Toby is an 18-year-old high school student spending time at Imber Court before leaving for university. He arrives with a wide-eyed wonder and an easygoing disposition, eager to experience a spiritual lifestyle. His natural curiosity leads him to explore the grounds, where he accidentally discovers a submerged bell in the lake.

Nick is a cynical young man staying at the porter's lodge to recuperate from a dissolute life in London. He has a heavy, guarded face and a secretive expression that keeps others at a distance. He spends his days drinking alcohol and avoiding communal activities, maintaining a tense silence around the community's leader.

Paul is a 34-year-old wealthy intellectual researching a medieval manuscript at the Imber Abbey. He possesses a violent temper and seeks security by dominating those around him. He sends his wife letters of reproach and aggressively demands she conform to his expectations.

James is the pragmatic second-in-command of Imber Court. Coming from an old military family, he is a natural leader who delivers firm, moralizing sermons in the community chapel. He strictly opposes modern conveniences and believes that innocence and self-effacement are the highest virtues.

Catherine is a young woman living at Imber Court while preparing to enter the enclosed Benedictine female order as a postulant. She presents a flawless image of modesty and religious devotion, though she privately suffers from disturbing dreams and a deep fear of water.

Mrs. Mark is a broad-set, middle-aged woman who manages the practical chores at Imber Court. She strictly adheres to the community's ascetic rules, policing behavior and firmly believing that women should stick to traditional tasks.

Mark is a dedicated resident of the lay community who assists with heavy labor, such as driving the Land Rover. He shares James's commitment to communal simplicity and traditional methods.

Noel is a debonair and carefree London journalist. He keeps a comfortable apartment where he drinks wine and dances, providing a sharp contrast to the austere environment of Imber Court.

Mother Clare is the Abbess of Imber Abbey, the enclosed Benedictine female order. She remains behind the convent walls but maintains a watchful eye over the adjacent lay community, occasionally offering guidance to its leader.

Peter is a nature enthusiast living at Imber Court. He spends his Sundays crossing the lake to set delicate bird traps in the meadows, marveling at the local wildlife.

Patchway is the practical manager of the Imber Court vegetable garden. He focuses on the physical labor of sowing and harvesting, remaining largely indifferent to the philosophical debates of the other members.

Sister Ursula is a nun of the enclosed Benedictine order. She interacts with the outside world only briefly to enforce the strict rules of piety within the shared visiting chapel.

Murphy is a dog with an intelligent, monkey-like face. He lives at the porter's lodge and provides silent companionship to his isolated owner.