Mr. Martin is the meticulous, abstemious head of the filing department at the F & S firm. He lives a quiet, regimented life governed entirely by routine, working diligently during the day and enjoying a single glass of milk in his apartment at night. Highly valued by his employer for his infallibility and efficiency, Mr. Martin fiercely protects his filing system from outside interference. He operates with an intense psychological rigidity that makes him deeply hostile to chaotic intrusions into his perfectly ordered workspace.

Mrs. Barrows is a boisterous and confident employee who joined F & S two years prior to the story's main events. She met the company's president at a party and secured her position shortly after, bringing a flurry of new ideas to the office. She is highly social, enjoys alcohol, and frequently speaks in colorful idioms derived from sports announcers. Her energetic presence and desire to introduce sweeping changes clash directly with the established, quiet order of the firm.

Mr. Fitweiler is the president and boss of the F & S firm. He relies on the established efficiency of his long-term employees, particularly valuing unquestioning dedication and a well-ordered office. Though he operates as the ultimate authority in the workplace, he is somewhat gullible and easily influenced by strong personalities in social settings.

Miss Paird works at the F & S firm and acts as an informal conduit for office information. She passes along the details of social events and hiring circumstances to her more isolated coworkers, bridging the gap between management's actions and the general staff.

Stockton is an employee at F & S who assists in managing office disruptions. He follows the directives of the firm's leadership to maintain order and professionalism in the workplace.

Fishbein is a staff member at the F & S office. Like his colleagues, he operates under the authority of the company president and steps in to handle interpersonal workplace conflicts when directed by management.