Magda is a Hungarian writer who has recently regained government permission to publish her work after a long period of censorship. As her professional life accelerates, she and her husband realize they need household help to maintain their demanding writing schedules. She is observant and analytical, yet she often finds herself utterly confused by the idiosyncratic behavior of the woman she hires. She tries to assert authority in her home but is quickly outmatched by her employee's forceful personality.

Emerence is an elderly, powerfully built woman who works as a housekeeper, caretaker, and unofficial community organizer in Magda's neighborhood. She dictates her own hours and wages, operating entirely on her own terms while keeping everyone at arm's length. She fiercely guards her privacy, refusing to let anyone, including her own family, cross the threshold of her locked apartment. Despite her brusque exterior, she tirelessly assists sick neighbors and strays.

Magda's husband is a writer who has weathered the long period of government censorship alongside his wife. He possesses a formal, somewhat pretentious demeanor but shares his wife's unwavering commitment to their craft. He initially views Emerence with bemusement but gradually develops a pragmatic, mutual respect with her as she asserts her presence in their home.

Eva Grossman is the daughter of a Jewish family who fled Hungary during the war. Because she was too young to travel safely at the time, she was hidden by Emerence, who risked her own safety and reputation to ensure the baby's survival.

Viola is a male puppy rescued by Magda and her husband. Despite Magda being his official owner, the dog quickly forms an intense, innate bond with Emerence. He answers only to the feminine name Emerence gives him and accepts her strict discipline with total devotion.

The Lieutenant Colonel is a police officer and perhaps the only person who shares a true friendship with Emerence. He has known her since his days as a recruit and frequently helps her manage bureaucratic issues, protecting her from neighbor complaints and official scrutiny.

Józsi's boy is Emerence's nephew and most prominent living relative. Despite his familial tie, he remains entirely shut out of her private life and physical home, forced to communicate with her from the porch like everyone else in the neighborhood.

Sutu is a local woman who runs a food stall in the neighborhood. She is one of Emerence's closest associates and often shares community gossip and historical fragments about the housekeeper's past with Magda.

Polett is a local woman who earns her living offering ironing services. She struggles with profound isolation and relies heavily on Emerence for practical guidance and conversation on the porch.

Adélka is the widow of a laboratory technician. She forms part of Emerence's small circle of associates who gather on the porch, accepting the housekeeper's strict boundary rules without complaint.

Mrs. Grossman is a former neighbor of Emerence who was forced to flee Hungary due to anti-Jewish persecution. She entrusted her baby and her family's possessions to Emerence before leaving the country.