Beatrice is a tall, intellectually hungry student at St. Hugh's College studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. Raised by a prominent militant suffragette, she possesses extensive political knowledge but minimal experience with peer friendships. She aims to establish her own identity and leadership at Oxford, distinct from her mother's imposing legacy, while concealing the private trauma of an assault at a suffrage rally.

Otto is a wealthy, stylish 24-year-old mathematics student with a rebellious streak and a wardrobe full of beaded dresses. Underneath her flamboyant exterior and use of alcohol as a coping mechanism, she harbors deep psychological wounds from her wartime service as a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse. She fiercely defends her friends and treats Oxford as an essential escape from her family's social expectations.

The daughter of a Hertfordshire factory owner, Dora attends Oxford carrying the heavy burden of recent bereavements. She actively mourns her brother George and her fiancé Charles, both reportedly killed during the Battle of Cambrai. Possessing a striking beauty, she struggles with her academic coursework and relies on her new friends for support as she processes her profound wartime losses.

A quiet, observant English student from Culham who holds the only partial scholarship in her friend group. Coming from a modest background as a rector's daughter, she wears newspaper-stuffed shoes and frequently returns home to assist her family. She is highly private, carefully guarding personal secrets while finding an unexpected sense of belonging among her peers.

An officer cadet from a wealthy family who charmed the Greenwood family during his military training. Before shipping out to France, he fell in love with Dora and proposed to her, leaving behind a cigarette tin as a keepsake. His reported death at the Battle of Cambrai serves as a defining tragedy for Dora. He exists in her memory as a symbol of romantic idealism.

A law student at Christ Church whose visible facial scars and missing ear mark him as a veteran of the Great War. Older and more mature than the typical undergraduate, he displays a consistent courtesy toward the women of St. Hugh's. He becomes a steadfast ally in their pursuit of education and actively opposes institutional attempts to exclude women from the university.

The principal of St. Hugh's College, known for her strict public persona and rigorous surveillance. She enforces Oxford's restrictive rules on the new female students with uncompromising severity. She believes any misstep could jeopardize the future of women's education. Beneath her imposing administrative exterior lies a complex figure willing to enforce discipline while privately assessing the burdens her students carry.

A famous militant suffragette who endured multiple arrests and force-feedings during the fight for women's rights. She views the world entirely through the lens of political causes, often at the expense of her maternal duties. Imposing and intensely critical, she casts a long shadow over her daughter. She demands excellence while casually dismissing Beatrice's personal struggles.

A medical student at Jesus College who previously served in the military alongside Dora's brother. He is a decent, patient young man who carries his own trauma from the conflict. He reconnects with Dora when she arrives at Oxford. He offers steady, courteous attention and a grounding presence during her turbulent first year.

Dora's deceased older brother, who struggled academically at Jesus College before enlisting in the army. His death at the Battle of Cambrai remains a defining wound for his family. His absence heavily influences Dora's decision to attend Oxford.

A handsome and self-absorbed student at Brasenose College. He orchestrates an elaborate prank to steal the women's bags as an excuse to introduce himself. He views the new female undergraduates more as social playthings than academic peers.

A mathematics instructor at St. Hugh's College who previously served as a Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse during the war. She recognizes the signs of trauma in her students. She provides crucial academic encouragement when it is most needed.

A stout woman assigned to chaperone the young women of St. Hugh's during their outings. She strictly enforces propriety. She is appalled when the women react unpredictably to a stressful event in the park and reprimands them for their behavior.

Henry Hadley's sister, who visits Oxford and socializes with her brother's new acquaintances. She attempts to play matchmaker for her brother.

A famous suffragette and close friend of Edith Sparks. She recognizes Beatrice's feelings of marginalization and offers her a suffragette penny as a good-luck charm, encouraging her to persist in her efforts.

A charismatic third-year student from Somerville College. Her presence and style immediately captivate Beatrice's attention when they meet.

A scout working at St. Hugh's College. She observes the women's hidden activities and quietly intervenes to assist Marianne with a forbidden pet.

Otto's older sister, who maintains a cruel and dismissive dynamic with her sibling. She deliberately schedules her wedding to a wealthy American on Otto's birthday, reflecting the family's disregard for Otto's independence.

A severely wounded war veteran and acquaintance of Otto's family. He requires an heir to secure his estate and proposes a practical marriage of convenience to Otto, promising wealth and freedom in exchange.

An English instructor at Oxford who tutors Dora. She helps guide her student through the demanding academic curriculum while witnessing how heavily the war impacts her studies.