A married woman in her late 20s living in Hampstead, who dreams of renting a castle in Italy and reaches out to Mrs. Arbuthnot to join her in this venture.

A beautiful and solitary young woman who seeks privacy and time alone, choosing to vacation at a castle in Italy with strangers.

An affluent widow of high social standing who values tradition and solitude, initially presenting as domineering and entitled during the castle stay.

Mrs. Wilkins’s solicitor husband, who is career-focused and frugal, and often attends social events with his shy wife.

Mrs. Arbuthnot’s husband, who writes popular, fictional memoirs under a pseudonym, and has a financially successful career despite the moral objections of his wife.