A devout Christian woman who spends her days mentoring young people and organizing charity work. She uses her piety and community service to stay busy and avoid dwelling on her strained marriage. Naturally capable and highly organized, she frequently steps into leadership roles within her church but struggles with internal distress regarding her husband's profession.

A married woman in her late twenties living in London under the strict financial control of her husband. She presents herself to the world as shy and frumpily dressed, largely due to her household's tight economy. Internally, she possesses an imaginative spirit and yearns for a break from her dreary routine.

A twenty-eight-year-old woman from a prominent wealthy family. She possesses striking physical beauty but finds the resulting attention tiresome and intrusive. Carrying deep grief from losing a loved one in the war, she feels completely adrift and seeks out absolute solitude for her holiday.

An affluent widow firmly rooted in the societal expectations of the previous century. She grew up among famous Victorian authors and frequently references them in casual conversation. She values propriety and control, preferring to maintain physical and social distance from the other guests.

A career-focused solicitor operating in London. He prioritizes social networking and building his client base above domestic harmony, frequently pushing his wife to attend events for his professional benefit. He tightly controls household finances, expecting high-quality meals on a very low budget.

A former British Museum employee who earns a lucrative living writing fictionalized, salacious memoirs of historical mistresses under a pseudonym. He generously provides for his household, though his wife refuses to spend the money. Their marriage suffers from emotional distance following the loss of a child.

The owner of the castle at San Salvatore. He is a practical landlord who quickly waives his requirement for references when presented with cash and a respectable appearance. He takes an active interest in his tenants during their stay.

A servant working at the castle in San Salvatore. He assists the women with their daily needs and helps arrange the furniture according to their various preferences.

The cook at the castle in San Salvatore. She prepares the meals for the women and frequently has to deal with their lack of communication regarding daily menus.

The cousin of one of Mr. Briggs's servants. He speaks only Italian and transports the women through difficult terrain from the train station to the castle grounds.

A servant at the castle. She attends to the dining room and must handle the guests' irritation regarding menus and punctuality.