Grace is a young woman who relocates to London just as World War II begins. Initially lacking direction and grieving the loss of her mother, she takes a temporary job at a disorganized local bookshop called Primrose Hill Books. She is polite and compassionate but lacks confidence when dealing with city life. As she adapts to the looming threat of war, she discovers a deep appreciation for literature and steps up to support her community during air raids.

Percival Evans is the older, grumpy owner of Primrose Hill Books. He runs the shop as a tribute to his late wife, though the store itself has fallen into disarray under his solitary management. Beneath his unfriendly exterior, he is a passionate supporter of literature and an advocate for free thought. He acts protectively toward his inventory and carefully guards texts that face censorship on the continent.

Mrs. Weatherford is a generous, maternal figure who was close friends with Grace's late mother. She opens her home to Grace and Viv, offering them rooms at discounted rent. Having lived through World War I, she possesses practical knowledge about surviving wartime and approaches the looming conflict with steady leadership. She channels her protective energy into the Women's Voluntary Service to support her community.

George Anderson is a handsome young engineer and a lifelong customer at Primrose Hill Books. He acts as a catalyst for Grace by recommending *The Count of Monte Cristo*, showing her how literature can provide escapism and inspiration during dark times. He volunteers for the Royal Air Force as the war begins, keeping in touch with Grace through letters.

Viv is Grace's outgoing and adventurous childhood best friend. Raised on a farm, she moves to London seeking excitement and a more dynamic life away from the countryside. She quickly secures a retail job at the department store Harrods. As the national crisis escalates, she looks for a deeper sense of purpose and considers military service through the Auxiliary Territorial Service.

Mr. Stokes is an Air Raid Precautions (ARP) warden who patrols the neighborhood to enforce blackout rules. He is traditional and sometimes rigid in his views, initially doubting that a woman can handle the stress and danger of nighttime warden duties. He approaches his responsibilities with strict discipline and takes the threat of aerial bombing very seriously.

Colin is Mrs. Weatherford's son, a young man who works in the pet department at Harrods. He is kind-hearted and frequently brings home stray or rescued animals to care for them. He maintains a vegetable garden for his mother and faces the immediate reality of conscription as the British army mobilizes for war.

Mrs. Nesbitt is the owner of Nesbitt's Fine Books, a successful and well-organized bookstore chain that competes directly with Primrose Hill Books. She is frequently hostile, defensive, and quick to accuse others of copying her business strategies. Her abrasive attitude masks her anxiety over keeping her business afloat during the difficult wartime economy.

Mr. Pritchard is an older man who owns a disorganized bookstore near the River Thames. He represents the wider community of independent booksellers in London and maintains a friendly camaraderie with the other shop owners, frequently complaining about the vermin that plague his riverside business.

Jimmy is a young orphan boy living in poverty who attends the public readings at the bookstore. Dressed in rags and too old to have been evacuated to the countryside, he does his best to survive in the city and care for his younger sister using the meager resources available to him.

Sarah is Jimmy's little sister. She is an orphaned girl trying to survive the difficult conditions in London alongside her older brother, relying heavily on the charity of the local community for meals and safety.

Jack is a construction worker who intentionally takes jobs near the local tube station so he can hear Grace read stories aloud. He is an enthusiastic member of the community that gathers around the local bookshop to find comfort in literature.

Tabby is an older cat originally rescued by Colin. The cat provides companionship to the local booksellers and is passed between characters to help control mouse populations and offer comfort.