Lionel is a young man who grows up an orphaned shepherd with a deep resentment toward high society. His perspective shifts dramatically when he meets the former prince of England, who introduces him to education and a broader world. He possesses a strong thirst for knowledge and a fierce devotion to his younger sister. His journey focuses on his intellectual growth and finding his place in a rapidly changing republic.

Adrian is the Earl of Windsor and the former Prince of England, whose father abdicated to establish a republic. Unlike his ambitious mother, he holds staunch republican values and views all people as equals in a shared human family. He acts as an altruistic idealist who prioritizes philanthropy and intellectual pursuits over political power. His physical health is often fragile when he is emotionally strained by the state of his country or personal heartbreak.

Lord Raymond is a wealthy military hero who garners great acclaim among English aristocrats and monarchists. He possesses immense ambition and entertains thoughts of claiming the English throne to expand the nation's empire. His pragmatic and glory-seeking nature stands in sharp contrast to the more egalitarian ideals of his peers. He navigates a complex web of political expectations and romantic entanglements.

Perdita is Lionel's younger sister who grows up isolated and impoverished in rural England. Initially reserved and highly independent due to her difficult childhood, she begins to blossom intellectually and socially when introduced to the educated circles at Windsor Castle. She is highly perceptive and deeply sensitive to the emotions of those around her.

Idris is the former Princess of England and the younger sister of Adrian. She faces constant pressure from her domineering mother to marry for political advantage and restore the family's royal status. Despite her aristocratic upbringing, she values genuine affection over power and actively rebels against the manipulations of her family.

Clara is the young daughter of Perdita and Lord Raymond. Raised in an environment heavily influenced by her parents and their close friends, she develops an inquisitive mind and a highly sensitive disposition. She absorbs the diverse characteristics of her extended family, blending determination with a strong drive to care for others.

Evadne is a Greek princess who finds herself living in England among the former royal family. She becomes the object of Adrian's intense affection but harbors her own romantic feelings for another man. Her presence creates romantic and political complications within the close-knit Windsor group.

The Countess of Windsor is the former Queen of England who refuses to accept the country's transition to a republic. She aggressively manipulates her children's lives in a relentless bid to place her family back on the throne. Her fierce royalist ambitions make her a formidable obstacle to the personal happiness of those around her.

Mr. Ryland is a prominent republican leader and politician in England. He strongly advocates for the current political state of the country and fiercely opposes any attempts to reinstate the monarchy. He frequently clashes with ambitious figures who seek to consolidate power.

The former King of England is the father of Adrian and Idris. Before abdicating his throne to allow England to become a republic, he maintained a complicated friendship with Lionel Verney's father. His past actions and eventual abdication set the stage for the current political landscape.

Alfred is the oldest son of Lionel and Idris. He represents the future of his family and grows up surrounded by the intellectual and political discussions of his parents' close circle at Windsor Castle.

Evelyn is the youngest son of Lionel and Idris. His presence brings joy to the extended family, though his fragile health causes significant anxiety for his protective mother during times of crisis.