Edith is a 30-year-old Irish woman who recently lost her mother to cystic fibrosis. After spending her twenties as a dedicated caregiver, she takes an impulsive job as an assistant manager at a French bakery to find a fresh start. She struggles with social anxiety and people-pleasing tendencies. She loves old movies and harbors a quiet ambition to be a jazz singer.

Hugo is a 31-year-old man of half-British, half-French descent. Following his older brother's death, he works as the Chief Operating Officer for his father's real estate company, Chadwick Holdings. He views his corporate responsibilities as a burden and prefers capturing historical buildings through architectural photography. He carries a paperback copy of Marcel Proust's *Swann's Way* in his pocket as a source of comfort.

Madame Moreau is a woman in her mid-eighties who owns La Boulangerie et Patisserie de Compiègne. She presents a severe, unyielding exterior to her new assistant manager, keeping strict control over the shop's operations. Despite her brusque attitude toward employees, she actively charms her regular customers. She tightly guards access to the basement kitchen where the baking occurs.

Pierre is a talented baker who establishes his shop on the Rue de Paris after discovering a special vanilla bean from Madagascar. He treats his craft with deep reverence, believing pastries provide comfort to the soul. During the German occupation in 1942, he faces intense danger as a gay man.

Nicole is a French hairstylist who studied in London. She acts as Edith's first true connection in the town, introducing her to the local jazz scene. She balances her career with supporting her musician husband and young son.

Johnny is a British expatriate who studied history in college. He currently pursues a career as a jazz musician, playing gigs at local clubs. He has a deep appreciation for the historical roots of gypsy jazz.

Manu is a 15-year-old apprentice baker who lives with his grandmother. He works long hours preparing dough in the basement kitchen before attending school. He regularly packs the bakery's leftover pastries to share with unhoused refugees at the local church.

Geoff is a retired British expatriate living in Compiègne. He runs an extremely popular historical tour business. He specializes in educating visitors about the region's World War I and World War II significance, including the local armistice sites.

Arnaud is a prominent resident of Compiègne during the German occupation. He habitually tracks the private lives of his neighbors. His tendency to spread malicious rumors creates severe risks for the local townspeople.

Seraphine is Hugo's French mother. She currently lives in an assisted living facility due to early-onset dementia. She possesses strong creative talents that she passed down to her younger son.

Raymond is a British businessman who owns Chadwick Holdings. He views historical buildings strictly as assets for luxury hotel conversions. He places immense pressure on his surviving son to execute corporate acquisitions regardless of local impact.

Stephane is Hugo's deceased older brother. He previously functioned as the primary heir to Chadwick Holdings. His untimely death forces Hugo into a corporate life he actively avoids.

Mirela is a young Romani woman fleeing German persecution. She makes a split-second decision to embrace a stranger at the train station to avoid capture by soldiers. She travels with her young daughter and seeks shelter in an increasingly hostile town.

Jean-Yves is a childhood friend of Pierre. He is married with a young child. His presence forces Pierre to privately confront his own identity and desires.

Monsieur Legrand is a local lawyer who frequents La Boulangerie et Patisserie de Compiègne. He demonstrates kindness and patience with Edith when she struggles with the French language at the shop counter.

Jacqueline is Nicole's divorced mother. She provides Edith with essential background information regarding the bakery's history and its ownership.