Constance is the 16-year-old older daughter of the Baines family. She possesses a calm, levelheaded temperament and intends to conform to her parents' expectations by working in their draper's shop. She views others with empathy and a naive good-naturedness.

At 15 years old, Sophia is the younger Baines sister, characterized by her physical beauty and fierce independence. She bristles at the idea of working in the family business and dreams of apprenticing as a teacher. She possesses a strong will that frequently puts her at odds with her mother's authority.

Mrs. Baines is the capable and comely matriarch of the Baines family. With her husband incapacitated, she runs both the home and the draper's shop with confidence. She maintains strict expectations for her daughters' futures.

Samuel works as an assistant in the Baines family draper's shop. He appears somewhat odd and occasionally requires care from the Baines sisters, but he demonstrates a keen eye for business. He maintains strict opinions on certain topics while holding his deeper emotions out of sight.

Gerald is an attractive and self-confident traveling salesman for a commercial company. He dresses well and carries himself with a cosmopolitan air that contrasts with the provincial town of Bursley. He tends to operate on boyish impulses and opportunistic instincts.

Cyril grows up as the only child in the Povey household in Bursley. He shows early promise in academics and art. Despite his talents, he possesses a strong streak of self-centeredness and frequently takes his parents' accommodations for granted.

John is the patriarch of the Baines family. A severe stroke has left him completely disabled and in need of a constant rotation of care from his family and friends. Despite his physical powerlessness, he retains authority over the household's major decisions.

Mr. Critchlow is an older neighbor and associate of the Baines family in St. Luke's Square. He operates a nearby shop and frequently involves himself in the Baines family's affairs. He maintains a cynical and sharp-tongued demeanor.

Harriet is the older sister of Mrs. Baines. She lives in the nearby town of Axe and provides a supportive ear for her sister during times of domestic tension. She maintains a formal intimacy with her family members.

Daniel is Samuel's cousin and owns a confectioner's shop in the town square. He possesses a jolly and gregarious personality but regularly frequents the local pubs. His lifestyle introduces new habits to Samuel's routine.

Chirac is a French journalist and acquaintance of Gerald in Paris. He participates in the city's social scene and provides assistance to expatriates. He possesses a passionate temperament that occasionally compromises his dignity.

Madame Foucault is a Parisian woman who runs a boardinghouse on the Rue Bréda. She takes vulnerable people under her wing out of goodwill. She frequently struggles with severe financial difficulties.

Dick is the son of Daniel Povey. He grows up in Bursley and eventually takes on a supportive role in the community. He embraces modern conveniences and holds an affable, slightly condescending view of the older generation.

Miss Insull is a diligent worker in the Baines business. She goes about her duties quietly and maintains a long-held connection with a local shop owner.

Matthew is a young man from Bursley who travels abroad. He moves within the same artistic circles as Cyril Povey and observes the broader world.

Miss Chetwynd is a local teacher in Bursley. She recognizes academic potential in her students and advocates for their continued education.

Lily is a young woman in Bursley. She represents the modern, rising generation in the town and pairs with Dick Povey.