Sylvia is a 30-something American expatriate who opens the English-language bookshop Shakespeare and Company in Paris. She is introverted but deeply dedicated to the literary community, operating as a facilitator and champion of the arts rather than a writer herself. Her dedication leads her to take on the monumental task of publishing James Joyce's controversial novel Ulysses, which severely tests her personal and financial boundaries.

Adrienne is a vibrant French bookseller who embodies a passionate, uninhibited approach to life. She runs a successful bookshop and publishes literary journals, providing Sylvia with emotional support and crucial business guidance. Highly practical and observant, she maintains deep skepticism regarding James Joyce's intentions and behavior.

James is an acclaimed Irish writer working on the serialized, highly controversial novel Ulysses. He projects a refined public image but lives chaotically in private, struggling with severe eye problems while relying heavily on the financial and emotional support of women. His single-minded artistic drive frequently overshadows his consideration for his friends and patrons.

Samuel is a rogue publisher who prints and distributes illicit, pirated copies of Ulysses in the United States. He exploits the lack of copyright protection to profit from Joyce's work, creating a massive legal and emotional headache for Sylvia.

Eleanor is Sylvia's mother, a woman who instilled a profound love of beauty and Parisian culture in her daughters. She frequently visits Paris and attempts to engage in Sylvia's bustling life. Beneath her polished exterior, she battles severe depression and a growing sense of powerlessness as she ages.

Cyprian is Sylvia's younger sister, an actress who relies comfortably on her physical beauty. She operates easily within Paris's open social scene and serves as a sounding board for Sylvia's developing romantic feelings. As her youth fades, she is forced to reevaluate her career and personal identity.

Ernest is a young, ambitious American writer hoping to establish himself among the Parisian literary elite. He is fiercely competitive and frequently compares himself to other successful authors. He enthusiastically participates in boxing matches and engages in the city's complex, shifting social dynamics.

Ezra is a prominent writer and trusted confidant in Sylvia's literary circle. He keeps Sylvia informed about the legal battles surrounding Ulysses in America. Though supportive, his traditional notions of masculinity sometimes cause him to withhold his full opinions from his female friends.

Gertrude is a celebrated and highly influential writer who commands immense social power in the Parisian expatriate community. She holds exclusive salons and demands loyalty from her peers. She openly expresses disdain for James Joyce and uses her social influence to punish those who support his work.

John is a conservative American lawyer representing the publishers of Ulysses in the United States. He is highly dismissive of the women involved in the publication process and insists on managing James Joyce through strict, traditional legal strategies.

Margaret is an editor of the American literary journal The Little Review. She strongly opposes censorship and endures legal persecution in America before visiting the Parisian literary scene to express solidarity with Sylvia.

Jane is the co-editor of The Little Review. She works alongside Margaret to publish controversial works and fight legal battles in America before visiting her peers in Paris.

Michel is a friendly local butcher who frequents the bookshops and represents the working-class Parisian neighborhood. He respects Sylvia and Adrienne's relationship and occasionally seeks book recommendations.

Julie is a ballerina whose dancing career ends when she becomes pregnant. She attempts to remain connected to the literary world by helping Sylvia type manuscripts, though she struggles with her changing domestic life.

Harriet is a wealthy patroness who funds James Joyce's lifestyle so he can focus entirely on writing. She worries deeply about his excessive spending and alcohol consumption, attempting to manage his chaotic habits.

Suzanne is Adrienne's initial partner when Sylvia first arrives in Paris. She suffers from a severe illness and eventually marries a wealthy man for utilitarian reasons to afford her medical treatments.

Paddy is a young man who vehemently idolizes James Joyce. He runs errands for the author and openly berates Sylvia for not complying quickly enough with Joyce's publishing demands.

Nora is James Joyce's common-law wife who tries to enforce strict rules on his drinking habits. Her relationship with Joyce is turbulent and marked by periods of separation, though she remains a constant presence in his life.

Gisèle is a newcomer to the Parisian artistic scene, part of a younger generation of artists escaping political unrest. She takes photographs of the artists at Shakespeare and Company and brings fresh, disruptive energy to the established group.

Carlotta is an American friend of Sylvia's who keeps her connected to events in the United States. She eventually moves to Paris with her partner, joining the expatriate social circle.

Mysrine is an assistant at Sylvia's bookshop who helps manage the daily operations and assists with the overwhelming physical labor required for the various publishing projects.