Frances is a twenty-six-year-old woman living with her mother in post-war London. Formerly of the upper class, her father's financial mismanagement has left them heavily in debt, forcing Frances into the role of a domestic worker in her own home. She carries the grief of losing her brothers to the war and hides her past romance with another woman to appease her conservative mother.

Lilian is a twenty-two-year-old working-class woman who rents rooms in the Wray house alongside her husband. She possesses a flamboyant, eclectic sense of style that contrasts with the austere environment of Champion Hill. Despite her youthful appearance and vibrant decorations, she feels trapped in an unhappy marriage and seeks connection in her new surroundings.

Leonard is an assessor's clerk in his mid-twenties with ginger hair and a gregarious personality. He represents the emerging clerk class in post-war England and is eager to climb the social ladder. While he attempts to be friendly with his new landladies, his persistent small talk and arguments with his wife create tension in the house.

Inspector Kempe is an experienced Scotland Yard detective whose unremarkable, banker-like appearance hides his sharp instincts. He conducts his inquiries with a shifting demeanor. He alternates between chummy warmth and cold calculation, making him unpredictable to those he questions.

Mrs. Wray is Frances's elderly mother, an upper-class widow who struggles to adapt to her reduced financial circumstances. She relies heavily on her daughter while simultaneously judging her choices. She turns a blind eye to Frances's true identity in favor of maintaining proper social appearances.

Christina is an independent woman who works for a small political newspaper and lives in a flat for working women. Years earlier, she met Frances at an anti-conscription rally, leading to a romance that ended when Frances chose her family duties over running away together. She represents the liberated life Frances left behind.

Stevie is an art teacher who lives with Christina. She has a confident demeanor and cares little for societal expectations. She harbors a distinct distaste for the new clerk class, preferring the honesty of the working class.

Edith is the former fiancée of Frances's deceased brother, John Arthur. She maintained a solemn connection with the Wrays for years but eventually arrives wearing stylish new clothes and an engagement ring. Her moving on highlights the stagnation of the Wray household.

Spencer Ward is a young, working-class motor mechanic from Bermondsey. He has a rough, irreverent demeanor, frequently chewing gum and adopting a swaggering posture to mask his circumstances. He is fiercely protective of his girlfriend and harbors deep resentment toward other men.

Billie Grey is a young, working-class beauty shop assistant who shares physical similarities with Lilian Barber. She is vibrant and seeking affection. Her choices often place her in the center of volatile disputes between the men in her life.

Mrs. Viney is Lilian's stocky, loud, and affectionate mother who runs a clothing shop with her husband. She possesses a working-class attitude that heavily contrasts with the strict propriety of Champion Hill. She is deeply devoted to her daughters.

Charles Wismuth is a close friend and confidant to Leonard Barber. He is engaged to be married but frequently covers for Leonard's evening activities while indulging in his own secret social life. He struggles to balance his loyalty to his friend with his obligations to the authorities.

Douglas is Leonard's older brother. He bears a striking physical and vocal resemblance to Leonard, which often unnerves those around him. He is a forceful character who is fiercely loyal to his family's reputation and quick to anger when they are slighted.

Mrs. Playfair is a long-time friend of Mrs. Wray and a fellow resident of Champion Hill. She lost a son in the war and frequently reminisces about his military service. She is entrenched in the neighborhood's traditional social circles and attempts to help Frances find a suitable husband.

Mr. Crowther is a war veteran who served in the same battalion as Mrs. Playfair's deceased son. He retains a dispassionate military bearing and admits to missing the sense of purpose the war provided. He is presented as a potential suitor for Frances.

Sargent Heath is a police officer who assists Inspector Kempe in his duties. He handles the practical aspects of taking statements and managing witnesses. He provides a steadfast presence alongside Kempe's more psychological approach.

Vera is one of Lilian's older sisters, described as tart and capable. Like the Wrays, she lost her husband in the war, but she handles her grief with a hardened, practical edge. She serves as a strong support system for her mother.

Netta is another of Lilian's sisters. She is a busy mother who frequently hosts family gatherings and parties. She serves as a social anchor for the lively Viney clan.