An unnamed, middle-class illustrator and portrait painter working in London. He makes a living drawing magazine illustrations to pay bills, but hopes to elevate his artistic merit and secure a lucrative contract for a novel titled Rutland Ramsay. His desire to capture true authenticity leads him to experiment with models from drastically different social classes.

A fifty-year-old former soldier and meticulous dresser who represents the aristocratic class. He maintains the rigid, gentlemanly manners expected of his social standing despite a recent loss of financial stability. His traditional beliefs and inflexible identity present challenges in the fluid environment of an art studio.

A smart, stylish woman of the upper class who carries a dim smile and strict adherence to social etiquette. She possesses a rigid, inflexible demeanor that translates poorly to the canvas. She clings tightly to her fading social rank and struggles to accept blurred class boundaries within the studio setting.

A freckled, working-class cockney woman from East London. She serves as the artist's highly adaptable and faithful collaborator, capable of effortlessly transforming into characters far outside her social standing. Her fluid identity and innate understanding of human nature make her an invaluable asset to the artist.

An Italian immigrant and former ice cream vendor seeking employment. Though he does not speak English, he quickly proves to be a natural model and housekeeper. His agility allows him to confidently project the aura of an English gentleman, demonstrating that artistic authenticity relies on talent rather than social origins.

A fellow painter and cosmopolitan friend of the narrator who has recently traveled the world studying aesthetics. Though not a highly esteemed painter himself, he possesses a sharp, critical eye for art and provides honest feedback on the narrator's current illustrations.

A successful, respected painter. His established reputation affords him the privilege of easily declining the Monarchs' requests for work, passing them off to the less secure narrator instead.