A transfer student from a working-class family in Plano, California. He abandons his medical studies to pursue ancient Greek at Hampden College. Seeking to escape his unhappy background, he fabricates a wealthy persona to fit in with a highly exclusive academic clique. He suffers from a deep desire to surround himself with beauty and privilege, which leads him to ignore early warning signs about his new friends.

The wealthiest and most gifted student in the classics program. He acts as the unofficial leader of the group with his commanding presence and intense dedication to the ancient Greek lifestyle. He strictly adheres to his professor's unusual aesthetic philosophies and uses his trust fund to finance many of his friends' activities.

A jovial, outgoing student who struggles academically with his Greek assignments. Although his family lost their money, he maintains expensive tastes and frequently expects his friends to pay for his lavish meals. His loud personality and intrusive behavior often clash with the reserved nature of his peers.

A handsome, charming student raised by a wealthy aunt in Virginia. He acts as a gracious host, throwing weekly dinners for the classics group at the apartment he shares with his sister. He struggles with heavy alcohol consumption as academic and social pressures mount.

The only female student in the exclusive classics program. She possesses a striking demeanor and a quiet personality that draws the attention of the men around her. She lives with her twin brother and serves as the caretaker of the group's social gatherings.

A slender student who funds his elegant lifestyle through an old family fortune. He spends his weekends hosting the classics group at his aunt's Victorian country house. He maintains a complicated, codependent relationship with his mother and harbors unrequited romantic affections within the friend group.

An eccentric, independently wealthy classics professor at Hampden College. He maintains a highly restrictive academic program, requiring his hand-picked students to take almost all their classes with him. He teaches radical philosophies about beauty, terror, and ancient rituals, remaining blissfully detached from the practical consequences of his ideas.

An academic advisor at the college. He strongly cautions Richard against joining the classics program, warning the young man about the professor's unusual teaching methods and the restrictive nature of the required curriculum.

An elderly, befuddled psychology professor at Hampden College. He employs Richard, providing the young man with essential income during his first semester to help maintain his wealthy facade around the classics students.

A sociable costume design student who lives in the same dormitory as Richard. She provides him with practical help and offers a glimpse into the broader social life of the college outside the restrictive classics program.

Bunny Corcoran's long-term girlfriend. She actively dislikes the other classics students, resents their elevated tastes, and refuses to spend time with them, creating a divide in Bunny's social life.

A popular student at Hampden College known for dealing drugs. He maintains a close friendship with Bunny outside of the classics group's immediate circle and serves as a connection to the campus underground.