Penelope is a woman in her 60s recovering from a recent heart attack at her home, Podmore's Thatch. Raised in an unconventional environment by her artist father and French mother, she holds a deep appreciation for history and gardening. She possesses a quiet strength and maintains a strong sentimental attachment to her past, particularly to her father's paintings.

Penelope's middle child works as an editor at a prominent magazine in London. She embraces the lifestyle of a young urban professional and prioritizes her career over traditional family structures. She respects her mother's boundaries and serves as the most level-headed of the three siblings.

Penelope's 43-year-old eldest daughter is a housewife and mother of two. She is highly concerned with social appearances and insists on sending her children to private schools despite her family's financial struggles. She resents her mother's free-spirited past and constantly worries about money.

Penelope's youngest child and only son. He lives in a small flat chosen purely for its prestigious address. He constantly seeks ways to appear wealthy and successful without putting in steady effort, hoping to fund a commodities business through easy money.

Penelope's late father, an upper-class bohemian artist whose work is experiencing a resurgence in market value. He lived an unconventional lifestyle, traveling between France, London, and the English coast. His remaining artwork holds deep sentimental value for his daughter.

Penelope's French mother, who married Lawrence after being orphaned following World War I. She creates a warm, stable home environment despite the family's frequent travels.

Penelope's former husband and the father of her three children. Coming from a conventional family focused on social reputation, he is initially charmed by the perceived wealth of Penelope's family but proves to be an unreliable partner.

A military major who meets Penelope's family during World War II. Kind, educated, and deeply appreciative of art, he easily integrates into the Stern household and forms a meaningful bond with Penelope.

An older man living a leisurely life in Ibiza. He shares a significant, formative year with Olivia, offering her a glimpse of a relaxed lifestyle far removed from her demanding career in London.

Cosmo's quiet, intelligent daughter. She moves into Podmore's Thatch to serve as a companion to Penelope, bringing youthful energy and warmth into the older woman's daily routine.

A polite young man from Scotland hired as Penelope's gardener. He originally intended to study law but switched to horticulture. He notably abstains from alcohol and driving due to personal health concerns.

Nancy's husband, a pragmatic lawyer. He is emotionally distant from his wife but strongly encourages her to pressure Penelope into appraising the Lawrence Stern paintings.

Ambrose's mother, a highly traditional woman who disapproves of Penelope's upbringing. She heavily influences her granddaughter Nancy, fostering Nancy's love of appearances and social prestige.

A wartime refugee taken in by the Sterns. Initially unpolished, she adapts to the household and becomes a devoted maternal figure to a young Nancy.

Noel's girlfriend, whose wealthy social circle Noel attempts to leverage for his own ambitions. She inadvertently discovers a crucial letter hidden in an old overcoat.

An art assessor from Boothby's Fine Art Dealers. He provides Penelope with professional evaluations of Lawrence Stern's unfinished panels and hidden sketches.

Nancy and George's daughter. She attends an expensive private school that places significant financial strain on her parents, fueling her mother's ongoing anxieties about money.

Nancy and George's son. Like his sister, his private school tuition contributes to his mother's deep-seated anxieties regarding the family's social standing and financial security.