The dutiful monarch of England whose life revolves entirely around public service and polite tradition. Having never taken much interest in reading for pleasure, her predictable routine shifts when her dogs lead her to a travelling library parked near the palace kitchen bins. She begins to read voraciously, gradually questioning the rigid structures of her royal obligations. Her newfound hobby causes concern among her staff, who rely on her predictability, especially as she begins hiding books in her coach and asking subjects what they are currently reading.

A young gay man working in the palace kitchens until he crosses paths with the monarch. He loves reading and initially selects books based on whether the author shares his sexual orientation, choosing a biography titled *My Dog Tulip* under the assumption that the monarch will simply think it is about an animal. Recognizing his knowledge, the Queen transfers him to work as a page so he can recommend texts and discuss literature with her. He acts as her primary intellectual supporter in an environment that otherwise rejects her hobby.

The Queen's ambitious private secretary and advisor, originally from New Zealand. He views his job as maintaining the appearance of order and tradition within the monarchy. He strongly disapproves of the Queen's reading habit, believing it excludes the public and distracts her from her necessary duties. He actively attempts to restrict her access to books and resents Norman's new proximity to the monarch.

The driver and librarian of the City of Westminster travelling library. He parks his large van near the palace kitchen bins, inadvertently introducing the Queen to the world of literature. He assists her with her first book loans and quietly supports her developing reading habit, treating her like any other regular library patron.

The Queen's husband, who maintains the traditional royal lifestyle alongside her. He observes his wife's sudden shift in hobbies with confusion, as she has never previously shown an interest in reading. Like the rest of her family, he is somewhat relieved when her reading leads her to neglect them, as it leaves him to his own devices.

The head of the United Kingdom government, who relies on the monarch to maintain her traditional public image. He grows concerned when her focus on literature distracts her from standard royal protocol, paying particular attention to her declining interest in her wardrobe and public appearance.

An elderly, retired royal servant brought back to the palace to manage a crisis. Suffering from a poor memory and a habit of falling asleep at the table, he represents the aging institution of the monarchy. The government brings him in to try and persuade the monarch to abandon her reading habits and return to standard decency.

A foreign head of state who visits the United Kingdom on official business. During a formal ride, he is caught completely off guard when the monarch asks him for his opinion on the controversial French writer Jean Genet, an author he has never read.