A neglected but fiercely independent child living in the attic of her family's Dorset estate, Chilcombe. Preferring adventure stories and wooden swords over ladylike pursuits, she applies a highly logical mindset to the world around her. She questions the strict gender rules of her era and channels her creativity into staging elaborate theatrical productions with her peers.

The son of Rosalind and Willoughby Seagrave, burdened with the expectation of eventually inheriting the Chilcombe estate. An optimistic and sensitive boy, he is an enthusiastic participant in Cristabel's plays. He enjoys adopting different roles and costumes, resisting his family's demands to conform to traditional masculine ideals.

Jasper and Rosalind's daughter, saddled with the unfortunate nickname "the Veg" by her mother. Feeling plain and inadequate compared to her glamorous mother, she struggles with low self-esteem. She remains on the periphery of Cristabel and Digby's tight-knit bond, possessing a more practical and grounded nature than her adventurous siblings.

The weary owner of Chilcombe, possessing a prominent limp from a childhood accident. Overwhelmed by financial anxieties and the responsibilities of the estate, he struggles to manage his household. He remains emotionally distant from his children while privately grieving his first wife, occasionally consulting a seaside psychic in hopes of contacting her.

A former London debutante who marries the older widower Jasper out of desperation following the decimation of eligible men during World War I. Vain and largely indifferent to rural domestic duties, she prefers reading fashion magazines and hosting lively parties. She treats her stepdaughter and daughter with cold detachment, viewing her motherly role primarily as an obligation.

Jasper's charismatic and hedonistic younger brother. Free from the immediate pressures of running the estate, he enjoys a carefree lifestyle of travel and romance. He connects with his young niece Cristabel through a shared love of adventure, occasionally bringing life and disruption to the otherwise quiet country house with his flashy motor car and bohemian friends.

Jasper's first wife and Cristabel's mother. Unlike the status-conscious individuals in Jasper's circle, she is practical and unpretentious. She brings brief happiness and meticulous organization to Chilcombe before passing away in childbirth, leaving Jasper with a stuffed baby elephant they had prepared for the nursery.

A young kitchen maid at Chilcombe who sleeps in the attic near Cristabel. Determined and observant, she lacks the subservient attitude expected of the estate staff. She secretly practices reading and writing alongside the young girl, while harboring intense romantic aspirations for Willoughby.

Rosalind's devoted lady's maid. She holds deeply traditional views regarding class and domestic service, taking pride in pandering to her employer's whims. She gently guides Rosalind through the unfamiliar realities of rural life and pregnancy, offering motherly support when Rosalind feels overwhelmed.

A strict French governess hired to educate the Seagrave children. Hailing from a wealthy family that fell on hard times, she has little interest in seeking affection from her pupils. She focuses entirely on providing rigorous instruction, teaching Cristabel fluent French.

An old friend of Willoughby who eventually works at the War Office. Quiet and unobtrusive, his mild demeanor hides a sharp intelligence and significant political connections. He frequently advises the Seagrave family on practical matters, acting as a quiet observer during their chaotic parties.

An intimidating Russian avant-garde painter who leads a bohemian lifestyle. He takes up residence in an estate cottage and serves as a mentor to Cristabel. He recognizes and validates her innate artistic spirit while openly questioning the aristocratic foundations of the Chilcombe collection.

The eldest son of Taras and his Belgian wife. He leads a chaotic existence alongside his numerous half-siblings, running wild around the estate. He engages in a combative but respectful dynamic with Cristabel, possessing a cynical understanding of his father's complicated personal life.

One of Taras's models and lovers. She dresses in a fashionably androgynous style, presenting an inseparable front with her twin-like companion Philly. She quietly harbors ambitions of securing a more permanent place in Taras's life.

Taras's other primary model and lover. Sharing Hilly's cropped hair and preference for wearing both men's and women's clothing, she contributes to the chaotic, free-spirited atmosphere of the artist's entourage. She recognizes Rosalind from their shared time as London debutantes.

A bilingual young woman with a French father and an English mother. She meets Cristabel in an educational training setting, quickly forming a close bond that crosses traditional class boundaries.

The practical land agent for the Chilcombe estate. He handles the deteriorating financial realities of the property, working to keep the estate functional despite the eccentricities of the Seagrave family and their frequent houseguests.