A well-educated Black engineer and former RAF pilot from British Guiana. Unable to find work in his field due to post-war racism in Britain, he takes a teaching position in London's rough East End. He takes pride in his gentlemanly appearance and initially views his students with frustration before learning to treat them with respect and empathy.

A beautiful, elegant, and wealthy white teacher who arrives at Greenslade shortly before Braithwaite. She shares his love of culture but remains initially naive to the deep-seated racial prejudice he faces in English society. She frequently accompanies him and his class on field trips.

A cynical, unkempt male teacher at Greenslade who frequently makes racially insensitive and mocking remarks. He views the students with contempt and uses his sarcastic humor to mask his own lack of self-confidence.

A bright, solitary student in Braithwaite's senior class. She develops a crush on him and frequently stands up for him against the prejudice of her classmates and strangers. She struggles with her mother's lifestyle and often vacillates between mature adulthood and childlike behavior.

The art and drama teacher at Greenslade, commonly known as Clinty. A brunette woman from the East End with a brash, unfiltered personality, she acts as a confidante to Braithwaite and frequently defends him against Weston's mockery.

The stoop-shouldered, elderly Headmaster of Greenslade Secondary School. He possesses boundless patience for his impoverished students, believing that affection and empathy, rather than strict discipline, are the best methods for education.

One of the primary male leaders of the senior class. Initially rebellious and insolent, he frequently tests Braithwaite's patience in the classroom and the gym.

The domestic science teacher at Greenslade. She is pragmatic, sensible, and helps Braithwaite enforce his new rules of respect by teaching the female students about proper hygiene and presentation.

A quiet, half-Black male student in Braithwaite's class. He often remains silent during class disruptions and faces intense personal tragedy at home.

A white-haired, experienced teacher who serves as Florian's deputy. She blends patience with firmness and offers Braithwaite solid advice on ignoring the students' performative swearing.

A strict gym teacher who demands high standards from the impoverished students. His lack of empathy and aggressive tactics create severe tension with the boys.

A large male student in the senior class who takes a protective stance over his vulnerable classmates, particularly during gym class.

A short, overweight, and amiable student who is a favorite among his peers. He struggles physically and frequently draws the ire of the strict gym teacher.

A female student in Braithwaite's class. She is deeply embarrassed when her mother makes a racist remark toward Braithwaite, showing her own growth past her family's prejudices.

Barbara Pegg's mother. She casually uses a racial slur toward Braithwaite before realizing he is her daughter's respected teacher, later attempting a half-hearted apology.

A friendly and cooperative student who finds himself in legal trouble after a violent altercation with a neighborhood bully.

Patrick Fernman's father. He insists on strict adherence to the law following his son's altercation.

A capable senior student who frequently co-leads class initiatives, such as the Yearly Report. She acts as a spokesperson for the class on multiple occasions.

A reliable male student who acts as a helpful intermediary, running errands such as fetching Braithwaite during the gym class incident.

A mousy, quiet teacher at Greenslade who surprises everyone with her calm competence under pressure during the Student Council reports.

Described as a mannish teacher at Greenslade. She maintains a close relationship with Miss Phillips and sometimes falls victim to Weston's inappropriate commentary.

Pamela Dare's mother. Her active social life and late nights with male suitors cause gossip and friction with her daughter.

Gillian Blanchard's wealthy father. He warns Braithwaite about the intense societal difficulties a mixed-race marriage will bring to his daughter.

An elderly man who, along with his wife, took Braithwaite in after the war. He provides Braithwaite with practical advice, such as not bringing work stress home.

Dad Belmont's wife. She acts as a maternal figure to Braithwaite, offering him a comfortable home and defending his need for space when he brings work troubles home.