Anna is an eighteen-year-old chorus girl who has recently moved from the warmth of the West Indies to the cold, repetitive towns of England. She struggles to assimilate into British society, frequently retreating into memories of her Caribbean childhood at Constance Estate to cope with her homesickness. Though young and inexperienced, she possesses a keen observational awareness of the transactional relations between men and women in her social sphere.

Walter is a wealthy, older gentleman who works in the City of London and takes an immediate interest in Anna. He values propriety, certainty, and his comfortable English lifestyle, presenting himself as a polite but persistent suitor. He uses his considerable financial means to court Anna, offering her glimpses of a lavish and secure existence that contrasts with her struggling chorus-girl income.

Maudie is an older chorus girl who tours with Anna and serves as a pragmatic guide regarding survival in England. She holds a cynical view of romance based on past disappointments and frequently advises Anna to extract maximum financial benefit from male suitors. She worries deeply about aging and losing her appeal in a society that treats young women as disposable commodities.

Hester is Anna's English stepmother who brought her to Britain following the death of Anna's father. She maintains strict ideals about proper British behavior and views Anna's Caribbean upbringing with disdain. Her relationship with her stepdaughter is strained by mutual resentment and financial disputes regarding Anna's inheritance.

Uncle Bo is Anna's relative in the West Indies, descended from European planters. He is a lively, heavy-drinking man whom Anna adores but whom Hester views as thoroughly improper due to his lifestyle and illegitimate children. He holds deep resentment toward Hester, believing she cheated Anna out of her rightful inheritance.

Vincent is Walter's younger cousin, a charming and good-looking man who shares Walter's privileged background. He moves through the world of wealth and temporary romances with arrogant ease. Though outwardly polite, his interactions carry a forced kindness that makes others wary of his true intentions.

Laurie is a vivacious former chorus-girl colleague of Anna's who unapologetically uses her charm to secure financial support from men. She embraces her working-class roots and approaches early twentieth-century dating with clear-eyed pragmatism. Beneath her tough, carefree exterior, she harbors a compassionate side toward women in vulnerable positions.

Ethel is a woman in her forties operating as a masseuse and manicurist who frequently emphasizes her own respectability. She is acutely aware of her progressing age and shrinking financial opportunities, driving her to aggressively seek out business ventures. She hopes associating with a younger woman will attract male clients to her operation.

Carl is an American man visiting London for pleasure, dividing his time between women and gambling. He shows a distinct preference for youthful companions and takes an immediate interest in Anna. He handles his social interactions with a casual, confident demeanor.

Joe is Carl's secretary, a married father of two who partakes in London's nightlife alongside his boss. He often attempts to project a worldly persona but possesses a somewhat juvenile approach to courting women. Despite his clumsy flirtations, he occasionally displays a protective instinct.

Mr. Jones is a wealthy gentleman who accompanies Walter Jeffries during an evening stroll. He holds condescending views regarding the ages and disposable nature of young women in the chorus line. He serves as an early example of the affluent men who frequent theatrical towns looking for temporary companions.

Francine is a black servant who worked at Constance Estate during Anna's childhood in the West Indies. She represents a period of profound comfort and happiness for Anna, standing in sharp contrast to the cold isolation of Britain.

Germaine is Vincent's current romantic companion who joins him during a countryside getaway. She frequently argues with Vincent over money, understanding the precarious nature of relying on wealthy men for financial security.