Maurice is an 84-year-old retired farmer with a gruff exterior and a mercenary streak regarding money and land. Having recently sold off his estate without his family's knowledge, he spends a Saturday evening reflecting on his life in a hotel bar. He harbors deep regrets and struggles to communicate his emotions to those he loves most, though he cares intensely for his family. He carries physical and emotional scars from working on the wealthy Dollard estate during his childhood.

Thomas is the heir to the wealthy Dollard family, who historically owned the big house that is now a hotel. Raised in an environment of extreme wealth and underlying hostility, he acts out his frustrations on the estate workers, particularly young Maurice. His life is defined by an obsession with antiques, specifically a rare coin, as he tries to win the approval of his cruel father.

Emily is the hardworking manager and part-owner of the local hotel, which was once her family's ancestral big house. She returns to the area out of family obligation to salvage the failing business after her father passes away. Maurice respects her tenacity and warms to her, seeing echoes of his own family in her determined nature.

Tony is Maurice's older brother and his greatest childhood supporter. He provides Maurice with the protective nickname "Big Man" and defends him during their difficult years working for the Dollards. His presence in Maurice's life is intensely formative, shaping Maurice's views on loyalty, survival, and the cruelty of the world.

Noreen is Sadie's sister, who lives in a psychiatric hospital due to an unspecified mental health condition. She possesses a volatile but loving personality and has an intense fascination with shiny coins. Despite initial tensions caused by societal stigma, she becomes a cherished and frequent presence in Maurice and Sadie's household.

Kevin is Maurice and Sadie's adult son, who works as a journalist in America. He differs significantly from his father, preferring literature and writing over working the land. Despite physical and emotional distance, Kevin makes continuous efforts to bridge the communication gap with his father, sending him gifts and visiting when possible.

Sadie is Maurice's late wife, remembered for her mischievous humor, warmth, and striking beauty. Originally a bank employee, she values family and human connection above financial wealth, which often places her at odds with Maurice's monetary ambitions. She remains the central, anchoring figure of Maurice's entire existence.

Molly is Maurice and Sadie's first child, whose memory profoundly influences Maurice's life choices. Though Maurice's physical time with her is non-existent, he carries a vivid image of her throughout his adulthood. She acts as a silent companion and a manifestation of his unspoken emotional life, often appearing in his thoughts to pass judgment on his actions.

Hugh Dollard is the wealthy, bitter owner of the estate where Maurice works as a boy. He treats both his staff and his son, Thomas, with severe violence and contempt. His aggression and mistreatment of those beneath his social standing leave lasting scars on the local community.

Amelia is Hugh's wife and Thomas's mother. She maintains an icy, dismissive demeanor toward the estate workers, showing little genuine sympathy for their hardships while performing superficial gestures of social grace, such as stopping a funeral procession merely for appearances.

Rachel is the daughter of Hugh and Amelia Dollard. Unlike her brother, she shows flashes of kindness toward the estate workers, though her life remains shaped by the toxic environment of the big house. She eventually leaves but is drawn back to the estate due to financial struggles.

Hillary is Emily's mother and a descendant of the Dollard family. She struggles with the weight of her family's dark history and harbors deep concerns about her daughter being trapped by the legacy of the old estate. She connects with Maurice over the shared pain of losing a spouse.

Jason is Hillary's husband, who takes on the daunting task of converting the failing Dollard house into a hotel. Maurice respects his straightforward nature and tenacity despite their conflicting financial interests. His eventual death from cancer leaves his family struggling.

Svetlana is the new bartender at the Rainsford House Hotel. Originally from Latvia, she brings a professional, warm energy to her job and shares gentle humor with Maurice, serving as a grounding presence during his night of reflection.

David is an earnest young man working for a social network aimed at elderly residents. He connects with Maurice over shared grief, offering companionship and a rare link to the outside world, though Maurice resists full involvement.

Maurice's father is a hardworking, adaptable farmer who instills a mercenary business attitude in his son. He teaches Maurice the value of land and the dangers of alcohol, shaping Maurice's future ambitions and approach to survival.

Maurice's mother is initially a vivacious and loving woman whose spirit is slowly crushed by the harsh working conditions under the Dollards and the heavy toll of family tragedy. Her profound grief permanently alters the tone of the family home.

Jenny is one of Maurice's two sisters. Like many of her generation facing severe economic hardship in Ireland, she emigrates to England for work, illustrating the fractured nature of working-class families during that era.

May is Maurice's other sister. She shares the cramped family cottage before eventually moving to England in search of better economic opportunities, removing her from Maurice's immediate adult life.

Robert is Maurice's long-time lawyer who assists him with his private business transactions. He knows about Maurice's hidden financial arrangements and pushes Maurice toward necessary, difficult conversations.

Bess is Maurice's cleaner and cook, who helps him maintain his home and independence in his later years. She agrees to take in his beloved dog when he decides to clear out his life.

Rosaleen is Kevin's supportive wife. She participates warmly in Maurice and Sadie's family traditions, ensuring that the bonds between Kevin and his relatives remain strong despite living abroad.