Henry Wimbush

Henry Wimbush is the proprietor of Crome, a distinguished country estate in England, and serves as the host for the house party that convenes a diverse group of intriguing characters. His profound interest in the history of Crome has led him to dedicate thirty years to documenting its past. Wimbush often gathers his guests to share select chapters of his meticulously crafted account, offering them a glimpse into the estate's rich heritage.

Denis Stone

Denis Stone is a young poet who represents artistic ineffectuality within the novel and harbors romantic feelings for Anne Wimbush, Henry’s niece. Despite his love for Anne, Stone is unsettled by the presence of other guests, especially Mr. Scogan, whose rationality contrasts sharply with his own sentimental nature. Although Anne is willing to accept him if he proposes, Stone’s indecisiveness prevails, culminating in his decision to send a fake telegram summoning him back to London. Ironically, this solitary act of resolve leads to his separation from Anne.

Anne Wimbush

Anne Wimbush, a young woman and four years senior to Denis Stone, initially regards his romantic advances with disdain but eventually grows sympathetic to his plight. Unlike Stone, Anne believes in embracing life as it unfolds, whereas Stone attempts to shoulder the burdens of the world. Her pragmatic approach contrasts with Stone's idealistic struggles, adding complexity to their interactions.

Mr. Scogan

Mr. Scogan stands in stark opposition to Denis Stone, embodying rationality in direct contrast to Stone's sentimentality. Scogan's coldly logical intellect often irritates Stone, highlighting the philosophical divide between them. His presence at the party serves as a foil to Stone's more emotional and less decisive nature.

Mrs. Priscilla Wimbush

Mrs. Priscilla Wimbush, Henry’s somewhat eccentric and scatterbrained wife, is deeply engrossed in astrology. Her enthusiasm reaches new heights when she successfully predicts a winner at a horse race using insights derived from the stars, adding a whimsical touch to her character.

Gombauld

Gombauld is an artist summoned to Crome to create a portrait of Anne Wimbush. Although he expresses his affection for Anne, his advances are met with rejection. His presence adds an artistic dimension to the party, while his unrequited love for Anne mirrors the theme of unattainable desires that permeates the novel.

Jenny Mullion

Jenny Mullion is a young woman who compensates for her deafness with keen observational skills. She captures the essence of the party's attendees through sketches in her notebook, recording her astute perceptions of them. Her writings serve primarily for her own enjoyment, providing a candid and unique perspective on the unfolding events.

Mary Bracegirdle

Mary Bracegirdle is notable for her repressions and Freudian dreams, often plagued by anxiety and eager to discuss her psychological concerns with anyone willing to listen. Initially setting her sights on Denis Stone and later on Gombauld, she invariably approaches them at inopportune moments, when they are preoccupied with other matters. Her interactions with Ivor Lombard, a painter of ghosts and spirits, also end in disappointment; after a singular visit, Lombard departs from Crome, leaving her with only a curt postcard. Convinced that her life is in disarray, Mary's character embodies the frustrations and misadventures of unrequited pursuits.