David Williams is an English artist who paints small, commercially viable abstracts. Also an art critic, the thirty-one-year-old Williams is writing the introduction to a book about Henry Breasley’s art. He is conducting research with Breasley at his home in Brittany, France. Breasley is an older artist who despises the abstract movement. Williams, whose wife has remained in England, is attracted to Diana but does not act on his impulses. Williams’s intellect and overthinking are contrasted to the older man’s passion.

Henry Breasley, an iconic British painter, has lived in self-imposed exile on the Continent since the 1910s. His fame grew exponentially from his involvement in the Spanish Civil War. After World War II, he retreated to a reclusive life in his Brittany estate. Breasley attempts to remain detached from current art trends, which he dismisses as fads. which he could maintain his view of himself and his art without constant challenge from current artistic trends; he labels abstract the “ebony tower.” Breasley continues to paint large, surrealistic works. His emotional and creative vitality, though affected by physical decline, motivates his continued production, but his unpleasant personality makes Williams’ work difficult.

Diana, known as “the Mouse,” is a former art student who has been living with Breasley for a year. A slender, lovely, blonde in her twenties, Diana is searching for a more suitable artistic path than art school had offered. Breasley wants to marry her, but she thinks that might be a trap. Although attracted to David, she refuses his sexual advances.

Anne is Diana’s friend, called “the Freak.” She formerly studied art education. Also English, she lives at Breasley’s estate and helps Diana care for him, which includes having sex with the painter. Anne is more mature, emotionally open, and sexually active than Diana. She unsuccessfully advocates for David’s and Diana’s liaison.

Beth Williams is David’s wife and mother of their daughter, Sandy. She was once his student. Beth, who illustrates children’s books, is responsible and conventional and now seems dull to David. At the novel’s end she meets him in Paris.