Laura Sheridan

Laura Sheridan emerges as an idealistic and impressionable young woman, deeply embroiled in a struggle between her family's class-conscious attitudes and her own burgeoning empathy for the working class. This internal conflict is ignited by the accidental death of a working-class neighbor on the very morning of a garden party hosted by her family. Upon learning of the tragedy, Laura feels compelled to cancel the event, driven by a sensitive and artistic nature reminiscent of Mansfield's other young protagonists, such as Kezia in "Prelude" and "At the Bay." Her family's indifference to the plight of their neighbors, whom they perceive as an unwelcome eyesore, leaves Laura in a state of turmoil. Her mother, Mrs. Sheridan, dismisses Laura's sentiments with a casual assertion of class prejudice, suggesting that sacrifice is not expected of them by "people like that." Despite Laura's advocacy for compassion, she is momentarily distracted by the allure of a new hat gifted by her mother, which shifts her focus back to the party. By the story's end, Laura attempts to engage with the lives of her working-class neighbors, yet the narrative leaves her personal growth and learning ambiguous.

Mrs. Sheridan

Mrs. Sheridan, Laura's mother, is a figure of authority and a staunch defender of class boundaries within the story. Her demeanor is controlling, as she subtly orchestrates the garden party preparations while claiming to leave them in the hands of her daughters. She is dismissive of Laura's desire to cancel the garden party following the death of a laborer, citing class distinctions: "People like that don't expect sacrifices from us." Despite her apparent lack of empathy, Mrs. Sheridan attempts to placate Laura by suggesting she take the leftover food to the bereaved family, offering a token gesture rather than a genuine act of solidarity. Her actions highlight the superficiality of her social consciousness.

Jose Sheridan

Jose Sheridan, Laura's older sister, embodies a pragmatic and class-conscious attitude similar to that of her mother. She quickly dismisses Laura's proposition to cancel the party, arguing that sentimentality cannot reverse the death of a "drunken workman." Her outlook underscores the rigid social structures that define the family's worldview, casting a stark contrast with Laura's more compassionate inclinations.

Laurie Sheridan

Laurie Sheridan, Laura's older brother, serves as her closest familial confidant. In the aftermath of visiting the deceased laborer's residence, Laurie offers comfort to Laura. However, the narrative remains ambiguous regarding the depth of understanding or emotional clarity both siblings reach concerning the day's events, leaving their personal insights open to interpretation.

Meg Sheridan

Meg Sheridan, another sister in the Sheridan family, exhibits a demeanor and attitude resonant with Jose and Mrs. Sheridan's perspectives. Her first appearance finds her descending to breakfast with her hair wrapped in a green turban, framed by "dark wet curls stamped on each cheek." Meg's concern with personal appearance and her reluctance to oversee the garden's preparations, citing her wet hair as an excuse, further delineates her alignment with the family's prevailing classist attitudes.

Cook

The Sheridan family's cook is portrayed as a nurturing presence, indulgently allowing Laura and her sister to enjoy cream-puffs intended for the garden party, shortly after breakfast. Her role, albeit minor, contributes to the depiction of domestic life within the story.