Dame Lettie Colston

Dame Lettie Colston, a distinguished figure in penal reform and sister to Godfrey Colston, is an elderly woman burdened with the duty of caring for her sister-in-law, Charmian. Despite her professional accomplishments, Lettie finds herself increasingly frustrated by her role as caregiver, a responsibility she shares with her brother. Her life takes a harrowing turn when she starts receiving anonymous phone calls, each one ominously reminding her of mortality with the phrase, “Remember, you must die.” Despite police involvement, the calls remain a mystery. Her anxiety grows into a consuming fear, ultimately leading her to isolate herself. Tragically, her seclusion ends in violence when an intruder breaks into her home, stealing her jewelry and, upon confrontation, kills her.

Godfrey Colston

Godfrey Colston, once at the helm of Colston Breweries, now finds himself navigating the complexities of retirement and personal turmoil. As his wife Charmian recovers from a debilitating stroke, Godfrey's past indiscretions threaten to resurface. His former affair with Lisa Brooke becomes leverage for his housekeeper, Mabel Pettigrew, who seeks to blackmail him. However, the discovery of Charmian's own affair with Guy Leet diminishes Mrs. Pettigrew's power over him. While Godfrey deals with these personal challenges, his concern for Charmian’s health dominates his life, even as their relationship faces inevitable changes.

Charmian Colston

Charmian Colston, celebrated as the novelist Charmian Piper, has had her life irrevocably changed by a stroke, which leaves her with dementia and in need of constant care. Despite these challenges, Charmian's spirit and intellect gradually reemerge as she recuperates. During her marriage to Godfrey, she maintained a discreet affair with Guy Leet, adding complexity to their relationship. Eventually, as her mental faculties recover, Charmian makes the difficult decision to leave Godfrey and move into a nursing home, seeking autonomy in her twilight years.

Jean Taylor

Jean Taylor, once a companion to Charmian, now resides in a long-term care facility due to severe arthritis. Despite her physical limitations, Jean remains mentally sharp and reflects on her past, including her unfulfilled love for Alec Warner. Her life in the Maud Long Medical Ward is punctuated by her role as a confidante to Dame Lettie Colston, who shares her fears about the unsettling phone calls. Jean's profound insights into aging provide a poignant perspective on the challenges faced by the elderly.

Mabel Pettigrew

Mabel Pettigrew serves as the astute and manipulative housekeeper for the Colstons. Her penchant for scheming manifests in her successful blackmail of her previous employer, Lisa Brooke, from whom she coerces an inheritance. Despite her efforts to extort Godfrey Colston over his past affair, her plan ultimately fails. Nonetheless, Mrs. Pettigrew's earlier machinations secure her a comfortable retirement, illustrating her cunning nature.

Guy Leet

Guy Leet, a poet of some repute, shares a complicated history with the Colston family. His clandestine relationship with Charmian Piper unfolds alongside his own secret marriage to Lisa Brooke, intended as a means to halt her blackmail of Charmian. Guy's physical decline is evident, with arthritis confining him to the use of two canes. Although he hopes to inherit from Lisa’s estate, his expectations are dashed when her previous marriage is revealed, leaving him empty-handed.

Henry Mortimer

Henry Mortimer, a retired chief inspector of police, plays a pivotal role in addressing the mysterious phone calls that have unnerved several characters, including Dame Lettie Colston. Although he attempts to quell their fears during a meeting, he privately confesses to receiving similar calls, albeit from a female voice. His involvement underscores the pervasive fear and uncertainty experienced by the community.

Alec Warner

Alec Warner, once a sociologist, now dedicates his...