Scilla Todd

Scilla Todd, a dealer at the London International Financial Futures Exchange, is a woman striving to excel in a predominantly male environment. Initially driven by the desire to seek justice for her brother Jake’s murder, Scilla’s pursuit shifts to a path of moral compromise, paralleling the same ethical decline that led to Jake’s demise. Her journey reflects the challenges within a patriarchal and capitalist British society, where class and gender lines blur yet offer even bleaker prospects. As she abandons her commitment to uncover Jake’s murderer, she becomes embroiled in his corrupt dealings, ultimately rising to fame as Wall Street’s emerging talent, as recognized by Business Week.

Jake Todd

Jake Todd, a commercial paper dealer and Scilla’s brother, engages in insider trading, only to face exposure and then death before revealing any names. He is emblematic of the generational shift within British society, challenging traditional class structures. A figure of little sympathy, Jake wields his influence through monetary power and coercion, creating numerous enemies with motives to wish him harm, including his own father. His untimely death catalyzes a financial crisis, leaving a web of suspicion in its wake.

Greville Todd

Greville Todd, father to Scilla and Jake, is a conservative stockbroker entrenched in the "good old boy" network of England. Despite his public facade of upholding traditional values, he is a hypocrite, engaging in the very illegal activities he outwardly condemns. Greville’s alliances with the newer, unscrupulous traders ultimately lead to his downfall. His betrayal by Tory colleagues marks him as a sacrificial scapegoat to prevent further scandal, highlighting the interplay of old and new within the financial sector.

Zac Zackerman

Zac Zackerman is a bold and savvy banker from New York who relishes in enabling hostile takeovers. His Jewish and American identity subjects him to prejudice from the British elite, who nonetheless tolerate him for his financial prowess. Zac represents a challenge to the British establishment, yet his services are invaluable as they navigate economic transformations. Despite societal biases, his ability to provide capital wins him begrudging acceptance.

Jacinta Condor

Jacinta Condor, a wealthy Peruvian heiress, seeks to cleanse her family’s dubious fortune through investment in Eurobonds in London. She is depicted as one of the sharpest characters, merging intelligence with feminine allure to deceive nearly every male she encounters, sparing only Zac. Their mutual recognition of each other’s predatory instincts leads to a comedic romance, culminating in marriage. Jacinta embodies both the allure and cunning necessary to thrive in the ruthless financial world.

Billy Corman

Billy Corman, notorious as "William the Conqueror," masterminds the takeover of Albion, a company noted for its ethical management. Despite being labeled a "profiteering robber," Billy deftly sidesteps scandal through strategic distractions involving the arts and a manufactured sex scandal, ultimately gaining public sympathy and a peerage. His story underscores the manipulative tactics employed in corporate invasions and the fickle nature of public opinion.

Marylou Baines

Marylou Baines, an American arbitrageur, aggressively maneuvers through the market, facilitating takeovers while consolidating her own power. Following Jake’s death, she cautiously erases any evidence of their association, indicative of her calculated and resilient nature. Marylou’s ambition propels her to pursue political aspirations, culminating in a presidential campaign in 1996, showcasing her adaptability and ambition in both financial and political arenas.

Frosby

Frosby, a close associate of Greville Todd, is a vestige of the old financial order, nostalgic for a bygone era of class and economic stability. His decision to expose Jake's insider trading sets off a domino effect of financial tumult, eventually leading to his suicide. Frosby’s demise signifies the collapse of...