George Ponderevo stands as the enterprising protagonist who narrates his own story. Growing up as the son of the housekeeper, Mrs. Ponderevo, at the prestigious Bladesover House, he becomes acutely aware of the social class barriers from a tender age. His childhood is marked by a deep infatuation with the Honorable Beatrice Normandy, an aristocratic girl who, despite their shared innocent affection, ultimately turns against him after a physical altercation with her half-brother, Archie Garvell. This incident leads to George's expulsion from Bladesover House.

Following this event, George faces several family transitions, initially living with his uncle Nicholas Frapp, a devout baker who expels him due to his lack of religious belief. Subsequently, he apprentices under another uncle, Edward Ponderevo, a small-time pharmacist with grand aspirations. George's journey is defined by tumultuous financial experiences, including a scholarship at the Consolidated Technical Schools in London, where he meets Marion Ramboat, the woman he eventually marries.

George's marriage to Marion is fraught with discontent, catalyzed by Marion's materialistic tendencies and his own infidelity. Their relationship ends in divorce, freeing George to pursue other ventures, including working alongside his Uncle Edward in the burgeoning patent medicine industry with the product Tono-Bungay. Despite the initial success, the collapse of this financial empire sends George on an ill-fated expedition to procure quap, a mystical radioactive mineral. This venture fails, leading to further disillusionment.

The collapse of Tono-Bungay and the subsequent failure of the quap expedition push George towards aircraft design. In a twist of fate, an accident involving a glider reunites him with Beatrice, now engaged but willing to nurse him back to health. Their rekindled romance remains unfulfilled, as Beatrice refuses marriage, citing her unsuitability for anything beyond a courtesan's life. Disillusioned with his personal and professional life, George turns to designing naval destroyers, seeking solace in this new pursuit amid a decaying society.

Edward, affectionately known as Teddy, is George's flashy, unscrupulous uncle whose ambitions far exceed his moral compass. Initially a small-time pharmacist, he transitions into the creator of Tono-Bungay, a dubious patent medicine. His success in this venture sees him amass wealth and move through a succession of increasingly luxurious homes. Despite these achievements, Edward's career is marred by unethical practices, such as squandering George's inheritance without consent and manipulating the mass market for profit.

His rise is followed by a precipitous fall when the Tono-Bungay empire collapses, forcing Edward and George to flee to France. There, Edward succumbs to pneumonia, leaving behind a legacy of both admiration for his boldness and disdain for his lack of integrity.

The Honorable Beatrice Normandy is central to George Ponderevo's emotional life. Her aristocratic upbringing at Bladesover House initially places her beyond George's social reach. Their childhood romance is shattered when she sides with her half-brother Archie following his fight with George. Despite this early betrayal, their lives intersect once more in adulthood after George's glider accident. Beatrice steps in as his nurse, and their love briefly rekindles, though she ultimately refuses to marry him. Beatrice self-identifies as a courtesan at heart, resigned to a life where true companionship is elusive.

Mrs. Ponderevo, George's mother, manages Bladesover House with a stern, unsympathetic demeanor. Her affection for George is subdued, emerging only after he is sent away to live with her brother, Edward. Her death shortly thereafter leaves George with her modest savings, which he invests in his future endeavors.

Marion Ramboat, initially a shopgirl, becomes George's wife amidst promises of a prosperous future. Her interest in George hinges more on financial stability than emotional connection. This pragmatic approach eventually suffocates their marriage, as George's...

Susan Ponderevo, the admirable wife of Edward, contrasts sharply with her husband's flamboyant lifestyle. Her gentle and patient nature provides stability amidst Edward's entrepreneurial chaos. As their fortunes rise, she remains unruffled, displaying remarkable fortitude when dealing with the aftermath of Edward's demise.

Effie Rink, George's secretary, becomes his passionate escape from a cold and unsatisfactory marriage to Marion. Engaging and attractive, Effie embodies the warmth and excitement missing from George's life with Marion, and their affair continues openly after his divorce.

Nicholas Frapp, George's uncle, is a bigoted and cloddish baker whose staunch religious beliefs clash with George's skepticism. The revelation of George’s atheism leads to a public accusation of blasphemy, prompting George to flee and ultimately live with Edward Ponderevo.

Archie Garvell is Beatrice Normandy’s half-brother and embodies the snobbishness that George despises. Their childhood altercation serves as the catalyst for George's departure from Bladesover House. In later years, Archie seeks favor with George, showcasing his sycophantic nature.

Cothope, George's assistant, demonstrates unwavering loyalty by continuing their aviation experiments even after the fall of the Tono-Bungay business. His dedication is a testament to his belief in George’s vision and potential.

Bob Ewart, George's school friend turned sculptor, plays a pivotal role in shaping George's intellectual and social outlook. Their reconnection in London broadens George's horizons, influencing his perspective on art and society.

Gordon Nasmyth is a wealthy adventurer who proposes the ill-fated expedition to retrieve quap. His involvement underscores the risky and volatile nature of speculative ventures in George's life.

Pollack is George's comrade on the quap expedition, providing companionship and insight as they navigate the treacherous mission. Their shared experiences highlight the dangers and uncertainties of their undertaking.

The Captain of the Maude Mary is a contentious figure who must be bribed to transport quap. His lack of foresight results in the loss of his ship when the volatile mineral causes its destruction, accentuating the risks inherent in George's ventures.

Mr. Moggs is the president of Domestic Utilities, the corporate entity that merges with Edward Ponderevo's business. His role signifies the corporate entanglements and expansions that characterize Edward's career.

Mr. Mantell purchases Edward Ponderevo's pharmacy and employs George, marking the beginning of George's professional journey before his studies in London.

Mrs. Scrymgeour, a novelist, becomes briefly entangled with Edward Ponderevo, adding a layer of romantic complexity to his otherwise business-driven life.

Lady Osprey, the stepmother of Beatrice Normandy, is a subtle yet influential figure in Beatrice's life, contributing to the social pressures and expectations surrounding her.

Lady Drew is the authoritative mistress of Bladesover House, representing the societal structure and hierarchy that shape George's early perceptions of class and privilege.