Lord Glenthorn
Lord Glenthorn is the main protagonist of the novel. He is in the role of the narrator as well, telling his story in the form of a memoir. Used to the lavish mode of life, he fell victim to the common illness of rich people called ennui, which is a combination of lack of interest in any aspect of life and depression.
Ellinor
Ellinor is Lord Glenthorn's nurse, who took care of him when he was a baby. She suddenly returns to his life, guided by strong motherly emotion for him, to which there is more truth than it first appears to be.
Mr. McLeod
Mr. McLeod is a wise character always ready to have some form of criticism to Lord Glenthorn's behavior with his tenants and servants, which eventually prove to come from a well-meant place and the two grow to be close friends.
Lady Geraldine
Lady Geraldine is a cynical character who criticizes the behavior of her fellow Irish people, of their admiration of the British, and their lack of pride. Although provocative and critical, she comes from a well-meant and honest place and is essentially a good character.
Christy O'Donoghoe
Christy is Ellinor's raised son, even though not biological, and he is the true heir of Glenthorn. It is clear that he was persuaded to accept the inheritance under the pressure from his wife for the sake of their son, but it will later prove futile, as the wife will waste their fortune and their son will end up dying.
Lord Y
Lord Y is Lord Glenthorn's guide after he loses his fortune and has to get accustomed to a new mode of life. He encourages him to build himself up, make a name for himself and build his own fortune.
Cecilia
Cecilia is the love of Lord Glenthorn's life and his motivation to move forward so that he is worthy of her hand and her affection.
