Tilly Dunnage
Tilly is the main character of the novel. She is an expert in dressmaking. The residents of Dungatar dislike her. Tilly is accused of killing Stewart Pettyman, who used to bully her. Following the incident, the people of Dungatar plan to send her away. After several years in exile, Tilly gets back to look after her ailing mother. Dungatar’s residents hate her but Tilly embraces her individual worth and rejects societal norms. Tilly’s expertise in dressmaking endears her to the townspeople. However, she holds old grudges and eventually sets the whole town on fire.
Molly Dunnage
Molly is Tilly’s mother. She is weak both mentally and physically. Molly becomes mad after Evan Pettyman tricks her to have a baby with him. Additionally, her condition worsens after her daughter is exiled to Paris. When Tilly returns to Dungatar, Molly advises her to shun local people. The residents of Dungatar ridicule her because she is a single mother and she gave birth out of wedlock. Molly believes that Dungatar is an irredeemable place and urges Tilly to move out from the town.
Sergeant Farrat
Farrat is a local policeman obliged to manage Dungatar. When Tilly returns from Paris, Farrat takes her to Molly’s place. Farrat loves fashion and admires wearing women’s clothes. However, he loves Tilly’s fashion designs. Farrat is a kind person who advises townspeople to love one another. When Teddy dies, Farrat stands by Tilly.
Evan Pettyman
Evan Pettyman impregnates Molly and gets a baby girl named Tilly. However, Pettyman hates Tilly for no reason. Evan is married to Marigold and together they have a son called Stewart. He is the councilor of the town. Evan uses Marigold’s money to educate Tilly. As well, he is involved in sending Tilly away. Marigold murders him after she discovers his extramarital affair.
