Henry Thresk
Henry is a young lawyer who is constantly chided by his mother for his lack of discipline. Despite his mother's efforts, Henry remains affected by her rebukes throughout his life. He goes on a vacation to Sussex where he meets Stella Derrick and falls in love with her, but ultimately chooses his personal ambition over their relationship. Eight years later, he is hired by the Curruthers to represent them in a lawsuit and wins the case. He later becomes the witness for the defense in Stella's murder trial and helps her get acquitted. Despite his efforts, he is unable to win her back and she marries Dick Hazlewood.
Stella Derrick
Stella is a young girl who falls in love with Henry Thresk at first sight. She reveals her feelings to him, but he is not interested in pursuing a relationship with her. She is later married to a man named Ballantyne who mistreats her. Fed up with his abuse, she shoots him dead with a rifle. She is charged with murder and has no lawyer to represent her. Henry comes to her rescue and testifies for her defense, helping her get acquitted. She later marries Dick Hazlewood.
Mr. and Mrs. Curruthers
Mr. and Mrs. Curruthers are a wealthy couple in Bombay who hires Henry Thresk to represent them in a partnership lawsuit involving their company. Henry wins the case for them and they invite him to their home for dinner. During their conversation, Henry spots a portrait of Stella and learns more about her situation from Mrs. Curruthers.
Dick Hazlewood
Dick Hazlewood is a man in Sussex who marries Stella Derrick after she is acquitted of murdering her husband. Henry Thresk tries to win Stella back, but she is committed to Dick and rejects Henry's advances.
