Benjamin Trotter: The protagonist, who works as an accountant and is struggling to write a novel. He is still haunted by his first love Cicely, who left for America.

Paul Trotter: Benjamin's brother, a Blairite MP who is part of a group called "The Closed Circle" that seems to be a group of politicians and businessmen looking to benefit themselves at the expense of worker.

Claire Newman: Miriam Newman's sister, who solves the mystery of what happened to Miriam, who disappeared in the previous novel.

Doug Anderton: A left-wing journalist who attended school with Benjamin and becomes disillusioned with his career.

Philip Chase: Another school friend of Benjamin's who runs a publishing house. He offers to help Benjamin publish his novel.

Malvina: A student who befriends Benjamin and also attracts the interest of his brother Paul, causing personal and political problems.