Ann Veronica
Rebellious instilled by paternal overprotectiveness combined with a fiercely argumentative nature fueled by an equal aptitude for hockey and debate, Ann Veronica aches to break free from the shuttered windows of her home and explore the light. She wants to live; she wants to know. So she scandalized her family by studying Comparative Anatomy and getting involved with her married instructor.
Peter Stanley
Mr. Stanley is Ann Veronica's traditional and conservative father. He embodies the societal norms and expectations of the Edwardian era, initially exerting control over Ann Veronica's life. His clash with Ann Veronica's desire for independence and education drives much of the novel's conflict. Mr. Stanley's character serves as a representative of the prevailing patriarchal attitudes of the time, and his efforts to constrain his daughter's ambitions play a central role in her journey toward self-discovery and autonomy.
Mr. Capes
The biological laboratory “demonstrator” at Central Imperial College with whom Ann falls in love. He returns her love but insists marriage is out of the question as he is already separated from but still legally bound to his first wife. And even if he weren’t, it would still be too prickly to get involved with Ann since his reputation has already been damaged by one affair.
Miss Miniver
Miss Miniver is a highly charismatic, fiery activist for women’s rights whom Ann cannot help but be drawn toward. At the same time, Ann—who has a definite romantic streak to her despite her rejection of Victorian conventions—has difficulty reconciling the admirable aspects of Miniver’s activist spirit with the seemingly personal bitter quality of malice toward men as a whole which informs it.
Mr. Ramage
The answer may possibly lie in men like Mr. Ramage with bowler hats intended to hide the growing round spot of bare scalp toward the back of his iron-gray hair. He, too, is married. He, too, is taken with Ann. Unlike Mr. Capes, however, Ramage is smoothly manipulative in his attention toward her, beginning with the offer of what seems to Ann a loan without strings. The temperature of his urges melts down his cool demeanor and his pathetically awkward advances serve only to ignite Ann to action.
Miss Priscilla Ponderevo
Miss Priscilla Ponderevo is Ann Veronica's progressive and independent-minded aunt. She introduces Ann Veronica to feminist ideas and the suffragette movement, serving as a mentor and role model for her niece's quest for independence. Miss Ponderevo's unconventional views and support for women's rights contrast with the more traditional attitudes of Ann Veronica's father, Mr. Stanley. Her character symbolizes the changing social landscape and the emerging women's rights movement in Edwardian-era England.
Minnie Radford
Minnie Radford is Ann Veronica's close friend and roommate at Central Imperial College. Like Ann Veronica, Minnie is a young woman who grapples with societal expectations and desires greater independence. She became involved in the suffragette movement alongside Ann Veronica. She serves as a supportive and like-minded companion in their shared journey toward self-discovery and challenging the norms of their time. Minnie's character highlights the solidarity and camaraderie among women striving for autonomy in the early 20th century.
Teddy Widgett
Teddy Widgett is depicted as a feminist and considered 'well broken in' to the feminist world. He is for the votes of women, explicitly, and is decribed as a 'hatless man' perhaps pertaining to some informality. At one point, he describes men as 'Beasts!', suggestive of perhaps either some internal discourse on the politics his own gender, or a suggestion of his strong ideals of empowerment for women. He is also described, however, as a show off, so his depiction as a feminist may be to impress female characters rather than of true intent.
