Josephine Pinner
Nicknamed Jug by her sister, Josephine is known as Miss Pinner to everyone else, being the older of the two sisters. Although she is not much older she is treated with a great deal more seniority by staff and outsiders. She is suspicious of the staff, particularly Kate, whom she feels goes through their things in their absence.
Constantia
Little sister Constantina is nicknamed Con by her older sibling. She is less suspicious of the staff than Josephina and looks up to her sister. She is given to more fanciful reminiscences than her sister is.
Colonel Pinner
Although he dies before the story begins, he is still the most influential character in the story because he was such a tyrant in the raising of his girls. His last contact with them was not a hug or a kind word, but a glare. It is evident in their actions that their entire lives have revolved around keeping him placated and not making him angry. Because Josephina muses that he would have been angry about the cost of his funeral we can assume he was quite a cheap man, or at the very least, extremely careful with his money.
Kate
Kate is the Pinners' house maid. She is quite outspoken and bold in the way that she speaks to the sisters even though they are now technically her employers. She is believed to be a snooper and to go through the girls' dresser drawers. She is about to be released from her employment.
Nurse Andrews
Colonel Pinner's caregiver, Nurse Andrews was invited by the girls to stay on a week after their father passed away, but her constant over-eating is making them regret their decision.
Mr Farolles
Farolles is a local clergyman who is an old friend of the Colonel. He is going to arrange the Colonel's funeral and is also committed to encouraging the sisters to attend church again.
Benny
Benny is the distant brother of the two sisters. he is recalled when they are deciding upon what to do with the Colonel's belongings.
Cyril
Cyril is the grandson of the late colonel, and nephew to Josephine and Constantia.The two sisters recall his visit, and his reluctance to speak to Colonel Pinner. The sisters discuss whether they should give him the Colonel's gold watch.
