Dorothy Trevor Townsend
Dorothy Trevor Townsend is an ambitious woman who believes in gender equality. She begins a hunger strike for women's suffrage in 1914 and eventually dies.
Evelyn Charlotte Townsend
Evelyn Charlotte Townsend is the daughter of Dorothy Trevor Townsend. She is the first narrator of the story. After the death of her mother, Evelyn goes to live with her relatives and severs her tie with her family.
Thomas Francis Townsend
Thomas Francis Townsend is Evelyn's younger brother, who never meets her sister after the demise of their mother. He becomes a musician but dies early because of excessive consumption of alcohol.
Dorothy Townsend Barrett
Dorothy Townsend Barrett is Thomas's daughter. She starts a campaign in her old age to stop the Iraq war.
Caroline Townsend Barrett Deel
Caroline Townsend Barrett Deel is Dorothy Barrett's daughter. She names her daughter after her great great grandmother Dorothy.
Elizabeth Liz Anne Barrett
Elizabeth Liz Anne Barrett is the younger sister of Caroline. She is an intelligent and ambitious woman trying to find the purpose of her life.
