Dr. Madden
Dr. Madden is the father of Alice, Virginia, Gertrude, Martha, Isabel, and Monica. He dies in an accident, leaving his daughters without a sufficient amount of money to live comfortably even without a breadwinner, at least for some time.
Alice Madden
Alice Madden is the older sister of Virginia and Monica.
Virginia Madden
Virginia Madden is one of the main characters of the novel. She is not self-confident enough to cope with an odd woman life.
Monica Madden
Monica Madden is the youngest and the most beautiful sister. She marries Edmund Widdowson who is older and definitely richer than her.
Edmund Widdowson
Edmund Widdowson is a husband of Monica. Hot-tempered and jealous, he suspects his wife of cheating.
Bevis
Bevis is a young, middle-class man who pursues Monica. Later on, she falls in love with him.
Rhoda Nunn
Rhoda Nunn is an old friend of the Maddens. She is an unmarried bluestocking who dreams about women’s emancipation. Rhoda wants to help Alice, Virginia, and Monica to start a new life.
Mary Barfoot
Mary Barfoot is a head of a teaching establishment where young middle-class women can obtain secretarial skills.
Everard Barfoot
Everard Barfoot is Mary’s cousin. He has a short-lasting affair with Rhoda.
