Emerson is plain-speaking but sensitive to others. He is a member of the rising middle class and regards the Victorian social structures as irrelevant to Edwardian Britain. Also likes to snooze in the afternoon.
The strong-willed, bright young woman at the centre of the story, Lucy is emotionally repressed and struggling with her feelings while searching for the right man. She exorcises her anger by playing the piano with gusto.
His father has taught him to believe in love and that he is just as good as those in the higher levels of society. “It’s your life, not theirs,” he tells Lucy. Passionate and unrestrained, Lucy can’t help but be drawn to him.
Prim would be the best word to sum up Lucy's older cousin, Charlotte. Acting as her chaperone on the trip to Italy, she seems very old-fashioned, disapproving of the Emersons (and any time Lucy spends with them).
He is languid, lazy and prefers reading books and smoking to taking exercise. A product of the old order, Cecil struggles to understand Lucy and her needs, although he does represent a more "solid" choice for her.
