Aurora Greenway, mother of Emma, dominates the novel. She is a profoundly eccentric woman, who charms men but is essentially uninterested in them. Her emotions are reserved for her daughter, whom she manipulates, torments, protects and loves fiercely.

The other major character, Emma, is less strong and not in the least a comic creation. She chooses a traditional marriage to a man who fails her. Although she loves her own children, her mother remains the most important person in her life.