* Francis Weed: The "country husband," a seemingly ordinary man who is the center of the story. He struggles with the pressures of his suburban life and is drawn to a charismatic and troubled woman.
* Anne Weed: Francis's wife, who is generally content but also harbors a sense of loneliness and dissatisfaction with her life. She is presented as a somewhat naive and trusting character.
* Ethel: A complex and troubled woman who attracts Francis's attention. She is captivating, seductive, and emotionally unstable, creating a dangerous allure for him.
* Mr. and Mrs. Horn: Friends of the Weeds, they are a wealthy and glamorous couple who represent the "ideal" suburban life. Mr. Horn is a successful businessman, and Mrs. Horn is a beautiful and socialite woman.
* The Narrator: The story is told from an omniscient third-person perspective, allowing us to see into the minds of the characters and understand their inner conflicts.
Additional, minor characters:
* The children: Francis and Anne's children, who are mostly present in the background, representing the family life that Francis struggles to maintain.
* The neighbors: They represent the superficial and gossipy nature of suburban life, contributing to the feeling of claustrophobia that Francis experiences.
These characters are woven together in a complex and intricate tapestry, exploring themes of marriage, infidelity, social pressure, and the search for meaning in the seemingly mundane.