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Bernice

A young woman from Eau Claire and the protagonist of the story. Bernice is a wealthy small-town girl who holds traditional ideas of womanhood and propriety. Though outwardly pretty, with dark hair and a warm complexion, Bernice is considered dull until her cousin Marjorie undertakes the mission to make Bernice over into another version of herself. Though Bernice is eager to please, she also reveals herself to be vindictive.

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Marjorie Harvey

A well-to-do society girl in a large town in the Midwest. Marjorie is regaled for her beauty but is also known for her quick tongue, which is unsympathetic and occasionally cruel. She does not adhere to the social norms that were in vogue at the beginning of the 1920s. Marjorie selfishly decides to model her cousin Bernice in her own image in an attempt to uphold her own social station.

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Warren McIntyre

A nineteen-year-old Yale student and neighbor of Marjorie who has had a crush on her for the majority of their lives. Warren prides himself on his good manners. He is at first devoted to and obedient of Marjorie despite her lack of interest, though he eventually proves to be fickle. 

Otis Ormonde

A small, sixteen-year-old boisterous high-school student who is considered an uninteresting romantic prospect by the town’s young women.

Charley Paulson

A small, uninteresting young man in the social scene. Charley is considered to be unattractive, pedestrian, and torpid in his courtships.

G. Reece Stoddard

A handsome and highly sought-after bachelor. G. Reece is the confident romantic rival of all young men in town.

Roberta Dillon

A close friend of Marjorie and a member of her inner circle. Roberta is a staple of the social circuit and is known for her dark eyes, thin frame, and love of dancing. 

Genevieve Ormond

A close friend of Marjorie and a member of her inner circle. Genevieve is a staple of the social circuit and is known to attend many dances, parties, and Ivy League football games. 

Josephine Harvey

Marjorie’s mother and Bernice’s aunt. Mrs. Harvey is easily exasperated by her daughter’s opinions, though as a society woman, she cares greatly about the opinions of the women of her own generation.

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