Atonement: Character Profiles

Briony Tallis: An aspiring young writer, Briony’s increasingly distorted perspective drives much of the novel’s action and conflict, leading to the wrongful conviction of Robbie.
Robbie Turner: The son of the Tallis family’s housekeeper, Robbie’s life is derailed by a false accusation, though he constantly strives for justice and a future with Cecilia.
Cecilia Tallis: A supportive and determined character, Cecilia passionately defends the wrongly convicted Robbie, who she is in love with.
Lola Quincey: Lola’s character is manipulative and plays a significant role in Robbie’s false conviction.
Paul Marshall: An influential and wealthy character, Paul Marshall is later revealed to be Lola’s true assaulter.
Emily Tallis: Emily, the matriarch of the Tallis family, is aloof and detached, primarily preoccupied with her health.
Jack Tallis: Largely absent, Jack Tallis’s character emphasises the dysfunction and lack of paternal guidance within the Tallis household.
Leon Tallis: Older brother to Cecilia and Briony, Leon is largely oblivious to the conflict unfolding around him.
Jackson Quincey and Pierrot Quincey: Twins Jackson and Pierrot, due to their age, largely act as observers to the central drama.
Charles and Hermione Quincey: The parents of Lola, Pierrot and Jackson, Charles and Hermione are largely absent from the action reflecting the dysfunctional adult presence in the novel.
Betty: Betty, the cook at the Tallis household, provides ongoing casual commentary on the family’s dynamics.
Mr Hardman and Danny Hardman: The father and son duo represent the marginalised and oppressed characters whose lives are unfavourably contrasted with those of the upper class.
Grace Turner and Ernest Turner: The parents of Robbie Turner, their socioeconomic status and incidental involvement in the Tallis family narrative illustrate class distinctions.
Corporal Mace and Corporal Nettle: These two supporting characters add depth to the war plotline and contrast Robbie’s moral decision-making.
Sister Marjorie Drummond: Sister Marjorie, a nursing superior, has a small but important role in illustrating the extreme circumstances of war.
Fiona and Luc: Minor characters who play an observational role, highlighting the impact of the main characters’ actions.