A Glass of Water

The young Queen of Great Britain is portrayed as inexperienced and easily swayed by powerful figures at court. Her decisions are shaped by advisors like Sarah Churchill and by political maneuvering that aims to portray Marlborough's war leadership in a favorable light. Her volatility and need for approval drive the plot's twists and the fate of courtiers.

A formidable patron at court, she uses influence to defend her husband’s wartime image and advance her own power. Her intrigues recruit Masham and manipulate the queen, creating a web of loyalties that fractures as the plot unfolds. Her fate at court demonstrates the limits of ambition and control.

A renowned military leader in the war against France, his reputation is leveraged by court politics to shape public opinion. He remains a key figure whose standing is tested by shifting loyalties and the queen’s trusted circle. The narrative frames him through the lens of political maneuvering rather than direct action.

A noble journalist and leader of the opposition who seeks to end the war with France, using legalistic cunning and political tactics. His calculations push him into pivotal roles within the queen's circle and the cabinet. He embodies pragmatic, sometimes ruthless, diplomacy in service of peace.

A young country lord who is made an ensign by Sarah as a social reward, and later entangled with Abigail. His status is a tool in the power game, attracting both opportunity and vulnerability. His relationship choices become leverage in court intrigue.

A jealous shop assistant turned key actor in the court’s matchmaking schemes, she is pushed toward the queen's circle through Masham’s engagement. Her ambition, loyalty, and lover's quarrels feed the evolving dynamics at court. She embodies the personal costs of political games.

The loyal, discreet servant at the heart of the palace’s daily life who carries messages and helps manage the flow of information. His proximity to both sides of the court makes him a subtle barometer of the shifting loyalties.

A French diplomat whose moves interact with English politics as peace negotiations loom. He embodies the external pressure of France on British court politics and the drive toward a settlement.