The Horse’s Mouth

A flamboyant, volatile painter whose genius fuels reckless behavior. He treats money, property, and relationships as expendable in pursuit of art. His improvisational approach makes him both brilliant and destructive, constantly skirting law and social norms.

Jimson's older friend and houseboat custodian who tries to rein him in while keeping his world afloat. She supports his art but bears the consequences when things go awry, including being fired after a press incident. She later brings news of Hickson's death and the wondered fate of Jimson’s works.

Jimson's would-be protégé, eager to learn painting but often naive. He stays close to Jimson, acting as a bridge to the outside world while getting drawn into the artist's schemes. His loyalty and curiosity reveal the vulnerabilities of pursuing art under pressure.

Aristocratic patron who appears to be a potential buyer of Jimson’s early works. He and his household embody the high-society art market that craves prestige while testing the artist's independence. His absence and return drive key plot twists about ownership and legacy.

Aristocratic patron who navigates the Beeder household’s involvement with Jimson. She recruits locals to assist with large-scale works and interacts with Jimson as both ally and foil. Her presence accentuates the tensions between art, class, and public display.

Secretary to Sir William and Lady Beeder; acts as the intermediary who relays notices and negotiations. He embodies the procedural gatekeeper between the artist and the patrons. His role underscores the formal pressures surrounding creative ambition.

Old artistic rival who pushes Jimson toward a large sculpture commission, bringing competition and danger into the painting's creation. His interference intensifies the stakes and amplifies the conflicts around art and credit.

Jimson’s ex-wife who becomes entangled in the Tate Gallery sequences. She resists but also collides with Jimson’s artistic world, culminating in a confrontation that reveals the personal costs of his career.

Jimson’s sponsor who wields influence over his career. He ultimately dies and bequeaths his collection to the nation, intensifying the themes of public ownership and the fate of private art.

A minor presence in the artistic milieu, offering glimpses into the younger generation of artists or observers around Jimson’s world. She represents the next wave of viewers and participants in the art scene.