The Million Pound Note

An American sailor stranded in Britain who tumbles into a social experiment centered on a supposedly priceless note. His charm and resourcefulness let him ride the wave of sudden prestige, but he must decide how long to pretend and at what cost to his values. The character navigates a world where money buys access, yet true identity remains tested by public scrutiny.

Niece of the Duchess of Cromarty; friendly and curious, she becomes entangled in Adams’s new status. She represents the social curiosity and warmth that briefly bridges the gap between outsiders and aristocracy. Her involvement highlights the personal side of society’s pretensions.

A matriarchal figure in high society, she wields social influence and hosts the circle around her niece. Her presence anchors the aristocratic world that both welcomes and weighs Adams's fortune. She embodies the era's gracious yet calculating elites.

One of the Montpelier brothers who stage the wager, manipulating social dynamics to test wealth's reach. He revels in the power of money to shape reality and expectations. His schemes drive the plot's commentary on social control and risk.

The other Montpelier brother, more cynical about money's capacity to transform lives. He sees the wager as a game but recognizes the consequences that befall those who chase status. His attitude provides a counterpoint to Oliver's more audacious approach.

A noble who inadvertently becomes entangled by occupying Adams's hotel suite and later hides the note as a prank. His actions trigger a crisis among investors and creditors, showing how mischief within the upper class can ripple through the economy.

An American investor drawn into Adams's aura of wealth, using the note's reputation to raise funds for a mine venture. His reliance on appearances underscores the central theme: association can substitute for real capital when money talks loudly enough.