The Proposition

A young man drawn into a private proposition with Eleanor for money. He becomes fixated, believing his affection is genuine, even as the arrangement is framed as business. His threats to expose the scheme escalate the conflict and set the tragedy in motion.

Wealthy businessman who sanctions the arrangement to secure his lineage and social standing. He exerts control, banishes Roger from Eleanor, and tries to manage the fallout of the scheme. His later decisions drive the final negotiation and the fate of the children.

Wife of Arthur who becomes entangled in a dangerous arrangement and increasingly drawn to Father Michael. Her experiences include a miscarriage and a later pregnancy with Michael's child, culminating in tragedy and a complicated legacy for the family.

Priest and Arthur's nephew who becomes deeply involved with Eleanor. He defies expectations, assists during childbirth, and negotiates a settlement that keeps the children with the Barrets while remaining connected to the church.

Household manager who understands the affair and guides Arthur's toleration of it. She orchestrates some of the deception and ultimately confesses to poisoning Roger as a favor to Arthur, highlighting the moral degradation behind the façade.

A powerful magnate connected to the Barret family's wealth and influence. His presence underscores the social power dynamics at play and the stakes of keeping secrets.

A parish figure who appears within the church world surrounding the Barret family, representing the religious community that intersects with wealth and morality.

A member of the Barret circle, whose role ties into the social world of wealth and influence around the family.

A member of the Barret household or staff, illustrating the everyday reach of the family’s power.

A nun in the parish world who stands as part of the religious backdrop against which the drama unfolds.

Domestic worker in the Barret household, a witness to the private dramas of the family.