Judi Dench

Her joys and sorrows lie at the core of the adaptation

Miss Deborah Jenkins

Eileen Atkins

Miss Matty's firm but fair-minded sister

Lady Ludlow

Francesca Annis

Local landowner trying to cling to a pre-Industrial Revolution heritage

Dr. Frank Harrison

Simon Woods

Handsome romantic hero, whose arrival causes hearts to flutter.

Miss Pole

Imelda Staunton

The nosiest and most gossipy of the group.

Thomas Holbrook

Michael Gambon

Miss Matty's one-time suitor

Mr. Carter

Philip Glenister

A modern-minded land agent