Our capable and composed protagonist, George B. Cortelyou was the steady hand behind three American presidents. Known for his tireless work ethic and precision, he helped shape the inner workings of modern American government - quietly driving results where others sought attention.

Energetic, unpredictable - a peer. Theodore Roosevelt Jr., also known as Teddy or T. R., was the 26th president of the United States, serving from 1901 to 1909. Bold, impatient, and reform-driven, Roosevelt is a contrast to Cortelyou’s quiet precision. Their working relationship evolves from formal to strategic partnership.

Fatherly and steady. William McKinley was the 25th president of the United States, serving from 1897 until his assassination in 1901. He mentors Cortelyou and relies on him heavily during the Spanish-American War and in daily White House operations. Their relationship is exceptionally warm - almost father to son - cut short by tragedy that reshapes the series’ course.

Direct and principled, Cleveland gives Cortelyou his start in federal government. Their relationship is built on competence and mutual respect despite party differences.

Ruthless financier and occasional ally. One of the richest men in the world, Morgan is strategic and commanding. He first meets Cortelyou as a player for the opposite team, but later depends on him during the 1907 financial panic. By the end of series, Morgan backs Cortelyou for president.

Founder of Standard Oil, representing corporate dominance. Appearing briefly as a symbol of concentrated economic power and a target of Roosevelt’s trust-busting campaign.

Thomas Edison was an American inventor and businessman. He developed many devices in fields such as the light bulb, electric power generation, mass communication, sound recording, and motion pictures. Edison serves as a touchpoint for the merging of technology and policy. He represents both American ingenuity and the growing influence of private innovation on public affairs.

Booker T. Washington’s 1901 dinner at the White House with President Theodore Roosevelt was the first time a Black American was invited to dine socially with a sitting president. The event sparked national controversy, revealing the deep racial divisions of the time and marking a bold, though politically costly, statement on equality by the new Administration.

Ida McKinley was the wife of President William McKinley. Fragile in health, her wellbeing becomes a priority after the assassination, as Cortelyou delivers the news with care and discretion. She never recovered from losing their daughters as children and remained in a fragile state of health for the rest of her life, including having seizures.

Edith Kermit Roosevelt was the second wife of President Theodore Roosevelt. Sharp and perceptive, Edith quietly shapes the Roosevelt presidency from behind the scenes. She connects with Lilly over shared pressures and social concerns.

Leon F. Czolgosz was an American laborer and anarchist who shot President William McKinley on September 6, 1901, in Buffalo, New York.

The man who tackles McKinley’s assassin moments after the shooting. Initially viewed with suspicion, Parker briefly earns public praise but is quickly sidelined. His story reflects the racial dynamics of the era.

George’s wife and emotional anchor. Intelligent, witty and supportive, she navigates the demands of public life and long absences. Their relationship highlights the personal cost of public service.

George’s daughter, featured later in the series. Intelligent and curious, she offers a more personal view of her father’s work and legacy. Grace Cortelyou (1897-1968) was the daughter of George B. Cortelyou and Lilly Morris Hinds Cortelyou.

There was the Chief Stewart, then beneath him were the maids, footmen, cooks and laborers. About one-third of the servants lived in the White House.

Postmaster General under Cleveland who recognizes Cortelyou’s talent early and facilitates his move to Washington. A minor figure but key to Cortelyou’s trajectory.