The central characters in the book are:
Don Mason – Charismatic leader of the Green Earth Movement (GEM). A favourite of the media world, he is the founder of a disciplined environmental campaigning movement. His philosophy is a deep shade of green – ending economic growth and radically transforming society to live in a better balance with the natural world.
Peter Kitson – an optimistic – perhaps naive – and ambitious Liberal Democrat politician who manoeuvres his party into making common cause with the GEM, and into a coalition government with them. Committed to environmentalism, his politics are of a much lighter shade of green in the view of Mason and his colleagues.
Heather Kitson – Married to Peter, and mother of baby Andrea. A former PR executive, her interests are primarily focused on family and friends. However, events conspire to pitch her into the centre of events.
Joanna Kitson – Sister of Peter Kitson, and a human rights lawyer. Initially a supporter of the Green Revolution, her championing of people detained without trial brings her into conflict with GEM regime.
Trevor MacLean – Flamboyant BBC TV journalist who has a key role in reporting the Green Revolution, though his approach soon gets him into trouble under the Green Earth government.
King Henry IX – A passionate advocate of environmentalism, the King becomes a key supporter of the Green Revolution.
Patrick Baxter – Conservative Prime Minister at the time of the Revolution, and in due course a leading opponent.
Dave Barrington – Leading GEM activist charged with developing the GEM’s major climate change projects. Works closely with Peter Kitson in the early phases of the Revolution.
Malcolm Morton – Former army captain who manages security for the GEM and in due course becomes Home Secretary, extending his control to the police and security apparatus of the country.
Terry Cairns – More seasoned and sceptical Liberal politician and mentor of Peter Kitson. Eventually he throws himself into leading some of the key projects for transforming the economy, and finds romance with a leading GEM adviser, Louise Adams, with unexpected consequences.
Titus Whitaker – Guru of the Animal Rights movement (the ‘Animalists’). A professor of Moral Philosophy, and an advocate of equal rights for all species.
Gabriella Pearson – Fiery leader of the Animalists, and former guerilla activist. Passionate advocate of a rebalanced world.
Shades of Green - a novel by Andy Lake 