Keith Davis

Keith is the newly appointed British Ambassador of Tazbekistan. Davis is ambitious and fancies himself in Washington or Beijing. He intends to make his mark in this posting. He is well aware that one major diplomatic event can make - or break - his career.

This is Keith's third posting as an Ambassador. He's making steady but not spectacular progress up the career ladder at the Foreign Office.

He's highly educated, high minded and ambitious. He is capable of being both whimsical and forensic but also has a tendency towards inaction born of an innate caution.

He may have designs on Washington but the pinnacle of his career is unlikely to be much more than a small European capital.

Neil Tilly

Deputy Head of Mission, Neil Tilly is a Central Asian expert, fluent in the language and romantic about the region.

Neil's job is to put the Ambassador's plans into action. While Davis is out representing Britain, Neil is in the Embassy pulling the levers and managing the staff.

He's in love with Tanya who runs the local bar and who, for him, represents everything that's good about Tazbekistan. She's self-reliant and uncompromising but also passionate and great fun.

More politically idealistic than some of his colleagues in the Foreign Office, he's adept at balancing his strongly-held beliefs with the pragmatic reality of being a diplomat.

Neil is an excellent manager of the team at the Embassy and inspires loyalty. But there's also something furtive in him...

Jennifer

Jennifer is the Ambassador's long-suffering wife.

She wants to pursue her career as a doctor but instead must spend a lot of time talking to tedious men from the EU, or local despots, while also making sure that - against the odds - they all get a nice British dinner.

Jennifer helps with the endless social events the Embassy has to organise, whether it's hosting intimate dinners for visiting VIPs from the UK or showcasing the Best of British at a large event for local dignitaries.

Her and Keith's 13 year-old daughter is at boarding school back in the UK, which is particularly tough on Jennifer.

Caitlin

Caitlin is the no-messing Head of Consular Affairs (visas, passports and tourists in trouble).

She knows from painful experience there's nothing so stupid that a British tourist won't try it.

Caitlin is Scottish, tough and street-wise. She has low expectations of everyone.

Isabel

Isabel is the trade and political secretary.

Like Keith, Isabel has recently arrived in Tazbekistan. There is a lot of friction and competition between her and some other members of staff. She is nakedly ambitious and relentlessly energetic, which ruffles feathers... especially Neil's.

Isabel doesn't really care what people think of her but is clever enough to learn from her mistakes. She needs to understand, though, that charm is a big part of successful diplomacy.

Natalia

Natalia - Head of Communications - is a Tazbek local employee in the mission who understands the Tazbek minds, but doesn't understand why the British don't take better pride in how they dress.

She's a tall, leggy, dark, beautiful and educated woman. Plus she's always immaculately turned-out. Her English is really good, if a little 'learned'.

She loves working with the British but will never quite understand them, their cultural foibles or their sense of humour. But she keeps on trying...

President Karzak

President Karzak rules over the newly oil rich, corrupt Tazbekistan. The Embassy team refer to him as 'The Prez'.

He seized control of Tazbekistan 20 years ago and has never let go. Think Putin, plus 70 lbs, and minus the hair.

The Prez is proud, smart... and monstrous. With a particular liking for Last Of The Summer Wine.

Tanya

Tanya runs the local bar. She is self-reliant and uncompromising, but also passionate and great fun.

She is currently dating Neil, and he has learnt a lot about the region from her.