# Basil — Character guide

> Key figures in Basil by Wilkie Collins.

- [Basil](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/characters/basil.md): The narrator and protagonist, a young gentleman who becomes entangled in a secret marriage.
- [Margaret Sherwin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/characters/margaret_sherwin.md): The beautiful but enigmatic daughter of a linen-draper, whom Basil secretly marries.
- [Robert Mannion](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/characters/robert_mannion.md): A mysterious and manipulative man with a hidden connection to the Sherwin family.
- [Mr. Sherwin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/characters/mr_sherwin.md): Margaret's ambitious father, a linen-draper who aspires to social advancement.
- [Mrs. Sherwin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/characters/mrs_sherwin.md): Margaret's meek and ailing mother, largely passive in family affairs.
- [Clara](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/characters/clara.md): Basil's devoted sister, who provides emotional support and counsel.
- [Ralph](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/characters/ralph.md): Basil's friend and confidant, who offers advice and perspective.
- [Mr. Bernard](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/characters/mr_bernard.md): A family friend and advisor to Basil, often offering practical wisdom.
- [Mr. Turner](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/characters/mr_turner.md): An acquaintance of Basil's family, involved in social circles.
- [Susan](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/characters/susan.md): A servant in the Sherwin household, privy to family secrets.
- [Mary Penhale](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/characters/mary_penhale.md): A woman connected to the Mannion family's past.
- [William Penhale](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/characters/william_penhale.md): A relative of Mary Penhale, mentioned in connection with past events.
- [Old Martha](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/characters/old_martha.md): An elderly servant in Basil's household.
- [The Doctor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/characters/the_doctor.md): A physician attending to various characters during illnesses.
- [The Abbe](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/characters/the_abbe.md): A French clergyman encountered by Basil during his travels.
- [Minnie](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/characters/minnie.md): A child mentioned in passing, possibly a relative of the Sherwins.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/characters