Character guide

Bertram Cope

major

Also known as Cope, Mr. Cope, young Cope

A handsome, reserved graduate student at the center of social and romantic entanglements.

Basil Randolph

major

Also known as Randolph, Mr. Randolph

An older, wealthy bachelor who becomes fascinated with Cope and hosts him socially.

Medora Phillips

major

Also known as Medora Townsend Phillips, Mrs. Phillips, Aunt Medora

A lively, matchmaking widow who hosts gatherings and takes an interest in Cope.

Arthur Lemoyne

supporting

Also known as Lemoyne, Mr. Lemoyne, Dear Arthur

A young man infatuated with Cope, causing tension and comic misunderstandings.

Amy Leffingwell

supporting

Also known as Amy

A young woman romantically interested in Cope, later engaged to another.

Joe Foster

supporting

Also known as Joseph Foster, Foster

Cope's close friend and roommate, a cheerful and loyal presence.

Hortense Dunton

supporting

Also known as Hortense, dear Hortense

A sharp-witted young woman who observes the social scene with irony.

Carolyn Thorpe

supporting

Also known as Carolyn, poor Carolyn

A sensitive young woman who develops a crush on Cope.

George F. Pearson

minor

Also known as Pearson, George Pearson, Young Pearson

A colleague of Randolph, involved in academic and social circles.

Rosalys Cope

minor

Also known as Rosalys, Miss Rosalys M.

Cope's sister, who visits and adds family dynamics to the story.

M. Pelouse

minor

Also known as Pearson . M. Pelouse

A French academic acquaintance of Pearson, briefly mentioned.

Roddy

minor

Also known as poor Roddy

A minor character, possibly a servant or local, mentioned in passing.

Mrs. Ryder

minor

Also known as little Mrs. Ryder, the enthusiastic Mrs. Ryder

A lively, talkative woman who appears at social events.

Sing-Lo

minor

A Chinese servant in the Phillips household, depicted stereotypically.

Helga

minor

A maid or servant in the Phillips home, occasionally mentioned.

Freeford

minor

Also known as the Freeford

A location or possibly a minor character, referenced briefly.

Bacon

minor

A minor character, possibly a student or acquaintance, named once.

William

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant, mentioned briefly.

Mrs. Peck

minor

A minor character, possibly a neighbor, mentioned in passing.

Pelleas

minor

A literary reference or nickname used in conversation.

Aunt Harriet

minor

An elderly relative of one of the characters, mentioned briefly.

Annabella

minor

A minor female character, possibly a friend, named once.