Character guide

Miss Matty Jenkyns

major

Also known as Miss Matty, Matty, Martha, Miss Matty Jenkyns, Miss Jenkyns, Matilda Jenkyns, Matilda, Miss Matilda

A gentle, kind-hearted spinster who is the central figure of Cranford society.

Mary Smith

major

Also known as I, myself, Mary, Mary Smith

The observant narrator and friend who chronicles the lives of Cranford's ladies.

Miss Pole

supporting

Also known as Pole

A sharp, inquisitive spinster who loves gossip and intellectual debate.

Miss Deborah Jenkyns

supporting

Also known as Deborah, Poor Deborah, Miss Jenkyns

The stern, domineering elder sister of Miss Matty who dies early in the story.

Mrs. Jamieson

supporting

Also known as The Honourable Mrs. Jamieson, Jamieson

A haughty, apathetic widow who is the social arbiter of Cranford.

Captain Brown

supporting

Also known as Captain, The Captain, poor dear Captain Brown

A kind, literary-minded retired captain who befriends the Cranford ladies.

Miss Jessie Brown

supporting

Also known as Jessie, Miss Brown, Miss Jessie, Dear Jessie Brown

The sweet, devoted younger daughter of Captain Brown.

Thomas Holbrook

supporting

Also known as Mr. Thomas Holbrook, Mr. Holbrook, Poor Thomas, Tom, Holbrook

An elderly, independent farmer and former suitor of Miss Matty.

Mrs. Forrester

supporting

Also known as dear Mrs. Forrester

A kind, gentle widow who is shabbily dressed but generous.

Mr. Peter Jenkyns

supporting

Also known as Peter, Poor Peter, Peter Marmaduke Arley Jenkyns

The long-lost brother of Miss Matty who returns from India.

Lady Glenmire

supporting

Also known as Glenmire

A sensible, down-to-earth widow who marries Mr. Hoggins.

Signor Brunoni

supporting

Also known as Brunoni, the real Signor Brunoni

A traveling magician whose visit causes a panic in Cranford.

Mr. Hoggins

supporting

Also known as videlicet Mr. Hoggins

The local surgeon who marries Lady Glenmire.

Miss Betsy Barker

minor

Also known as Miss Betty Barker, Miss Barker, Betty, Lizzy

A former milliner who keeps a cow and is devoted to fashion.

Mrs. Fitz-Adam

minor

Also known as Mrs. Fitz, Fitz

A wealthy newcomer who is gradually accepted into Cranford society.

Carlo

minor

Also known as Poor Carlo, Poor, sweet Carlo

Miss Matty's beloved pet dog.

Martha

minor

Also known as Martha—who

Miss Matty's loyal maid and later married servant.

Mr. Mulliner

minor

Also known as Mulliner

Mrs. Jamieson's pompous butler.

Jem Hearn

minor

Also known as Jem

A young man who marries Martha.

Samuel Brown

minor

Also known as Sam, XI Samuel Brown

A kind sailor who helps Miss Matty and later marries Jessie.

Mary Hoggins

minor

Also known as Molly, Miss Mary Hoggins, ci-devant Miss Hoggins

The pretty daughter of Mr. Hoggins who marries a lord.

Lady Arley

minor

The local aristocrat who employs Miss Matty as a shop assistant.

Mrs. Gordon

minor

The mother of Flora Gordon and friend of the Browns.

Flora Gordon

minor

Also known as Little Flora Gordon, darling Flora Gordon

A sweet little girl who befriends Jessie Brown.

Phoebe

minor

Also known as the little Phoebe, Poor little Phoebe, little Phoebe

A poor orphan girl taken in by Miss Matty.

Mr. Johnson

minor

Also known as the civil Mr. Johnson, Johnson

A polite shopkeeper in Cranford.

Mr. Hayter

minor

A farmer who is a suitor of Miss Matty in her youth.

Mrs. Hoggins

minor

Also known as Hoggins

The first wife of Mr. Hoggins, who dies before the story.

Major Gordon

minor

Also known as Major

Flora's father and a military officer.

Mrs. Roberts

minor

Also known as good Mrs. Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. Roberts

A kind Cranford resident who helps Miss Matty.

Mr. Dobson

minor

A Cranford tradesman.

Jenny

minor

A servant in Cranford.

Fanny

minor

A young girl mentioned in Cranford society.

Peggy

minor

A servant in Cranford.