Character guide

Rosalind Hilary

major

Also known as Mrs. Hilary, Rosalind, Aunt Rosalind

A central figure in the Hilary family, navigating complex relationships and personal crises.

Nan Hilary

major

Also known as Nan, The Hilary

A brilliant but uncertain young woman, deeply involved in family dynamics and self-discovery.

Gerda

major

Also known as Gerda Bendish, Neville Gerda, VII Gerda, III Though Gerda, Damn Gerda, Gerda's

A key character entangled in romantic and familial tensions, often linked to Neville.

Barry Briscoe

supporting

Also known as Barry, poor Barry, simple Barry, II Barry, IV Barry, Dear Barry, Barry's

A persistent suitor or friend, often seen as simple but deeply loyal.

Neville Bendish

supporting

Also known as Neville, old Neville, poor old Neville, III Neville, VII Neville, IV Neville

An older man, possibly a patriarch, whose birthday and opinions shape family events.

Grandmama

supporting

Also known as V Grandmama, VI Grandmama, Great-Grandmama, David Grandmama, Goliath Grandmama

The matriarch of the family, a formidable presence with strong opinions.

Pamela Neville

supporting

Also known as Pamela, Pammie, Pam, Already Pamela, Pamela Hilary

A younger family member, often called Pammie, involved in domestic and romantic subplots.

Jim Kenrick

supporting

Also known as Jim, VI Jim, Jimmy, Jimmy Kenrick

A young man, possibly a love interest, with a chapter focused on his perspective.

Rodney Bendish

minor

Also known as Mrs. Rodney Bendish, Mrs. Bendish

A member of the Bendish family, often mentioned in social contexts.

Gilbert

minor

Also known as Robert Browning, Gilbert's

A character possibly linked to literary allusions, with limited direct presence.

Stephen Lumley

minor

Also known as Lumley, Stephen

A minor character, possibly a professional or acquaintance.

Frances Carr

minor

Also known as Frances

A woman with a distinct identity, possibly a friend or relative.

Richard Hilary

minor

Also known as Richard

A member of the Hilary family, likely a father or uncle figure.

Margery

minor

Also known as Marjorie, May

A minor female character, possibly a servant or relative.

Mr. Cradock

minor

Also known as Dr. Cradock, Cradock, Mr.  Cradock

A doctor or professional figure consulted by the family.

Dr. Claude Evans

minor

Also known as Dr. Evans, this Dr. Evans, Dr.  Jowett

A psychoanalyst or medical doctor involved in character treatments.

Emily

minor

A minor character, possibly a maid or young girl.

David

minor

Also known as Grandmama David

A biblical or metaphorical reference, possibly a pet or child.

Penelope Jessop

minor

Also known as Penelope

A minor character, possibly a friend or acquaintance.

Aunt Phyllis

minor

An aunt figure, likely part of the extended family.

Grandpapa

minor

The grandfather, mentioned in family discussions.

Old Mrs. Lennox

minor

An elderly neighbor or family friend.

Mr. Conrad

minor

Also known as Conrad

A minor male character, possibly a visitor or professional.

Mr. Digby

minor

A minor character, possibly a tradesman or acquaintance.

Father

minor

A paternal figure, possibly deceased or absent.

Bruce

minor

Also known as uncle Bruce

An uncle with a history of religious shifts.

Lady Adela

minor

A titled woman, possibly a social acquaintance.

Grandmother

minor

Another grandmother figure, distinct from Grandmama.

Mrs. Cox

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant or neighbor.

Frank

minor

Also known as Francis Thompson

A minor character, possibly a poet or historical reference.

Mrs. Philip Snowden

minor

Also known as Mrs. Snowden

A political or social figure mentioned in passing.

Cook

minor

The household cook, a minor servant character.

Mary Rose

minor

A minor character, possibly a child or reference.