Character guide

The Honourable Silas P. Ratcliffe

major

Also known as Ratcliffe, Mr. Ratcliffe, Senator Ratcliffe, Mr. Silas P. Ratcliffe

A powerful and ambitious U.S. Senator from Illinois, central to the political intrigue.

Madeleine Lee

major

Also known as Madeleine, Madeleine Ross

A wealthy young widow who moves to Washington to understand political power.

Mr. Carrington

major

Also known as Carrington, John Carrington

A principled Virginia gentleman and lawyer, a close friend of Madeleine.

Sybil Ross

supporting

Also known as Sybil, Miss Sybil, Miss Ross

Madeleine's younger, lively sister who enjoys Washington society.

Mrs. Lightfoot Lee

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Lee, A Mrs. Lightfoot Lee

Madeleine's mother-in-law, a traditional Southern matriarch.

Lord Skye

supporting

A British diplomat and friend of Madeleine, observing American politics.

Mr. Nathan Gore

supporting

Also known as Mr. Gore, Gore

A New England historian and diplomat, a frequent guest at Madeleine's.

Little Victoria Dare

supporting

Also known as Victoria, Victoria Dare, Miss Dare

A flirtatious and witty young woman in Washington society.

Mr. C. C. French

supporting

Also known as Mr. French, French, poor French

A naive reformer and journalist, often the butt of jokes.

Mr. Hartbeest Schneidekoupon

supporting

Also known as Mr. Schneidekoupon, Schneidekoupon, poor Schneidekoupon

A wealthy young New York banker and suitor to Victoria Dare.

Lord Dunbeg

supporting

Also known as Dunbeg, Poor Lord Dunbeg

An impoverished Irish peer seeking a rich American wife.

Mrs. Sam Baker

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Samuel Baker, Baker

A wealthy widow from New York, a social climber in Washington.

Old Baron Jacobi

supporting

Also known as Baron Jacobi, Jacobi, the Baron

An elderly German diplomat and friend of Madeleine's father.

Mrs. Schuyler Clinton

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Clinton, Schuyler Clinton

A respectable New York society matron visiting Washington.

Senator Schuyler Clinton

minor

Also known as Senator Clinton

A U.S. Senator from New York, husband of Mrs. Clinton.

Count Popoff

minor

Also known as Popoff, The faithful Popoff

A Russian diplomat and minor character in Washington society.

Julia Schneidekoupon

minor

Also known as Julia, poor Schneidekoupon

Sister of Hartbeest Schneidekoupon, a quiet young woman.

Maude

minor

Also known as Poor Maude

A young woman briefly mentioned in Washington social circles.

Wilson Keen

minor

Also known as Mr. Wilson Keen, Mr. Keen, Keen

A journalist and acquaintance of the main characters.

Count Orsini

minor

Also known as Orsini

An Italian diplomat appearing in Washington society.

Mr. Grimes

minor

Also known as Grimes

A minor political figure in the novel.

Countess Dunbeg

minor

Also known as the Countess Dunbeg

Wife of Lord Dunbeg, accompanying him to America.

Mr. Thomas Lord

minor

Also known as Mr. Lord, Mr. Tom Lord, Tom Lord, Tom

A minor character in Washington social circles.

Senator Krebs

minor

Also known as Krebs

A U.S. Senator mentioned in political discussions.

Josiah B. Carson

minor

Also known as Carson

A minor political figure in the novel.

Representative Cutter

minor

Also known as Cutter

A member of Congress briefly appearing in the story.