Howards End · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Howards End by E. M. Forster.
Margaret Schlegel
major
Also known as Meg, Dear Margaret, poor Margaret, Margaret Oniton
One of the Schlegel sisters, a thoughtful and independent woman who becomes entangled with the Wilcox family.
Helen Schlegel
major
Also known as Mrs. Munt, Helen
The impulsive younger Schlegel sister, whose idealism drives much of the plot.
Henry Wilcox
major
Also known as Mr. Wilcox, poor Henry, the old Henry
A wealthy businessman and patriarch of the Wilcox family, later Margaret's husband.
Charles Wilcox
supporting
Also known as Charles, the younger Mr. Wilcox, Mr. Charles Wilcox
Henry's eldest son, practical and conventional, who clashes with the Schlegels.
Ruth Wilcox
supporting
Also known as Mrs. Wilcox, Mrs. Warrington Wilcox, poor Mrs. Wilcox, Ruth
Henry's first wife, a quiet and intuitive woman who befriends Margaret.
Leonard Bast
major
Also known as Leonard, Len, Bast
A poor clerk with aspirations of culture, whose life becomes tragically linked to the Schlegels.
Tibby Schlegel
supporting
Also known as Tibby, Auntie Tibby
The Schlegels' younger brother, a studious and somewhat detached young man.
Dolly Fussell
supporting
Also known as Fussell, Miss Dolly Fussell
Charles Wilcox's wife, a cheerful but somewhat silly young woman.
Evie Wilcox
minor
Also known as Evie, Evie Wilcox, Poor little Evie
Henry and Ruth's daughter, a breezy and conventional young woman.
Paul Wilcox
minor
Also known as Paul, Paul Wilcox
Henry's younger son, who has a brief romantic entanglement with Helen.
Miss Avery
minor
Also known as old Miss Avery, Avery
An eccentric old woman who lives near the Wilcoxes' country house.
Jacky Bast
supporting
Also known as Jacky, Poor Jacky, Jack Robinson, John
Leonard Bast's wife, a faded and somewhat vulgar woman.
Aunt Juley
minor
Also known as good Aunt Juley
The Schlegel sisters' well-meaning but meddlesome aunt.
Frieda Mosebach
minor
Also known as Frieda, Frieda Mosebach
A German cousin of the Schlegels, visiting from Germany.
Crane
minor
Also known as Crane
A servant at the Wilcoxes' country house, Howards End.
Tom Howard
minor
Also known as Tom, little Tom, Tommy
A young boy living at Howards End, possibly a relative of Miss Avery.
Percy Cahill
minor
Also known as Mr. Percy Cahill, Mr. Cahill, Cahill
A young man who becomes engaged to Evie Wilcox.
Lady Edser
minor
Also known as Lady Edser
A local aristocratic woman who appears at a social gathering.
Colonel Fussell
minor
Also known as Colonel Fussell
Dolly Fussell's father, a military man.
Albert Fussell
minor
Also known as Albert, Albert Fussell
Dolly Fussell's brother.
Monica
minor
Also known as Monica
A friend of the Schlegel sisters.
Mr. Cunningham
minor
Also known as Mr. Cunningham
A business associate of Henry Wilcox.
Mr. Vyse
minor
Also known as Mr. Vyse
A friend of the Schlegels, mentioned in conversation.
Mansbridge
minor
Also known as Mr. Mansbridge
A minor acquaintance of the Schlegels.
Herr Liesecke
minor
Also known as Herr Liesecke
A German acquaintance of the Schlegels.
Frau Liesecke
minor
Also known as Frau Liesecke
Herr Liesecke's wife.
Conder
minor
Also known as Miss Conder
A minor character at a social event.
Sir James Bidder
minor
Also known as Sir James, Sir James Bidder
A local dignitary mentioned in passing.
