Character guide

Willie Leadford

major

Also known as Willie asthore, Leadford, Willie

The narrator and protagonist, a young socialist who pursues Nettie and undergoes the Change.

Nettie Stuart

major

Also known as Nettie, old Stuart, Stuart

Willie's beloved, a beautiful and independent young woman who becomes involved with Verrall.

Edward Verrall

major

Also known as Teddy, young Verrall, Edward, Verrall

A wealthy young man who becomes Nettie's lover, causing Willie's jealousy.

Mr. Gabbitas

supporting

Also known as Gabbitas, the Rev. E. B. Gabbitas, the Rev. Gabbitas

A local clergyman and socialist intellectual who mentors Willie.

Parload

supporting

Also known as II Parload, IV Always with Parload

Willie's friend and fellow socialist, a thoughtful and earnest young man.

Mrs. Verrall

supporting

Also known as old Mrs. Verrall, young Verrall, Young Verrall, Verrall

Edward Verrall's mother, a wealthy and influential society figure.

Melmount

supporting

A powerful political leader who helps shape the new world after the Change.

Lord Redcar

supporting

Also known as young Lord Redcar, Redcar

A young aristocrat and friend of Edward Verrall, involved in the pursuit.

Anna Reeves

supporting

Also known as Anna

A young woman who loves Willie and later becomes his companion after the Change.

Mrs. Leadford

supporting

Also known as my poor old mother, Mother

Willie's devoted but impoverished mother, who dies during the Change.

Pettigrew

minor

Also known as old Pettigrew, old Mr. Pettigrew, Mr. Pettigrew, Old Pettigrew

An elderly socialist and friend of Gabbitas, active in local politics.

Rawdon

minor

Also known as old Rawdon, Old Rawdon, Mr. Rawdon

A local businessman and political figure, often in conflict with the socialists.

Lord Adisham

minor

A government minister involved in the cabinet council after the Change.

Madgett

minor

A socialist colleague of Willie's, involved in local organizing.

Wiggins

minor

Also known as Mr. Wiggins

A minor socialist acquaintance of Willie's group.

Miss Ramell

minor

A young woman who appears in the new world after the Change.

Swindells

minor

A local tradesman and minor character in Willie's hometown.

Mrs. Stuart

minor

Nettie's mother, a working-class woman concerned for her daughter.

Mitchell

minor

A minor character mentioned in the political circles of the town.

Burble

minor

Also known as The excellent Burble

A minor socialist orator and acquaintance of Willie.

Jack Briscoe

minor

A minor character from Willie's past, mentioned briefly.

Hampton

minor

A minor political figure in the socialist circles.

Laycock

minor

A minor character in the socialist group.

Carton

minor

A minor character mentioned in the political context.

Gurker

minor

A wealthy financier and political figure in the old world.

Parker

minor

A minor servant or worker mentioned in passing.

Frobisher

minor

A minor character mentioned in the new world sequence.

Revel

minor

A minor character appearing after the Change.