# In the Midst of Life — Character guide

> Key figures in In the Midst of Life by Ambrose Bierce.

- [Peyton Farquhar](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/peyton_farquhar.md): A Southern planter who attempts to sabotage a Union railroad bridge.
- [Jerome Searing](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/private_searing.md): A Union scout who goes missing during a reconnaissance mission.
- [Carter Druse](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/carter_druse.md): A Union soldier who must choose between duty and family.
- [Parker Adderson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/parker_adderson.md): A captured Union spy who philosophizes about death.
- [Captain Downing Madwell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/captain_madwell.md): A Union officer who faces a grim duty on the battlefield.
- [Herman Brayle](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/lieutenant_brayle.md): A Union officer known for reckless bravery in battle.
- [Murlock](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/murlock.md): A grieving widower who experiences a terrifying night alone.
- [Harker Brayton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/harker_brayton.md): A man who confronts a deadly snake in his room.
- [Jefferson Doman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/jefferson_doman.md): A man who experiences a strange adventure at Brownville.
- [Mr. Jarette](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/jarette.md): A man who tests a supernatural theory in a haunted house.
- [Captain Ransome](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/captain_ransome.md): A Union officer involved in a tense command situation.
- [William Grayrock](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/private_grayrock.md): A soldier who experiences a strange encounter in the woods.
- [Captain Graffenreid](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/captain_graffenreid.md): A Union officer who struggles with fear and honor.
- [Gilson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/gilson.md): A deceased man whose bequest causes unexpected trouble.
- [Jack Raynor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/jack_raynor.md): A man involved in a deadly feud with a neighbor.
- [John Hardshaw](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/john_hardshaw.md): A man with a dark past who returns to his family.
- [Richard Benning](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/richard_benning.md): A man who inherits a mysterious and dangerous property.
- [Silas Tilbody](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/mr_tilbody.md): A prominent citizen involved in a strange legal matter.
- [Dr. Helberson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/dr_helberson.md): A doctor who witnesses a supernatural event.
- [William Mancher](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/dr_mancher.md): A physician involved in a case of suspected insanity.
- [Charles Marlowe](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/charles_marlowe.md): Irene's father, a man haunted by the past.
- [Mary Matthews Porfer](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/mary_matthews.md): A woman who marries into a strange family.
- [Mr. Porfer](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/mr_porfer.md): Mary Matthews' husband, a man with peculiar habits.
- [Mrs. Porfer](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/mrs_porfer.md): Mr. Porfer's mother, a domineering woman.
- [Barney Bree](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/barney_bree.md): A man who tells a strange story about a ghost.
- [James R. Colston](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/james_colston.md): A former slaveholder haunted by his past.
- [General Cameron](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/general_cameron.md): A Union general who makes a difficult decision.
- [Captain Hartroy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/captain_hartroy.md): A Union officer who confronts a deserter.
- [General Masterson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/general_masterson.md): A Union general known for his eccentricities.
- [General Clavering](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/general_clavering.md): A Union general who tests an officer's loyalty.
- [Lieutenant Price](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/lieutenant_price.md): A young officer who faces a moral dilemma.
- [Charles Breede](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/charles_breede.md): A deceased man whose will causes conflict.
- [Mr. Winters](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/mr_winters.md): A man who encounters a strange creature.
- [Jo Bentley](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/jo_bentley.md): A man who tells a story about a ghostly encounter.
- [Miss Matthews](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/miss_matthews.md): A young woman courted by a mysterious suitor.
- [Colonel Harmon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/colonel_harmon.md): A Union colonel who makes a fateful decision.
- [Halleck](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/halleck.md): A Union general mentioned in dispatches.
- [Mr. Harper](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/mr_harper.md): A man who encounters a strange phenomenon.
- [Dr. Harper](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/dr_harper.md): A physician who treats a mysterious patient.
- [Colonel Ward](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/colonel_ward.md): A Union colonel who commands a regiment.
- [Major Creede Halcrow](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/major_halcrow.md): A Confederate officer from a feuding family.
- [John K. Smith](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/john_k_smith.md): A man who applies for a mysterious position.
- [Hurdy-Gurdy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/hurdy_gurdy.md): A dog that plays a role in a strange story.
- [Dr. Barritz](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/dr_barritz.md): A physician who investigates a supernatural case.
- [Miss Mendenhall](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/mendenhall.md): A young woman courted by a mysterious man.
- [George Thurston](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/george_thurston.md): A soldier who dies in a tragic accident.
- [Miss Maynard](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/miss_maynard.md): Eva Maynard's sister, a witness to events.
- [Marsh](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/marsh.md): A soldier who experiences a strange vision.
- [Captain Coulter](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/coulter.md): A Union officer involved in a deadly affair.
- [Mr. Benning](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/mr_benning.md): Richard Benning's relative, involved in the inheritance.
- [Baby](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters/baby.md): An infant whose fate is tied to a tragic story.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/in_the_midst_of_life_se/characters