Character guide

Peregrine Tyss

major

Also known as Mr. Peregrine Tyss, Mr. Tyss, Master Peregrine Tyss, Peregrine, the good Tyss, the elder Mr. Tyss, the astonished Peregrine, the poor Peregrine, noble Mr. Peregrine, the late Mr. Tyss

A central character, an elder gentleman involved in strange adventures with the flea-tamer and Leeuwenhoek.

George Pepusch

major

Also known as Pepusch, good Pepusch, friend Pepusch, Mr. George Pepusch, Mr. Pepusch, the angry Pepusch

A friend of Peregrine Tyss, often embroiled in the bizarre events surrounding the flea and the princess.

Master Flea

major

Also known as the honest Master Flea, Flea

A sentient flea with a mysterious past, central to the magical and satirical plot of the book.

Antonie van Leeuwenhoek

major

Also known as Leeuwenhoek, my good Leeuwenhoek, the abominable Leeuwenhoek, Mr. Leeuwenhoek, wretched Leeuwenhoek

A famous microscopist who appears as a character, interacting with Peregrine and the magical elements.

Princess Gamaheh

supporting

Also known as Gamaheh, Zeherit, the Princess Gamaheh, sweet Gamaheh, the sweet Gamaheh

A princess from a magical realm, loved by King Sekakis and central to the thistle's story.

King Sekakis

supporting

Also known as Sekakis

A magical king who once flourished as a thistle, father of Princess Gamaheh.

Alina

supporting

Also known as old Alina, Mistress Alina, the honest old Alina

An elderly female character, likely a servant or housekeeper in the Tyss household.

Mr. Swammer

supporting

Also known as Swammer, old Swammer, the misanthropic Swammer, the old Swammer

A misanthropic character, possibly a scientist or collector, involved in the plot.

Jan Swammerdam

supporting

Also known as Swammerdam, Cursed Swammerdam, the old Swammerdam, the learned Swammerdam, unhappy Swammerdam

A historical naturalist appearing as a character, often in conflict with others.

Dörtje Elverdink

supporting

Also known as the lovely Dörtje, Dörtje, the little Dörtje Elverdink, the fair Dörtje Elverdink, tripped Dörtje Elverdink

A young woman, possibly a love interest or figure of desire in the story.

Rose Lemmerhirt

minor

Also known as Lemmerhirt, Rose

A female character, likely connected to the Tyss or Pepusch circle.

The Thistle

minor

Also known as Zeherit, Thistle

A magical thistle that is the transformed form of King Sekakis or a related entity.

The Douanier

minor

Also known as Douanier, Douanier Leech, Leech

A customs officer character, possibly a leech or associated with leeches.

Thetel

minor

Also known as the Genius

A genius or spirit character appearing in the narrative.

Monsieur Leech

minor

A character named Leech, possibly related to the Douanier.

Mrs. Tyss

minor

The wife of Peregrine Tyss, mentioned in the household.

Hans

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant or local.

The Leech-Prince

minor

Also known as the odious Leech-Prince

A prince who is a leech, involved in the thistle's story.

The Hollandress

minor

A Dutch woman character, possibly a servant or local figure.