Character guide

Unknown Narrator

major

Also known as I, me, myself, mine

The first-person narrator or focal character, heavily present throughout.

Lord Summerhays

major

Also known as Summerhays, Bentley, young Bentley, Lord Summerhays Shaking, Lord Summerhays Do, Lord Summerhays Shuddering, Lord Summerhays Rising, Lord Summerhays Severely, Lord Summerhays Surprised, Lord Summerhays Shrinking, Bentley Help, Bentley Summerhays, Bentley Terrified, Bentley Pale

An elderly peer and father of Bentley, often engaged in philosophical debate.

Johnny Tarleton

major

Also known as Johnny, Johnny Hallo, Johnny Shortly, Johnny Rising, Johnny Fiercely, Johnny Flam, Johnny Sarcastic, Johnny With, Johnny Puzzled, Johnny Laughing

The energetic and opinionated son of Tarleton, a central figure in the action.

Tarleton

major

Also known as Mr. Tarleton, John, Tarleton Walking, Tarleton Good, Tarleton Both, Tarleton Puzzled, Tarleton Ingrate, Tarleton Eh, Tarleton Hugely, Tarleton Violently, Tarleton Come, Tarleton Lina, Tarleton Miss Lina, Tarleton Gunner, Tarleton Bentley, Tarleton Patsy, Tarleton Chickabiddy

The wealthy and loquacious underwear manufacturer, father of Hypatia and Johnny.

Mrs. Tarleton

major

Also known as Mrs. Tarleton John, Mrs. Tarleton Everybody, Mrs. Tarleton Poor lad, Mrs. Tarleton Oh Bunny, Mrs. Tarleton Bunny, Mrs. Tarleton Not, Mrs. Tarleton Shocked, Mrs. Tarleton Hypatia

Tarleton's kind and practical wife, often mediating family tensions.

Joey Percival

major

Also known as Joey, Mr. Percival, Percival, Mr. Joseph Percival, Percival Withdrawing, Mister Percival, Percival Impossible, Percival Mr. Tarleton, Percival Miss Tarleton, Percival Patiently, Percival Hallo, Percival Nonsense, Percival Mr. Summerhays, Percival Miss Tarleton⁠

A young aviator and intellectual who becomes Hypatia's romantic interest.

The Man

major

Also known as the man, The man, The Man Lucinda Titmus, The Man Retreating

A mysterious intruder who disrupts the household with a dramatic revelation.

Bunny

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Tarleton Oh Bunny, Mrs. Tarleton Bunny

A young man nicknamed Bunny, possibly a friend or employee of the Tarletons.

Hypatia Tarleton

major

Also known as Hypatia, Hypatia Angrily, Hypatia Thoughtful, Hypatia Startled, Hypatia Ben, Hypatia Nothing, Hypatia Impatiently, Hypatia Papa, Hypatia Rising, Hypatia Mr. Percival, Miss Tarleton, Miss Hypatia Tarleton, Miss Tarleton⁠

Tarleton's restless and modern daughter, seeking adventure and marriage.

Gunner John Brown

supporting

Also known as Gunner, John Brown, Oh John, Gunner Clever, Mr. Gunner, Tarleton Gunner, Releasing Gunner, Gunner Tea

A working-class man with a grievance, who bursts in with a gun.

Lina Szczepanowska

supporting

Also known as Lina, Miss Lina, Lina Polish, Lina Smiling, Lina Say, Szczepanowska, the celebrated Miss Lina Szczepanowska, Miss Szczepanowska, the celebrated Miss Lena Sh - Sh - sheepanossika

A celebrated Polish acrobat and aviator, full of vitality and independence.

Patsy

minor

Also known as Pat, Tarleton Patsy

A servant or employee in the Tarleton household, occasionally addressed.

Ben

minor

Also known as Hypatia Ben

A young man briefly interacting with Hypatia, possibly a suitor.

Papa

minor

Also known as Hypatia Papa

Hypatia's affectionate term for her father Tarleton.

Chickabiddy

minor

Also known as the Chickabiddy, Tarleton Chickabiddy

Tarleton's pet name for his wife, used affectionately.

Jerry Mackintosh

minor

Also known as Jerry

A name mentioned in passing, possibly a local or acquaintance.

Bill Burt

minor

A minor character referenced briefly in dialogue.

Plain John

minor

Also known as John

A simple name used to distinguish from other Johns in conversation.

George Bernard Shaw

minor

Also known as George

The author, briefly alluded to in a self-referential joke.

The Governor

minor

Also known as Governor

A vague authority figure mentioned in passing.