Character guide

Lucilla Marjoribanks

major

Also known as Lucilla, Miss Lucilla, dear Lucilla, the bland Lucilla, the candid Lucilla, the experienced Lucilla, the Marjoribanks

The brilliant and determined heroine who manages her household and social circle with charm and ambition.

Miss Marjoribanks

major

Also known as Marjoribanks, V Miss Marjoribanks, VII Miss Marjoribanks

Lucilla's formal title, often used by the narrator and townspeople to refer to her.

Dr. Marjoribanks

supporting

Also known as Doctor Marjoribanks, the Doctor, the old Doctor, Doctor

Lucilla's father, a respected physician in Carlingford who indulges his daughter's schemes.

Tom Marjoribanks

supporting

Also known as Thomas, Tom, Mr. Tom, the unlucky Tom, Mr. Thomas Marjoribanks, The unfortunate Tom

Lucilla's hapless cousin who returns from India and causes family complications.

Mr. Cavendish

supporting

Also known as young Mr. Cavendish, poor Mr. Cavendish, Cavendish, young Cavendish, Poor Mr. Cavendish, poor Cavendish, Dear Mr. Cavendish

A charming but unreliable suitor who courts Lucilla and later becomes entangled with Barbara.

Barbara Lake

supporting

Also known as Barbara, Lake, Poor Barbara, poor Barbara, that Barbara

A pretty but vain young woman who becomes a rival to Lucilla for Mr. Cavendish's attention.

Rose Lake

supporting

Also known as poor little Rose Lake, Rose, Rose Lake, little Rose Lake, little Rose, Little Rose, sulky little Rose

Barbara's younger sister, often overshadowed but eventually finds her own path.

Mrs. Chiley

supporting

Also known as old Mrs. Chiley, Dear Mrs. Chiley, dear Mrs. Chiley, kind old Mrs. Chiley, Poor Mrs. Chiley

A kind elderly neighbor and confidante to Lucilla, offering advice and gossip.

Mrs. Woodburn

supporting

Also known as young Mrs. Woodburn, Woodburn, the uncivil Barbara, poor Mrs. Woodburn

Barbara Lake after marriage, who becomes a discontented and sharp-tongued wife.

Mr. Ashburton

supporting

Also known as Ashburton, poor Mr. Ashburton, fellow Ashburton, XLIX Mr. Ashburton, Poor Mr. Ashburton

A serious and principled clergyman who becomes a potential match for Lucilla.

Mrs. Mortimer

minor

Also known as Poor Mrs. Mortimer, poor Mrs. Mortimer, Mortimer, dear Mrs. Mortimer

A widow and friend of the Marjoribanks family, often involved in local social affairs.

Archdeacon Beverley

minor

Also known as the Archdeacon, Mr. Archdeacon Beverley, Mr. Beverley, Archdeacon, The Archdeacon, Dear Mr. Beverley

A high-ranking churchman and influential figure in Carlingford society.

Aunt Jemima

minor

Also known as Dear Aunt Jemima, dear Aunt Jemima

Lucilla's aunt who visits and offers domestic advice and support.

Nancy

minor

Also known as the redoubtable Nancy

The Marjoribanks' formidable and loyal housekeeper.

Mrs. Marjoribanks

minor

Also known as poor Mrs. Marjoribanks, Mrs. John Marjoribanks, John, Mrs. John

Lucilla's deceased mother, often mentioned as a model of domestic virtue.

Mrs. Centum

minor

Also known as Mr. Centum, Dear Mrs. Centum, Mr. and Mrs. Centum, Centum, poor Mr. Centum

A wealthy and somewhat eccentric couple who host social gatherings.

Colonel Chiley

minor

Also known as old Colonel Chiley, Dear Colonel Chiley, the Colonel

Mrs. Chiley's husband, a retired military man of few words.

Mr. Lake

minor

Also known as little Mr. Lake, poor Mr. Lake

The father of Barbara and Rose, a struggling drawing master.

Miss Bury

minor

A spinster who keeps company with the Bury family and local gossips.

Mr. Bury

minor

A local gentleman, often seen in Carlingford social circles.

General Travers

minor

Also known as Travers, the General

A retired military officer and friend of the Marjoribanks family.

Lady Richmond

minor

Also known as Dear Lady Richmond

A titled lady who moves in the upper circles of Carlingford society.

Little Henry

minor

Also known as Harry, Hal

A young boy related to the Marjoribanks, often under Lucilla's care.

Papa

minor

Lucilla's affectionate term for her father, Dr. Marjoribanks.

Miss Brown

minor

Also known as the youngest Miss Brown, Brown

One of the Brown sisters, part of the local social scene.

Mr. Woodburn

minor

Also known as poor Mr. Woodburn, XX Mr. Woodburn, Woodburn

Barbara Lake's husband, a man of modest means and temper.

Dr. Rider

minor

Also known as young Dr. Rider, Rider

A young physician who assists Dr. Marjoribanks.

Old Mr. Chiltern

minor

Also known as Mr. Chiltern, poor old Mr. Chiltern, dear old Mr. Chiltern, Poor Mr. Chiltern, poor dear old Mr. Chiltern

An elderly gentleman who befriends Lucilla and her family.

Molly Brown

minor

Also known as Maria Brown, Maria

One of the Brown sisters, known for her lively personality.

Sir John Richmond

minor

Also known as young Richmond, Sir John, John

A young baronet and potential suitor in Carlingford society.

John Brown

minor

A local tradesman or servant, occasionally mentioned.

Mary Jane

minor

Also known as Jane

A maid or servant in the Marjoribanks household.

Mr. Holden

minor

Also known as electrified Mr. Holden

A minor character who appears in social gatherings.

Nelly

minor

Also known as Helen, Eleanor

A woman from Mr. Ashburton's past, causing romantic tension.

Edward

minor

Also known as poor Edward, Poor Edward

A young man briefly mentioned in relation to family affairs.

Charlie Centum

minor

Also known as Charles

The son of Mr. and Mrs. Centum, a young man about town.

Miss Lake

minor

Also known as that Miss Lake

Another reference to Barbara or Rose Lake, used formally.

Charles Beverley

minor

Also known as Charles

A relative of the Archdeacon, occasionally in Carlingford.

Mary Chiley

minor

Also known as Mary

A daughter of the Chiley family, friend of Lucilla.

Major Brown

minor

Also known as Dear Major Brown

A retired military man and father of the Brown sisters.

Mr. Kavan

minor

Also known as poor Mr. Kavan, Kavan, the Mr. Kavan

A minor character who appears in social contexts.

Old Mr. Tufton

minor

Also known as Mr. Tufton, Mr. Tufton of Salem Chapel

A clergyman from a neighboring chapel.

Lady Western

minor

A fashionable lady who visits Carlingford society.

Lydia Brown

minor

Also known as Lydia, Lydia 1

One of the Brown sisters, known for her quiet demeanor.

Mr. Wentworth

minor

Also known as Young Mr. Wentworth

A young clergyman briefly mentioned in the narrative.

Fanny Middleton

minor

Also known as Fanny

A young woman who appears in social gatherings.

Mrs. Beverley

minor

The wife of the Archdeacon, a quiet presence in society.

Oswald Brown

minor

Also known as poor little Oswald Brown

A young man with doubts about entering the church.

Mr. Tozer

minor

Also known as Tozer

A local tradesman or minor character.

Osmond Brown

minor

Also known as young Osmond Brown

Another of the Brown brothers, mentioned briefly.

Mr. Garrett

minor

A minor character in the social landscape.

Miss Hemmings

minor

Also known as Miss Jane Hemmings, Miss Jane

A spinster who participates in local gossip.

Betsy

minor

A servant in the Marjoribanks household.

Miss Martha Blount

minor

Also known as dear Miss Martha, Miss Martha

An elderly spinster friend of the family.

Mr. Vincent

minor

Also known as young Mr. Vincent

A young clergyman who appears briefly.

Susan

minor

A maid or minor female character.

Willie

minor

A young boy mentioned in passing.