Character guide

Scythrop Glowry

major

Also known as Scythrop, cousin Scythrop, Mr. Scythrop, poor Scythrop, the mysterious Mr. Scythrop

Melancholy heir of Nightmare Abbey, torn between two loves and obsessed with reforming the world.

Mr. Glowry

major

Also known as the melancholy Mr. Glowry, the sympathetic Mr. Glowry, the moody Mr. Glowry

Scythrop's gloomy father, a widower who delights in tragedy and mismanages his estate.

Marionetta Celestina O'Carroll

major

Also known as Marionetta, Miss O'Carroll, divine Marionetta, the real Marionetta

Lively, flirtatious niece of Mr. Glowry, who captivates Scythrop with her charm.

Mr. Flosky

supporting

Also known as the sublime Mr. Flosky, Mr. Flosky Filling

A transcendental philosopher who spouts obscure metaphysics and mocks romantic idealism.

Mr. Toobad

supporting

Also known as Toobad, Mr. Toobad Filling

A Manichaean who believes the devil rules the world, father of Stella.

Honourable Mr. Listless

supporting

Also known as Mr. Listless, The Honourable Mr. Listless

A fashionable, indolent dandy who visits Nightmare Abbey for amusement.

Mr. Hilary

supporting

Also known as Hilary, Mr. Hilary Filling

Cheerful brother of Mr. Glowry, host of a rival house and voice of common sense.

Stella

supporting

Mysterious veiled woman who appears at the abbey, later revealed as Miss Toobad.

Raven

minor

Also known as Raven de butler

The lugubrious butler of Nightmare Abbey, fond of funereal pronouncements.

Mr. Asterias

minor

Also known as Mr. Asterias Filling

A scientific enthusiast obsessed with catching a mermaid.

Reverend Mr. Larynx

minor

Also known as Mr. Larynx, The Reverend Mr. Larynx

A clergyman who enjoys good food and company, often at Mr. Hilary's table.

Fatout

minor

Also known as Fatout Mermaid

Mr. Listless's French valet, who assists with his master's indolence.

Celinda Flosky

minor

Also known as Celinda

Mr. Flosky's neglected wife, briefly mentioned in the household.

Crow

minor

A servant at Nightmare Abbey, often delivering messages.

Diggory Deathshead

minor

Also known as Diggory, Deathshead

A grim servant of Mr. Glowry, named for his skull-like appearance.

Mr. Cypress

minor

Also known as Mr. Cypress Sir, Mr. Cypress Human

A Byronic poet who visits the abbey and spouts cynical verses.

Miss Toobad

minor

Daughter of Mr. Toobad, later revealed to be the mysterious Stella.

Aquarius

minor

A water-drinking guest at Mr. Hilary's party, mocked for his temperance.