Character guide

Roger Mifflin

major

Also known as Mr. Mifflin, Mr. Roger Mifflin, Mifflin

The eccentric owner of Parnassus, a traveling book wagon, who sells it to Helen McGill.

Helen McGill

major

Also known as Miss Helen McGill, Miss McGill

A middle-aged woman who buys the book wagon and embarks on an unexpected adventure.

Andrew McGill

supporting

Also known as Andrew, Dear Andrew

Helen's brother, a farmer and writer who disapproves of her journey.

Bock

supporting

Also known as Bock the terrier

Roger Mifflin's loyal terrier who accompanies the book wagon.

Peg

supporting

The horse that pulls the Parnassus book wagon.

Mrs. McNally

minor

A farm woman who provides lodging and meals to Helen during her travels.

Mrs. Mason

minor

Also known as Mason

A local woman who interacts with Helen and the book wagon.

Mr. Mason

minor

Husband of Mrs. Mason, a farmer encountered on the road.

The Perfessor

minor

Also known as Perfessor

A traveling lecturer and friend of Mifflin who appears briefly.

The Sage

minor

Also known as Sage

A wise old man who offers philosophical commentary.

Mrs. Pratt

minor

Also known as Ben, Mrs. Ben Pratt, Pratt

A farm wife who buys books from the wagon.

Mr. Shirley

minor

A local man who helps Helen with the wagon.

Dick

minor

A young boy who shows interest in the book wagon.

Redbeard

minor

Also known as little Redbeard, the valiant Redbeard

A character from a book within the story, referenced as a heroic figure.

Mr. Pratt

minor

Also known as Pratt

A farmer and husband of Mrs. Pratt.

Pegasus

minor

The mythical winged horse, referenced as a symbol of the book wagon.

Mrs. Roger Mifflin

minor

Also known as Mrs. Mifflin

Roger Mifflin's wife, mentioned but not appearing on page.

Farmer Pratt

minor

Another farmer named Pratt, possibly distinct from Mr. Pratt.

Mr. McGill

minor

Also known as Dear Mr. McGill

Andrew McGill, addressed formally in letters.

Mrs. Hominy

minor

A woman who briefly interacts with the book wagon.

Henry James

minor

Also known as Henry, James

The author, mentioned as a literary reference.

Emma Mason

minor

Also known as Emma

Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mason.

Thoreau

minor

Henry David Thoreau, referenced as a literary figure.

Reverend Kane

minor

A clergyman who appears in a scene with the book wagon.

Mrs. Collins

minor

A woman who buys a book from Helen.

Sam Mason

minor

Also known as Sam, Mason

Son of Mr. and Mrs. Mason.

Beulah Pratt

minor

Daughter of the Pratts, mentioned briefly.

Hayseed

minor

A nickname for a rustic character.

Abe Lincoln

minor

Also known as Abe

Abraham Lincoln, referenced as a historical figure.

Splitlip Sam

minor

A local character with a distinctive appearance.

Philip

minor

Also known as Uncle Philip

An uncle mentioned in passing.

Charles Lamb

minor

Also known as Lamb

The essayist, referenced as a literary figure.

George Eliot

minor

Also known as George Borrow

The novelist, referenced as a literary figure.