Character guide

Reginald May

major

Also known as Mr. May, dear Reginald, Reggie, young May

A clever young clergyman and scholar, central to the plot.

Phoebe Tozer

major

Also known as Miss Phoebe Tozer, Phoebe junior, old Tozer

The determined and clever heroine, daughter of a wealthy tradesman.

Ursula May

major

Also known as little Ursula, Miss Ursula, sweet kind Ursula

Reginald's gentle and pious sister, a key figure in the parsonage.

Clarence Copperhead

major

Also known as Mr. Copperhead, young Mr. Copperhead, graceful Clarence

A wealthy and self-absorbed young man, a rival for Phoebe's affections.

Phoebe Beecham

supporting

Also known as young Mrs. Beecham, Mrs. Phoebe, Poor Phoebe

A former friend of Phoebe Tozer, now married and struggling.

Janey

supporting

Also known as bold Janey, Miss Janey, poor Janey

A lively and outspoken young woman in the Tozer circle.

Mr. Northcote

supporting

Also known as young Northcote, this Mr. Northcote

A reserved and scholarly clergyman, a friend of Reginald May.

Cotsdean

supporting

Also known as Poor Cotsdean, Mr. Cotsdean

A struggling clerk who becomes entangled in financial troubles.

Mrs. Tom Tozer

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Tom, old Mrs. Tozer, Tom Tozer

Phoebe's mother, a practical and ambitious woman.

Mrs. Sam Hurst

minor

Also known as Mrs. Hurst

A gossipy and meddling acquaintance of the Tozer family.

Mrs. Copperhead

supporting

Also known as the first Mrs. Copperhead, anxious Mrs. Copperhead, poor little tremulous Mrs. Copperhead

Clarence's timid and anxious mother.

Sir Robert Dorset

supporting

Also known as Sir Robert, Poor Sir Robert, Robert

A baronet and gentleman farmer, father of the Dorset sisters.

Cousin Anne

minor

Also known as Anne, the gentle Anne, dear kind Anne

A kind and gentle cousin of the May family.

Cousin Sophy

minor

Also known as Sophy

A cousin of the May family, more worldly than Anne.

Miss Beecham

minor

Also known as Beecham

An elderly relative of the Beecham family.

Sophy Dorset

minor

Also known as Even Sophy Dorset

One of the Dorset sisters, known for her pride.

Horace Northcote

minor

Also known as young Northcote

A pompous and self-important young clergyman.

Old Mr. Tozer

supporting

Also known as Old Tozer, Mr. Tozer, Notwithstanding Tozer

Phoebe's grandfather, a wealthy and opinionated tradesman.

Betsy

minor

Also known as Betty

A servant in the May household.

Reverend Mr. Beecham

minor

Also known as Mr. Beecham

A clergyman, husband of young Mrs. Beecham.

Anne Dorset

minor

Also known as mild Anne Dorset

The mildest of the Dorset sisters.

Johnnie

minor

A young boy, possibly a servant or relative.

Samuel Tozer

minor

Also known as Sam Tozer, Sam

A member of the Tozer family, possibly Phoebe's brother.

James

minor

A servant or minor character in the story.

Amy

minor

Also known as little Amy, Amelia, little Amy May

A young girl, possibly a May family member.

Miss May

minor

Also known as Polly

An older unmarried daughter of the May family.

Little Robin

minor

Also known as Robin, Little Bobby, Bobby

A small child in the story.

Jane

minor

A servant or minor female character.

Joe

minor

Also known as Mrs. Joe

A minor character, possibly a servant.

George

minor

A minor male character.

Henery

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant.

Mr. Simpson

minor

Also known as Simpson

A minor acquaintance.

Clara

minor

Also known as Poor Clara

A briefly mentioned unfortunate woman.

Lady Weston

minor

A local aristocrat mentioned in society.

Sally

minor

Also known as Sarah

A servant or minor female character.

Mrs. Pigeon

minor

A minor character, possibly a housekeeper.

Maria Pigeon

minor

Also known as Pigeon, Minnie

A young woman, possibly a servant.

Holden

minor

Also known as Mr. Holden

A minor character, possibly a tradesman.

Mrs. Brown

minor

Also known as Brown

A minor character, possibly a neighbor.

Christie

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant.

Miss Griffiths

minor

Also known as the Miss Griffiths

Wealthy sisters living in Grange Lane.

Martha

minor

A servant in the story.

Wilson

minor

Also known as Italian Wilson, The Wilson

A servant, possibly a footman.

Tom

minor

Also known as Uncle Tom

A minor male relative.

Mrs. May

minor

The mother of the May family, deceased before the story.