Pointed Roofs · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Pointed Roofs by Dorothy M. Richardson.
Miriam
major
Also known as Pointed Roofs, Miriam Henderson
The protagonist and focal character, a young Englishwoman teaching in a German school.
Fräulein Pfaff
supporting
Also known as the Fräulein, Fräulein, tall Fräulein Pfaff
The stern headmistress of the German school where Miriam teaches.
Mademoiselle
supporting
Also known as silly little Mademoiselle, Little Mademoiselle
A French teacher at the school, often flustered and comic.
Minna Blum
supporting
Also known as Minna
A kind and gentle German pupil at the school.
Gertrude Goldring
supporting
Also known as Gertrude
An English pupil at the school, a friend of Miriam.
Eve
minor
Miriam's younger sister, who visits or is mentioned in letters.
Millie
minor
Another of Miriam's younger sisters.
Emma Bergmann
supporting
Also known as little Bergmann, Emma, German Emma
A German pupil, often called 'little Bergmann'.
Harriett
minor
Also known as Funny Harriett, old Harriett
Miriam's older sister, who writes to her.
Pastor Lahmann
minor
Also known as Lahmann
A local pastor who interacts with the school.
Ulrica Hesse
minor
Also known as Ulrica
A German pupil at the school.
Jimmie
minor
Also known as Jim, Gewiss Jimmie
Miriam's brother, mentioned in her thoughts and letters.
Clara Bergmann
minor
Also known as Clara
A German pupil, sister of Emma Bergmann.
Judy
minor
A friend or acquaintance of Miriam's from England.
Bertha Martin
minor
Also known as Bertha
A pupil at the school, part of the Martin family.
Elsa Speier
minor
Also known as Elsa
A German pupil at the school.
Solomon Martin
minor
Also known as Solomon
A pupil at the school, brother of Bertha.
Miss Henderson
minor
Also known as Henderson
A teacher at the school, possibly Miriam's predecessor.
Sarah
minor
Also known as Sally
A servant or maid in the Henderson household.
Pater
minor
Miriam's father, referred to in her thoughts.
Anna
minor
Also known as Poor Anna
A German pupil at the school.
Lily
minor
A young girl mentioned in passing.
Hendy
minor
A nickname for a family member or friend.
Herr Kapellmeister Bossenberger
minor
Also known as Herr Kapellmeister, Herr Bossenberger
A music teacher at the school.
Herr Schraub
minor
A teacher at the school.
Lilla Belton
minor
Also known as Lilla
A friend of Miriam's from England.
Mim
minor
Also known as Dearest Mim
A pet name for a family member, possibly Miriam's mother.
Frau Krause
minor
Also known as Frau
A housekeeper or cook at the school.
Miss Donne
minor
A teacher at the school.
Miss Richardson
minor
A teacher at the school.
Luther
minor
A historical figure referenced in conversation.
May
minor
Also known as Marie
A pupil or servant mentioned briefly.
Herr Winter
minor
A local man who interacts with the school.
Kreipe
minor
A German pupil at the school.
Harry
minor
Also known as old Harry, jolly old Harry
A family friend or relative mentioned by Miriam.
Ellen
minor
A servant or acquaintance mentioned in passing.
Mr. Brough
minor
A visitor or acquaintance of the school.
Hendchen
minor
Also known as Dear Hendchen
A German pupil, possibly a diminutive of a name.
Bella Lyndon
minor
Also known as Bella
A friend of Miriam's from England.
