Character guide

Rachel Ray

major

Also known as Rachel, Miss Ray, Miss Rachel, poor Rachel Ray, Dearest Rachel

Young woman at the center of the story, courted by Luke Rowan.

Luke Rowan

major

Also known as Mr. Rowan, Mr. Luke Rowan, Young Rowan, young Rowan, Rowan

Ambitious young brewer who falls in love with Rachel Ray.

Mrs. Ray

major

Also known as Mrs. Ray, poor Mrs. Ray

Rachel's widowed mother, protective and anxious about her daughter's future.

Mrs. Prime

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Prime, first Mrs. Prime, Dorothea Prime

Elder sister of Rachel, strict and religious, disapproves of Luke.

Mr. Tappitt

supporting

Also known as Tappitt, old Tappitt, Old Tappitt, the Tappitt

Brewery owner who opposes Luke Rowan's plans for the business.

Mrs. Tappitt

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Tappitt, Mrs. T.

Wife of Mr. Tappitt, social climber who hosts a ball.

Mr. Comfort

supporting

Also known as V Mr. Comfort, old Mr. Comfort, Mr. Comfort of Cawston

Local clergyman who advises the Ray family.

Butler Cornbury

supporting

Also known as young Butler Cornbury, Mrs. Butler Cornbury, Cornbury, young Cornbury, Butler

Local landowner and political figure involved in the election.

Mr. Prong

supporting

Also known as Mr. Samuel Prong, IX Mr. Prong

Dissenting minister who courts Mrs. Prime.

Dorothea Ray

supporting

Also known as Dorothea, Dolly

Younger sister of Rachel, cheerful and supportive.

Mrs. Rowan

minor

Also known as Rowan

Luke Rowan's mother, who visits Baslehurst.

Mrs. Sturt

minor

Also known as farmer Sturt, Sturt

Wife of Farmer Sturt, a friend to the Ray family.

Cherry Tappitt

minor

Also known as Cherry, the less ambitious Cherry, Poor Cherry

One of the Tappitt daughters, less ambitious than her sister.

Augusta Tappitt

minor

Also known as Augusta, regarded Augusta

Elder Tappitt daughter, hopes to marry Luke Rowan.

Dr. Harford

minor

Also known as old Dr. Harford, XVIII Dr. Harford

Local physician who treats Mrs. Ray.

Miss Pucker

minor

Also known as poor Miss Pucker

Spinster friend of Mrs. Prime, gossipy and judgmental.

Walter Cornbury

minor

Also known as Mr. Walter Cornbury, Walter, Master Walter, old Mr. Cornbury

Son of Butler Cornbury, a young gentleman.

Patty Comfort

minor

Also known as Patty, Martha, the discreet Martha, Martha the just, Martha Tappitt

Daughter of Mr. Comfort, marries into the Tappitt family.

Honyman

minor

Also known as Mr. Honyman, poor Honyman

Lawyer involved in the brewery dispute.

Mr. Hart

minor

Also known as Hart

Business associate of Mr. Tappitt.

Worts

minor

Clerk at the brewery.

Mr. Griggs

minor

Also known as the odious Mr. Griggs, Griggs, young Griggs, Sam Griggs, Adolphus Griggs

Unpleasant young man who courts Augusta Tappitt.

Sharpit

minor

Also known as Mr. Sharpit, that rascal Sharpit, Sharpit and Longfite

Lawyer involved in the brewery dispute.

Mary Rowan

minor

Also known as Mary, young Rowan

Sister of Luke Rowan.

Bragg

minor

Farmer who owns Bragg's End farm.

Mr. Goodall

minor

Also known as Goodall

Editor of the Baslehurst Gazette.

Bungall

minor

Also known as old Mrs. Bungall, Mrs. Bungall, the Bungall, old Bungall, Mr. Bungall, Messrs. Bungall

Local brewer and business rival.

Miss Harford

minor

Also known as old Miss Harford

Sister of Dr. Harford.

Mr. Prime

minor

Also known as poor Mr. Prime

Deceased first husband of Mrs. Prime.

Buckett

minor

Also known as Mr. Buckett

Lawyer involved in the brewery dispute.

Mrs. Rule

minor

Also known as old Mrs. Rule

Elderly woman who lives near the Rays.

Captain Gordon

minor

Military officer and acquaintance of the Cornburys.

Mrs. Fawcett

minor

Also known as Old Fawcett, Josceline Fawcett, the Fawcetts, the Miss Fawcetts

Local woman and mother of the Miss Fawcetts.

Mrs. Mudge

minor

Woman who keeps a lodging house in Exeter.

William Whitecoat

minor

Butcher in Baslehurst.