Character guide

Elsie

major

Also known as Mrs. Arb, Mrs. Earlforward Elsie, Darling Elsie

A devoted servant and later wife of Henry Earlforward, central to the household.

Henry Earlforward

major

Also known as Mr. Earlforward, Henry, Harry, the Earlforward

A miserly bookseller whose obsession with saving money drives the plot.

Violet Earlforward

major

Also known as Violet, Vi, Mrs. Violet Earlforward

Henry's sister, a strong-willed woman who challenges his miserly ways.

Joe

supporting

Also known as Joey, darling Joe

Elsie's former lover, a soldier who returns and disrupts her life.

Dr. Raste

supporting

Also known as Raste, poor Dr. Raste

The local doctor who treats the Earlforwards and Elsie.

Jerry Perkins

supporting

Also known as Jerry

A neighbor and friend who assists Elsie and the Earlforwards.

Mr. Bauersch

minor

Also known as the great Bauersch, the absorbed Mr. Bauersch

A wealthy customer and acquaintance of Henry Earlforward.

Mr. Belrose

minor

Also known as Little Mr. Belrose, Belrose

A local shopkeeper and friend of the Earlforwards.

Mrs. Belrose

minor

Also known as Nevertheless Mrs. Belrose

Wife of Mr. Belrose, a minor character in the neighborhood.

Reverend Augustus Earlforward

minor

Also known as Augustus, the Reverend Augustus

Henry's brother, a clergyman who appears briefly.

Miss Raste

minor

Dr. Raste's sister, who helps care for the sick.

Mr. Arb

minor

Also known as the late Mr. Arb

Elsie's deceased first husband, mentioned but not present.

T. T. Riceyman

minor

Also known as Riceyman, Old fat Riceyman

A wealthy businessman and former employer of Henry.

Charles Garvice

minor

Also known as Charlie, Charles

A friend of Joe's, briefly mentioned.

Mrs. Perkins

minor

Jerry Perkins's mother, a minor character.

Jack

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant or neighbor.