# Riceyman Steps — Character guide

> Key figures in Riceyman Steps by Arnold Bennett.

- [Elsie](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/riceyman_steps_se/characters/elsie.md): A devoted servant and later wife of Henry Earlforward, central to the household.
- [Henry Earlforward](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/riceyman_steps_se/characters/henry_earlforward.md): A miserly bookseller whose obsession with saving money drives the plot.
- [Violet Earlforward](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/riceyman_steps_se/characters/violet_earlforward.md): Henry's sister, a strong-willed woman who challenges his miserly ways.
- [Joe](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/riceyman_steps_se/characters/joe.md): Elsie's former lover, a soldier who returns and disrupts her life.
- [Dr. Raste](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/riceyman_steps_se/characters/dr_raste.md): The local doctor who treats the Earlforwards and Elsie.
- [Jerry Perkins](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/riceyman_steps_se/characters/jerry_perkins.md): A neighbor and friend who assists Elsie and the Earlforwards.
- [Mr. Bauersch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/riceyman_steps_se/characters/mr_bauersch.md): A wealthy customer and acquaintance of Henry Earlforward.
- [Mr. Belrose](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/riceyman_steps_se/characters/mr_belrose.md): A local shopkeeper and friend of the Earlforwards.
- [Mrs. Belrose](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/riceyman_steps_se/characters/mrs_belrose.md): Wife of Mr. Belrose, a minor character in the neighborhood.
- [Reverend Augustus Earlforward](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/riceyman_steps_se/characters/reverend_augustus_earlforward.md): Henry's brother, a clergyman who appears briefly.
- [Miss Raste](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/riceyman_steps_se/characters/miss_raste.md): Dr. Raste's sister, who helps care for the sick.
- [Mr. Arb](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/riceyman_steps_se/characters/mr_arb.md): Elsie's deceased first husband, mentioned but not present.
- [T. T. Riceyman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/riceyman_steps_se/characters/t_t_riceyman.md): A wealthy businessman and former employer of Henry.
- [Mrs. Perkins](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/riceyman_steps_se/characters/mrs_perkins.md): Jerry Perkins's mother, a minor character.
- [Jack](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/riceyman_steps_se/characters/jack.md): A minor character, possibly a servant or neighbor.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/riceyman_steps_se/characters