Character guide

Joe Gilligan

major

Also known as Gilligan, Private Gilligan, Joseph

A soldier returning from war, central to the story's homecoming themes.

Cecily Saunders

major

Also known as Miss Saunders, Cecily, Miss Cecily Saunders

A young woman entangled in romantic and social tensions.

George Farr

major

Also known as XV George Farr, Mr. George Farr

A key figure navigating post-war life and relationships.

Margaret Powers

major

Also known as Mrs. Powers, Margaret, Margaret Mahon-Powers

A strong-willed woman involved with the returning soldiers.

Emmy

supporting

Also known as Miss Emmy, II Emmy

A young woman with a quiet but significant presence.

Donald Mahon

major

Also known as Mahon, young Mahon, poor young Mahon

A wounded soldier whose return affects many lives.

Januarius Jones

supporting

Also known as Jones, Mr. Jones, X Januarius Jones

A mysterious and observant character with a sharp wit.

Mr. Saunders

supporting

Also known as V Mr. Saunders

Cecily's father, a figure of authority and tradition.

Young Robert Saunders

minor

Also known as Robert, young Robert Saunders, Robert Saunders

A younger member of the Saunders family.

Mrs. Saunders

minor

Cecily's mother, a matriarchal presence.

Uncle Joe

minor

Also known as dear Uncle Joe

An older relative offering guidance and humor.

Dick

minor

Also known as Dear dead Dick, ugly Dick

A deceased soldier remembered by others.

Madden

minor

Also known as Mr. Madden, Sergeant Madden

A sergeant with a no-nonsense attitude.

Captain Green

minor

Also known as Green, that Green

A military officer with a brief role.

Tobe

minor

A servant or local figure in the community.

Mrs. Mahon

supporting

Also known as the new Mrs. Mahon, Mahon

Donald Mahon's mother, grieving and protective.

Sis

minor

A young girl or sister figure in the narrative.

Mr. Rivers

minor

A minor character with limited appearances.

Mrs. Burney

minor

Also known as IV Mrs. Burney

A local woman in the social circle.

Dewey

minor

A character mentioned in passing.

Doctor Gary

minor

Also known as VII Doctor Gary, Dr. Gary

A physician attending to characters.

Dr. Mahon

minor

Also known as Mahon, Even Mahon

A doctor and possibly relative of Donald.

Mrs. Worthington

minor

A minor social figure.

Margaret

minor

Also known as Margaret Dearest

A woman addressed affectionately, possibly Margaret Powers.

Julian Lowe

supporting

Also known as Lowe, Cadet Lowe, Cadet

A young cadet with aspirations.

Schluss

minor

A character with a brief appearance.

Henry

minor

Also known as Hank White, Hank, poor Hank

A soldier or local with a troubled past.

Loot

minor

Also known as the Loot

A slang term for a lieutenant, used as a name.

Mr. Dough

minor

Also known as Dough

A minor character with a suggestive name.

Rufus

minor

Also known as Rufe

A local man with a small role.

James Dough

minor

Possibly related to Mr. Dough.

Lee

minor

Also known as Mr. Lee

A character mentioned briefly.

Bob

minor

Also known as Bobby

A minor character, possibly a child.

Loosh

minor

A servant or laborer.

Alice

minor

A woman mentioned in dialogue.

Callie Nelson

minor

Also known as Nelson, Aunt Callie Nelson, Aunt Callie

An aunt figure in the community.

Claude

minor

A briefly mentioned character.

Smith

minor

Also known as Mr. Smith

A generic name used for a minor role.

Achilles

minor

A classical allusion used as a nickname.

Ace

minor

A pilot or skilled individual.

Sherman

minor

A historical name dropped in context.

Doctor Baird

minor

Also known as Doctor

A physician with a minor role.

Minnie

minor

Also known as Miss Minnie, May

A woman mentioned in social contexts.

Oswald

minor

A briefly named character.

Mr. Mahon

minor

Also known as Young Mr. Mahon

A male member of the Mahon family.

Aelia

minor

A classical reference used as a name.

Mr. Burney

minor

Husband of Mrs. Burney.

Mrs. Wardle

minor

A minor social figure.