Character guide

Charity Royall

major

Also known as Charity, lawyer Royall, Miss Royall, Dear Charity, Miss Charity Royall

A young woman raised by Lawyer Royall, torn between duty and desire in a small New England town.

Lucius Harney

major

Also known as young Harney, young Lucius Harney, Harney, Mr. Harney, Young Harney

An architect from the city who becomes the object of Charity's romantic fascination.

Lawyer Royall

major

Also known as Mr. Royall, lawyer Royall

Charity's guardian, a stern and respected lawyer with a hidden past.

Ally Hawes

supporting

Also known as Ally, the Hawes, Poor Ally, the tenderhearted Ally, Miss Ally Hawes, the faithful Ally

Charity's kind and loyal friend who works as a seamstress.

Old Miss Hatchard

supporting

Also known as Miss Hatchard

An elderly spinster and local benefactor who sponsors the library.

Mr. Miles

supporting

Also known as Miles

The local minister who provides moral guidance to the community.

Liff Hyatt

supporting

Also known as Hyatt, Liff

A rough young man from the mountain settlement, part of the Hyatt clan.

Dr. Merkle

supporting

A doctor in a nearby town who treats Charity during a crisis.

Julia Hawes

supporting

Also known as Julia, the shunned Julia, Julia Hawes

Ally's disgraced sister who left town under scandalous circumstances.

Old Verena Marsh

minor

Also known as Verena Marsh, Verena, old Verena

An elderly woman from the mountain who knows Charity's origins.

Annabel Balch

supporting

Also known as Annabel, Miss Balch

A wealthy young woman from the city who represents the life Charity cannot have.

Orma Fry

minor

Also known as Orma, Miss Orma Fry

A local girl who works at the post office and gossips with others.

Mrs. Royall

minor

Lawyer Royall's deceased wife, mentioned in passing as part of his past.

Old Mrs. Hobart

minor

Also known as Mrs. Hobart

A local widow who takes in boarders and knows everyone's business.

Honorius Hatchard

minor

Also known as Honorius

Miss Hatchard's deceased brother, a former judge mentioned in town history.

Carrick Fry

minor

A local man who helps with town business and is Orma's relative.

Dan Targatt

minor

Also known as Dan, old Dan

An old mountain man who occasionally appears in town.

Ben Fry

minor

Also known as Ben

A local youth who works as a stable hand.

Eudora Skeff

minor

Also known as poor Eudora Skeff, Eudora

A woman from the mountain with a tragic story, known to Charity.

Mary Hyatt

minor

Also known as Mary

A member of the Hyatt family, possibly related to Liff.

Bash Hyatt

minor

Also known as Bash

Another Hyatt clan member, known for his rough demeanor.