Character guide

Cosmo Latham

major

Also known as Cosmo, Mr. Cosmo, Mr. Latham, Latham, Mr. Cosmo Latham, young Latham

The protagonist, a young Englishman drawn into Napoleonic-era intrigue and romance.

Madame de Montevesso

major

Also known as Montevesso, Madame

A mysterious and alluring woman at the center of the plot, connected to Cosmo's fate.

Count de Montevesso

major

Also known as Count Helion, Helion, the Count, M. de Montevesso, Monsieur de Montevesso, Helion de Montevesso

A powerful and enigmatic nobleman whose past and schemes entangle the other characters.

Sir Charles Latham

supporting

Also known as Sir Charles Latham of Latham Hall, le chevalier Latham, Charles Latham, the Sir Charles

Cosmo's father, a baronet concerned with family honor and legacy.

Attilio

supporting

Also known as the astute Attilio

A shrewd and loyal servant or confidant who aids the main characters.

Signor Cantelucci

supporting

Also known as Cantelucci, the motionless Cantelucci, the infuriated Cantelucci

An innkeeper or local figure who provides information and shelter.

Bernard

supporting

Also known as Mr. Bernard, the faithful Bernard, the sleek Bernard

A devoted servant, likely to Cosmo or the Latham family.

Spire

supporting

Also known as the imperturbable Spire

A calm, observant figure, possibly a servant or companion with hidden knowledge.

The Doctor

supporting

Also known as Doctor Martel, Martel

A physician who tends to characters and may be involved in the intrigue.

Aglae

supporting

Also known as Miss Aglae

A young woman connected to the Montevesso household, possibly a companion or relative.

Father Paul

supporting

Also known as Father, Father Paul Carpi, Father Carpi, the priest

A priest who offers counsel and may be involved in the characters' moral dilemmas.

Countess de Montevesso

supporting

Also known as the Countess Montevesso, Countess of Montevesso, Madame la Comtesse

The Count's wife or mother, a figure of social standing and influence.

Clelia

supporting

Also known as Signorina Clelia

A young Italian woman, possibly a love interest or key to local secrets.

Adèle

supporting

Also known as Adèle d’Armand, Miss Adèle, Mlle . Adèle, little Adèle, Adèle de Montevesso

A young woman with ties to both the Latham and Montevesso circles.

Checca

minor

Also known as This Checca

A local woman, possibly a servant or villager, who interacts with the main cast.

Henrietta Latham

minor

Also known as Henrietta

A member of the Latham family, possibly Cosmo's sister or relative.

Lady Latham

minor

Also known as a rubicund Latham

Cosmo's mother or a senior female Latham, concerned with family matters.

Lady William Bentick

minor

Also known as Lady William

A titled lady who appears in social scenes, possibly connected to the English community.

Barbone

minor

Also known as That scoundrel Barbone, That wretch Barbone

A villainous or disreputable character who causes trouble.

Napoleon

minor

Also known as Bonaparte, Napoleon Emperor

The Emperor of the French, referenced as a historical figure influencing events.

Miss Latham

minor

An unmarried Latham woman, possibly a sister or cousin of Cosmo.

Signore

minor

A generic Italian gentleman, possibly a local authority or host.

Monsieur le Marquis

minor

Also known as the Marquis, M. le Marquis

A French nobleman who appears in the social milieu.

Monsieur Montrond

minor

Also known as Montrond

A Frenchman, possibly a diplomat or acquaintance of the Montevessos.

Old Bubna

minor

Also known as Bubna, Count Bubna, General Count Bubna

An older military or noble figure, possibly Austrian or Russian.

Mr. Wycherley

minor

An English gentleman, possibly a friend or acquaintance of the Lathams.

Lady Jane

minor

A titled woman in the social circle, possibly English.

Prince Talleyrand

minor

Also known as Prince, Talleyrand, The Prince

The French diplomat, referenced as a historical figure in the political background.

Molly Aston

minor

Also known as Miss Aston, Miss Molly Aston, Maria

A young woman, possibly a friend or acquaintance of the Latham family.

Lord Nelson

minor

The British admiral, referenced as a historical figure.

Pozzo di Borgo

minor

Also known as Pozzo

A Corsican diplomat, referenced in the political context.

Cecchina

minor

A local Italian woman, possibly a servant or villager.

Pietro

minor

An Italian man, possibly a servant or local contact.

Abbé

minor

A French cleric, possibly a tutor or chaplain.

Monseigneur

minor

A high-ranking church or noble title, referenced in passing.