Character guide

Mark Rutherford

major

Also known as Rutherford, Mr. Rutherford

The narrator and protagonist, a dissenting minister struggling with faith and society.

Theresa

supporting

A significant figure in Rutherford's emotional life, possibly a love interest.

Mr. Snale

supporting

Also known as a Mr. Snale, Snale

A deacon or church figure who causes tension for Rutherford.

Mary Bell

supporting

Also known as Bell, Mary

A young woman close to Ellen, part of Rutherford's circle.

Miss Arbour

supporting

Also known as V Miss Arbour

A kind and intellectual woman who befriends and advises Rutherford.

Ellen

supporting

Also known as VI Ellen

A central female character, possibly a romantic interest for Rutherford.

Miss Mardon

minor

Also known as Mardon

A member of the Mardon family, involved in Rutherford's social world.

Mrs. Lane

minor

A landlady or household figure in Rutherford's life.

Mr. Hexton

minor

A minister or authority figure who interacts with Rutherford.

Edward Gibbon Mardon

minor

Also known as Edward Gibbon, Mr. Edward Gibbon Mardon, Mardon

A friend or acquaintance of Rutherford, possibly a fellow dissenter.

Miss Wollaston

minor

Also known as Wollaston

A minor character in Rutherford's social circle.

Mr. Weeley

minor

A church or community figure who appears in the narrative.

Brother Holderness

minor

A fellow dissenter or church member known to Rutherford.

Reuben Shapcott

minor

A friend or colleague of Rutherford, possibly a publisher.

Mrs. Snale

minor

Wife of Mr. Snale, appears in domestic scenes.

The Misses Arbour

minor

Relatives of Miss Arbour, mentioned in passing.

Mr. Catfield

minor

A minor character in Rutherford's acquaintance.

Mr. Lane

minor

Husband of Mrs. Lane, appears briefly.

Mrs. Cook

minor

A minor household figure in the narrative.