Character guide

Charles Dexter Ward

major

Also known as Charles Ward, Ward, young Charles Ward, young Ward, Charles

A young antiquarian whose genealogical research leads him into dark ancestral secrets.

Dr. Marinus Bicknell Willett

major

Also known as Dr. Willett, Willett, Marinus Bicknell Willett, Simon Orne

The Ward family physician who investigates Charles's strange behavior and uncovers the truth.

Theodore Ward

supporting

Also known as Mr. Ward, the senior Ward, the elder Ward, Dear Theodore

Charles's father, a wealthy banker who becomes increasingly alarmed by his son's activities.

Joseph Curwen

major

Also known as Curwen, Joseph, Jos. Curwen, old Joseph Curwen

Charles's sinister ancestor, a 17th-century alchemist and sorcerer who sought immortality.

Dr. Allen

supporting

Also known as Allen, the bearded and spectacled Dr. Allen, the absent Dr. Allen

A mysterious physician who assists Charles in his occult experiments and later disappears.

Ezra Weeden

supporting

Also known as young Ezra Weeden, Weeden

A young man from Pawtuxet who helps Dr. Willett with his investigations.

Mrs. Ward

minor

Also known as Ward

Charles's mother, who suffers from the strain of her son's mysterious transformation.

Captain Abraham Whipple

minor

Also known as Captain Whipple, robust old Captain Whipple, poor old Whipple

An old sea captain who provides information about Curwen's past activities.

Eleazar Smith

minor

Also known as Smith, the Smith

A former associate of Joseph Curwen who left behind revealing documents.

Luke Fenner

minor

Also known as Fenner, Luke, the Fenner

A local man who witnessed strange events at Curwen's farm.

Robert Hart

minor

Also known as Hart

A sailor who reported seeing Curwen's ship engaged in suspicious activities.

John Merritt

minor

Also known as Mr. Merritt, Merritt, good Mr. Merritt

A merchant who had dealings with Joseph Curwen in the 18th century.

Captain James Mathewson

minor

Also known as Captain Mathewson

Captain of the Enterprise who vouched for a witness against Curwen.

Edward Hutchinson

minor

Also known as Hutchinson, Mr. Hutchinson

A Salem man who was involved with Simon Orne and Joseph Curwen.

Simon Orne

minor

Also known as Orne, Simon O., Simon O.—Simon Orne

A Salem sorcerer and associate of Joseph Curwen who vanished in 1771.

Ann Tillinghast

minor

Also known as Ann, Tillinghast, Ann Tillinghast Potter, Hannah

An old servant who remembers strange occurrences at the Curwen farm.

Captain Dutie Tillinghast

minor

Also known as Dutie Tillinghast, Captain Tillinghast

A sea captain who transported mysterious cargo for Joseph Curwen.

Dr. Jabez Bowen

minor

Also known as old Dr. Jabez Bowen, Dr. Bowen

An 18th-century physician who treated Curwen's victims.

Eliza Curwen

minor

Also known as Mrs. Eliza, Mrs. Eliza Curwen, Eliza

Joseph Curwen's wife, who lived in fear of her husband.

Eliza Tillinghast

minor

Also known as Miss Eliza Tillinghast

A relative of the Tillinghast family who knew of Curwen's deeds.

Dr. Waite

minor

Also known as Waite

A physician consulted about Charles's deteriorating mental state.

Dr. Lyman

minor

Also known as Lyman

A doctor who examined Charles during his confinement.

John Carter

minor

Also known as John

A historical figure mentioned in Curwen's correspondence.

President Manning

minor

President of Rhode Island College who knew of Curwen's activities.

Old Asa

minor

Also known as old Asa

An elderly local who recalled stories about Joseph Curwen.

Barnabas

minor

A servant or associate of Joseph Curwen mentioned in records.

Borellus

minor

An alchemist whose works were studied by Joseph Curwen.

Moses Brown

minor

Also known as Moses

A prominent Rhode Island merchant who opposed Curwen's activities.

Captain Eseh Hopkins

minor

Also known as Captain Hopkins

A sea captain who transported goods for Joseph Curwen.

Epenetus Olney

minor

A local resident who witnessed strange events at Curwen's farm.