Character guide

Harry Ford

major

Also known as Harry, Ford, young Ford, Henry III

Son of Simon Ford, a young miner who becomes a central figure in the story.

Nell

major

Also known as XII Nell, bonny Nell, Ellen Douglas, dear Nell

A mysterious young woman raised in the caverns, later adopted by the Ford family.

James Starr

major

Also known as Mr. James Starr, Starr, Mr. Starr, the engineer James Starr, Mr. James

Engineer who returns to the Dochart pit and leads explorations of the cavern.

Jack Ryan

supporting

Also known as Jack, Ryan, bold Jack Ryan, friend Jack

A superstitious miner and friend of Harry Ford, often providing comic relief.

Simon Ford

supporting

Also known as Simon, old Simon, VI Simon Ford, Old Simon, Old Simon Ford

Harry's father, an old miner who discovers strange phenomena in the pit.

Madge

supporting

Also known as old Madge, Old Madge, good old Madge

Simon Ford's wife and Harry's mother, a kind and practical woman.

Silfax

supporting

Also known as old Silfax, Old Silfax

A reclusive old man living in the caverns, guardian of Nell and the Harfang.

Sir William Elphiston

minor

Also known as Sir William, Sir W. Elphiston

A local landowner and magistrate involved in the story's events.

Harfang

minor

Also known as The Harfang, the Harfang

A giant bird that lives in the cavern and is associated with Silfax.

Arthur

minor

A minor character mentioned in the narrative, possibly a servant or worker.