Character guide

The Narrator

major

Also known as I, me, myself

A writer who visits Dunnet Landing and becomes the observer of the community.

Mrs. Almira Todd

major

Also known as Mrs. Todd, Almira Todd, Almiry Todd, Almiry, Mis' Todd

A wise herbalist and the narrator's landlady, central to the community.

Mrs. Blackett

supporting

Also known as old Mrs. Blackett, dear Mrs. Blackett, Mis' Blackett

Mrs. Todd's elderly, gentle mother living on Green Island.

William Blackett

supporting

Also known as brother William, William

Mrs. Todd's shy, kind brother who lives with their mother.

Mrs. Fosdick

supporting

Also known as Susan Fosdick, Susan

An old friend of Mrs. Todd who visits and shares stories.

Joanna Todd

supporting

Also known as Poor Joanna, Joanna, Miss Joanna Todd

A recluse who lived alone on Shell Heap Island after a disappointment.

Captain Littlepage

supporting

Also known as Cap'n Littlepage, V Captain Littlepage

An elderly sea captain with strange tales of a ghostly Arctic town.

Elijah Tilley

supporting

Also known as Mr. Tilley, Elijah, old Elijah, Lijah

An elderly fisherman who mourns his late wife and keeps a tidy home.

Nathan Todd

minor

Also known as Poor Nathan, Nathan

Joanna's former lover who left her, leading to her isolation.

Captain Bowden

minor

Also known as Bowden

A relative and leader of the Bowden family reunion.

Johnny Bowden

minor

Also known as Johnny

A young boy who helps the narrator with errands.

Mrs. Begg

minor

Also known as Poor Mrs. Begg

A poor old woman in the community, often mentioned in passing.

Sant Bowden

minor

Also known as Sant

A Bowden relative who plays the fiddle at the reunion.

Mrs. Caplin

minor

Also known as Sister Caplin

A local woman and acquaintance of Mrs. Todd.

Old Gaffett

minor

Also known as Gaffett

A mysterious sailor Captain Littlepage met in his travels.

Reverend Mr. Dimmick

minor

Also known as Mr. Dimmick

A minister who visited Joanna on Shell Heap Island.

Louisa

minor

Also known as little Louisa, Little Louisa

A young girl who appears briefly in the schoolhouse scene.

Mari' Harris

minor

Also known as Mari

A local woman mentioned in community gossip.

Sam Begg

minor

Also known as Sam, the Begg

A member of the Begg family, briefly mentioned.

Asa

minor

A deceased former resident mentioned in stories.

Old Dr. Bennett

minor

An elderly doctor mentioned in passing.

Monroe Pennell

minor

Also known as Monroe

A name from the past, briefly referenced.