Character guide

Theron Ware

major

Also known as The Rev. Theron Ware, the Rev. Mr. Ware, Mr. Ware, the Reverend Theron Ware, young Mr. Ware

A young Methodist minister whose faith and morals unravel after moving to Octavius.

Celia Madden

major

Also known as the Lady Celia, Miss Madden, the interesting Miss Madden

A wealthy, free-spirited Irish-American woman who captivates Theron Ware.

Alice Ware

supporting

Also known as the hospitable Alice, Mrs. Ware, young Mrs. Ware

Theron's devoted but increasingly neglected wife.

Sister Soulsby

major

Also known as Soulsby, Mrs. Soulsby

A shrewd, worldly revivalist who manipulates church finances and Theron.

Father Forbes

supporting

Also known as the priest, the Rev. Mr. Forbes

A sophisticated Catholic priest who introduces Theron to intellectual doubt.

Dr. Ledsmar

supporting

Also known as the doctor, That bear of a doctor

A reclusive, cynical doctor and amateur scientist who befriends Theron.

Levi Gorringe

supporting

Also known as Mr. Gorringe, Brother Gorringe

A church trustee secretly in love with Alice Ware.

Brother Soulsby

supporting

Also known as Soulsby

Sister Soulsby's husband and partner in revivalist schemes.

Jeremiah Madden

supporting

Also known as Jerry Madden, old Jeremiah, Mr. Madden

Celia's father, a wealthy Irish immigrant and church benefactor.

Michael Madden

minor

Also known as Mr. Michael Madden

Celia's older brother, a stern Catholic traditionalist.

Erastus Winch

minor

Also known as Winch, Brother Winch, Trustee Winch

A blunt, conservative church trustee.

Brother Pierce

minor

Also known as Loren Pierce, old Pierce, Mr. Pierce

A stern, influential church trustee.

Tisdale

minor

Also known as the calamitous Tisdale, This Brother Tisdale

A hapless local preacher who causes trouble for Theron.

Harvey Semple

minor

Also known as Harvey

A fellow minister and friend of Theron from earlier days.

Abram Beekman

minor

Also known as Abraham

A local businessman and church figure in Octavius.

Mrs. MacEvoy

minor

Also known as MacEvoy, Ann MacEvoy

An Irish parishioner who dies in poverty, affecting Theron.

Thurston

minor

A minor character mentioned in the Octavius church community.

The Presiding Elder

minor

Also known as The Elder

A senior Methodist official who oversees Theron's district.

Candace

minor

A servant or minor figure in the Madden household.

Miss Foley

minor

Also known as a Miss Foley

A young woman briefly mentioned in social contexts.

Maggie Quirk

minor

Also known as old Maggie

An elderly Irish woman in the community.

Sister Barnum

minor

A minor member of the church congregation.

Theodore

minor

A minor character referenced in the narrative.

Rev. E. Ray Mifflin

minor

Also known as Mifflin

A visiting minister mentioned briefly.