Character guide

Louis Dubedat

major

Also known as Mr. Dubedat, Louis, Mr. Louis Dubedat, Dubedat, Louis Impatiently, Louis Startled, Louis Surprised, Louis Coolly, Louis Patiently, Louis Minnie, Louis Minnie Tinwell, Louis Jennifer

A talented but morally dubious young artist who becomes the center of the doctors' ethical dilemma.

Sir Colenso Ridgeon

major

Also known as Sir Colenso, Ridgeon, Ridgeon Indeed, Ridgeon Shaking, Ridgeon Proceeding, Ridgeon Quivering, Ridgeon Thunderstruck, old Colly Ridgeon, Colly, Ridgeon Exasperated, Ridgeon No, Ridgeon Good Lord, Ridgeon Continuing, Ridgeon Furious, Ridgeon About Dubedat, Ridgeon B.B., Ridgeon Phagocytes, Ridgeon Death, Ridgeon Chut, Ridgeon Jane Marsh

A newly knighted physician who has discovered a cure for tuberculosis and must choose which patient to save.

Sir Patrick Cullen

major

Also known as Old Sir Patrick Cullen, old Paddy Cullen, Sir Patrick, Sir Patrick Gammon, Patrick, Paddy, Sir Patrick Grunts, Sir Patrick Tuberculosis, Sir Patrick Jane, Sir Patrick Blarney, Sir Patrick Bernard Shaw, Redpenny Old Paddy Cullen

An elderly, cynical senior physician who serves as a moral counterpoint to the younger doctors.

Jennifer Dubedat

major

Also known as Mrs. Dubedat, Mrs. Dubedat Doctor, Mrs. Dubedat Chosen, Mrs. Dubedat Rising, Mrs. Dubedat Embarrassed, the lawful Mrs. Dubedat, Mrs. Dubedat Sir Ralph, Mrs. Dubedat Tortured, Mrs. Dubedat Surprised, Mrs. Dubedat Heartbroken, Jennifer Unshaken, Jennifer Wounded, Jennifer, Mrs. Dudebat

Louis Dubedat's devoted wife who fiercely defends her husband's artistic genius and character.

Cutler Walpole

supporting

Also known as Mr. Cutler Walpole, Mr. Walpole, Walpole, Cutler, Cutler Walpole, Walpole Swiftly, Walpole Sinking, Walpole Rising, Walpole Hallo, Walpole Whew, Walpole Rot, Walpole Ten, Walpole Well

A fashionable surgeon who believes most diseases are caused by a 'nuciform sac' and advocates surgery.

Sir Ralph Bloomfield Bonington

supporting

Also known as Sir Ralph, Bloomfield Bonington, simple Ralph, B.B. B.B., B.B. Sir Ralph, B.B. Altogether, B.B. Beaming, B.B. Severely, B.B. Downstairs, B.B.

A charming but medically incompetent society doctor known for his eloquence and optimism.

Dr. Blenkinsop

supporting

Also known as Blenkinsop, Jennifer, Blenkinsop Rising, Poor Jennifer, poor Blenkinsop, Kill Jennifer, Jennifer Dr. Blenkinsop, Blenkinsop Interested

A poor, overworked general practitioner who is also dying of tuberculosis and competing for Ridgeon's cure.

Redpenny

supporting

Also known as surname Redpenny, Emmy, Redpenny Distracted, Redpenny Emmy, Redpenny Appearing, Redpenny Old Paddy Cullen

Ridgeon's hardworking and devoted young assistant who manages the laboratory and patients.

Emmy

supporting

Also known as Emmy Looking, Emmy Well, Emmy Coaxing, Emmy Announcing, Emmy Unmoved, Emmy Returning

Ridgeon's practical and outspoken housekeeper who manages his household.

Jane Marsh

minor

Also known as Ridgeon Jane Marsh, Poor Jane, Jane

A tuberculosis patient of Ridgeon's who is cured by his treatment.

Schutzmacher

minor

Also known as Mr. Schutzmacher, Dr. Schutzmacher

A German-Jewish doctor who represents the commercial side of medical practice.

Minnie Tinwell

minor

Also known as Louis Minnie, Minnie, little Minnie, The Maid, The Maid Minnie Tinwell

A young maid in the Dubedat household who is fond of Louis.

Mr. Danby

minor

A minor character mentioned in the play's social circle.

Mrs. Jack Foljambe

minor

Also known as the smart Mrs. Foljambe, Mrs. Foljambe

A fashionable society woman mentioned in the doctors' conversations.

George Boddington

minor

Also known as George Boddington of Sutton Coldfield, George

A patient mentioned in passing by the doctors.

dull Mr. Smith

minor

A minor character referenced in the play's dialogue.