Character guide

Katharine Howard

major

Also known as Lady Katharine Howard, Kate Howard, Howard, Kate

The fifth queen of Henry VIII, central figure of the court intrigue.

Lady Mary

major

Also known as The Lady Mary of England, Mary, Moll

Henry VIII's daughter, a key figure in the religious and political tensions.

Lascelles

major

Also known as Mary Lascelles, Sir Lascelles, Edward Lascelles

A courtier and informant, deeply involved in the plots against Katharine.

Sir Henry Wriothesley

major

Also known as Henry, Wriothesley, Sir Henry

A powerful nobleman and political player in the Tudor court.

Magister Udal

major

Also known as Udal, the Magister, Magister Udal

A scholarly and often comic figure, tutor and confidant to Katharine.

Thomas Culpepper

major

Also known as T. Culpepper, Culpepper, Master Culpepper

A courtier whose relationship with Katharine becomes a central scandal.

Mary Hall

supporting

Also known as Hall, Mary

A lady-in-waiting and friend to Katharine, caught in court intrigues.

Margot Poins

supporting

Also known as Margot, poor Margot, the young Poins

A young woman connected to the court, involved in the subplots.

Lady Rochford

supporting

Also known as Lady Cicely Rochford, Lady Cicely, Cicely Rochford

An older lady of the court, often scheming and observing.

Archbishop Cranmer

supporting

Also known as Cranmer, Thomas Cranmer, the Archbishop

The Archbishop of Canterbury, a key religious reformer and political figure.

Duke of Norfolk

supporting

Also known as Norfolk, the Duke of Norfolk

A powerful Catholic nobleman and uncle to Katharine Howard.

Sir Nicholas Throckmorton

supporting

Also known as Throckmorton, old Sir Nicholas, the Sieur Throckmorton

A courtier and diplomat, often involved in the political maneuvering.

King Henry VIII

major

Also known as Henry, King Henry VIII, VIII

The King of England, whose marriages and whims drive the plot.

Katharine of Aragon

minor

Also known as Katharine, Aragon

Henry VIII's first wife, deceased but referenced as a symbol.

Anne Boleyn

minor

Also known as Anne, Queen Anne Boleyn, The Queen Anne

Henry VIII's second wife, executed; her memory haunts the court.

Master Printer

minor

Also known as the Master Printer

A printer involved in producing pamphlets and propaganda.

Thomas Cromwell

minor

Also known as Cromwell

Former chief minister, executed; his influence is still felt.

Bishop Gardiner

supporting

Also known as Gardiner, The Bishop Gardiner

A conservative bishop and political opponent of Cranmer.

Edward Hall

minor

Also known as Hall

A chronicler and historian, possibly a minor court figure.

Kat

minor

A servant or companion to Katharine, providing personal support.

Francis

minor

A minor court figure, possibly a servant or attendant.

Dearham

minor

A minor character, possibly a priest or clerk.

Caesar

minor

Also known as Caesar Julius

Historical reference, not a living character in the narrative.

Edward IV

minor

Also known as King Edward IV, The little Edward

Historical king, referenced but not present.

Sister

minor

A nun or religious sister, possibly a minor character.

Mary Trelyon

minor

A minor female character, possibly a lady-in-waiting.

Christ

minor

Religious figure, referenced in oaths and prayers.

King of Scots

minor

Also known as the Scots, the King o' Scots

Referenced as a political entity, not a present character.

Emperor Charles V

minor

Also known as Charles, Chuck, V

Holy Roman Emperor, referenced in diplomatic contexts.

Cicely Elliott

minor

A minor character, possibly a lady or servant.

Sir Nicholas Hoby

minor

Also known as Sir Nicholas

A minor courtier or official.

Sir Roger Pelham

minor

Also known as Pelham

A minor knight or nobleman.

John Robb

minor

Also known as one John Robb

A minor character, possibly a servant or commoner.