Character guide

Katharine Howard

major

Also known as Kate, Katharine, Howard, Kat Howard, Kat

A young woman of noble birth who becomes a central figure at the Tudor court.

Thomas Cromwell

major

Also known as Cromwell, VI Cromwell, the Lord Cromwell, my Lord Cromwell, Lord Privy Seal, Privy Seal

The powerful and manipulative Lord Privy Seal, a key political player.

Nicholas Throckmorton

supporting

Also known as Throckmorton, Nick Throckmorton

A young man involved in court intrigue, often acting as a messenger or agent.

Lady Mary

supporting

Also known as the Lady Mary, the Lady Mary of England, Mary

The king's daughter, a devout Catholic and a figure of political tension.

Thomas Culpepper

supporting

Also known as Thomas Culpepper, Culpepper, Tom

A courtier and kinsman to Katharine, with a reckless and ambitious nature.

Nicholas Udal

supporting

Also known as Magister Nicholas Udal, Udal, Magister Udal, Master Udal

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

Margot Poins

supporting

Also known as Margot, young Poins, Margot Poins, Poins

A sharp-witted young woman serving in the household, often involved in schemes.

Hal Poins

supporting

Also known as Hal Poins, Henry, Harry, Poins, young Poins

Margot's brother, a young man navigating the dangers of the court.

Stephen Gardiner

supporting

Also known as Bishop Gardiner, Gardiner, Winchester, Gardiner of Winchester

The Bishop of Winchester, a conservative and cunning political rival to Cromwell.

Cicely Elliott

supporting

Also known as Cicely, Elliott, V Cicely Elliott

A lady-in-waiting to Katharine, known for her beauty and loyalty.

Lady Rochford

supporting

Also known as the Lady Rochford, Rochford, old Rochford

An older, cynical courtier who serves as a lady-in-waiting and confidante.

Duke of Norfolk

supporting

Also known as Norfolk, The Duke

A powerful nobleman and uncle to Katharine, involved in court politics.

Madam Howard

supporting

An older relative of Katharine, overseeing her household and reputation.

Viridus

minor

Also known as The Master Viridus, a Master Viridus

A mysterious and learned man, possibly a scholar or alchemist at court.

Thomas Cranmer

minor

Also known as Cranmer, Archbishop Cranmer

The Archbishop of Canterbury, a reformer and cautious political figure.

Anne of Cleves

minor

Also known as Anne, Cleves

The king's fourth wife, a foreign princess navigating the English court.

Sir Nicholas Rochford

minor

Also known as old Sir Nicholas Rochford, Rochford, Sir Nicholas, old Rochford

An elderly knight and relative of the Rochford family, a minor court presence.

John Badge

minor

Also known as Badge, old Badge, John Badge the Younger, John

A servant or minor functionary in the Howard household.

Baumbach

minor

A German or foreign envoy or merchant with dealings at court.

Flail Crummock

minor

Also known as Crummock, old Crummock

A rough or rustic character, possibly a servant or local figure.

Earl of Surrey

minor

Also known as Surrey

A nobleman and poet, son of the Duke of Norfolk, with a fiery temper.

Edward

minor

Also known as Edmund, Neighbour Ned, Ned

A young man, possibly a servant or local acquaintance of the Poins family.

Cardinal Pole

minor

Also known as Pole

A Catholic cardinal and political exile, a figure of opposition to the king.

Goodman Gilmaw

minor

Also known as poor Gilmaw, Gilmaw

A poor or unfortunate man, possibly a tenant or petitioner.

Norroy

minor

A herald or officer of arms, involved in ceremonial matters.

Sir Thomas Wyatt

minor

Also known as Tom, poor Tom

A poet and courtier, a friend to Katharine and a figure from the past.

Dr. Barnes

minor

Also known as Barnes

A reformist clergyman, a figure in religious debates at court.

Sieur Chapuys

minor

Also known as Chapuys

The imperial ambassador, a shrewd observer of English politics.

Charles

minor

A minor courtier or servant, possibly a messenger.

Sadler

minor

A secretary or official working for Thomas Cromwell.

Paul

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant or a name mentioned in passing.

Sir Anthony Ughtred

minor

Also known as Ughtred

A knight or minor nobleman with connections to the court.

Dr. Martinus

minor

A scholar or physician, possibly a foreigner at court.

Lord Cassilis

minor

Also known as Cassilis

A Scottish nobleman visiting or residing at the English court.

Sir Christopher Aske

minor

A knight or gentleman, possibly involved in the northern rebellions.

Martin Pewtress

minor

Also known as young Pewtress, Pewtress

A young man, possibly a servant or apprentice in the story.

Hanson

minor

A minor character, possibly a tradesman or servant.