Character guide

Lord Stoutenburg

major

Also known as Stoutenburg, VI, Ede, Amersfoort, the Lord of Stoutenburg

The main antagonist, a scheming nobleman plotting against the Dutch Republic.

Gilda Beresteyn

major

Also known as Beresteyn, Gilda, the jongejuffrouw Gilda Beresteyn, the jongejuffrouw Beresteyn

The heroine, a brave and loyal Dutch woman caught in political intrigue.

Mynheer Beresteyn

major

Also known as Nicolaes Beresteyn, Nicolaes, Mynheer, the jongejuffrouw Beresteyn, Mynheer Nicolaes

Gilda's father, a wealthy burgomaster and influential figure in Utrecht.

Diogenes

major

Also known as anon Diogenes, Already Diogenes

A mysterious and witty Englishman who aids Gilda and opposes Stoutenburg.

Jan

supporting

Also known as Good old Jan, Already Jan, good Jan, worthy Jan

A loyal servant and companion to Diogenes, often providing comic relief.

Pythagoras

supporting

Also known as the worthy Pythagoras, Vaguely Pythagoras, Poor old Pythagoras

Another of Diogenes's companions, a philosopher-like figure.

Socrates

supporting

A third companion of Diogenes, part of his loyal band.

Maurice of Nassau

supporting

Also known as Maurice, Prince Maurice

The Stadtholder of the Dutch Republic, a key political figure.

Heemskerk

supporting

A Dutch nobleman and ally of Stoutenburg in his conspiracy.

The Stadtholder

supporting

Also known as V, V The Stadtholder

The title for Prince Maurice, the leader of the Dutch state.

Kaatje van den Poele

supporting

Also known as Kaatje, the stolid Kaatje, the good Kaatje, the worthy Kaatje, the wealthy Kaatje, The lovely Kaatje

A wealthy Dutch woman and friend of Gilda, involved in a subplot.

Burgomaster Beresteyn

supporting

Also known as the burgomaster, the Burgomaster, The burgomaster, Burgomaster Beresteyn, the Burgomaster Beresteyn

Mynheer Beresteyn's official title as the city's chief magistrate.

De Berg

minor

Also known as the De Berg, Berg, de Berg, Count Henri de Berg, Henri de Berg

A count and conspirator allied with Stoutenburg.

Marquet

minor

Also known as Messire Marquet

A French nobleman and fellow conspirator of Stoutenburg.

Klaas

minor

A servant or minor character in the Beresteyn household.

Frans Hals

minor

The famous Dutch painter, mentioned as a character in the story.

De Keysere

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant or official.

De Voocht

minor

Also known as de Voocht

A minor character, possibly a steward or official.

Sir Percy Blakeney

minor

Also known as Blakeney, Sir Percy, Percy, the first Sir Percy Blakeney

The legendary Scarlet Pimpernel, mentioned as a historical figure.

Olden Barneveldt

minor

Also known as Barneveldt

A historical Dutch statesman, referenced in the political context.

Isembourg

minor

A minor conspirator or nobleman in Stoutenburg's circle.

Piet Wallerin

minor

Also known as Piet

A minor character, possibly a servant or soldier.

Van Aitzema

minor

Also known as van Aitzema

A minor character, possibly a historian or official.

Groeneveld

minor

A minor conspirator or nobleman.

Spinola

minor

A historical Spanish general, mentioned in passing.

Alva

minor

The historical Duke of Alva, referenced as a past tyrant.