Character guide

Harry Feversham

major

Also known as Harry, Feversham, So Feversham, Effendi Feversham, Mr. Feversham

The protagonist, a British officer who resigns his commission and receives four white feathers, then seeks redemption in the Sudan.

Ethne Eustace

major

Also known as Ethne, Miss Eustace, Miss Ethne Eustace

Harry's fiancée who sends him the fourth feather; later becomes involved with Durrance and Willoughby.

Durrance

major

Also known as Colonel Durrance, Jack Durrance, Jack, Mr. Durrance

Harry's friend and rival, a soldier who goes blind and later becomes Ethne's suitor.

Lieutenant Sutch

supporting

Also known as Sutch, Lieutenant Sutch, old Sutch, Mr. Sutch

An old family friend of the Fevershams who serves as a moral compass and confidant.

Captain Willoughby

supporting

Also known as Willoughby, Mr. Willoughby

A deputy-governor in the Sudan who becomes involved with Ethne and the feather plot.

Colonel Trench

supporting

Also known as Trench, Captain Trench, II Captain Trench

A British officer imprisoned in Omdurman who helps Harry in his mission.

Mrs. Adair

supporting

Also known as Melusine Overture Mrs. Adair, Mrs. Adair Intervenes

A friend of Ethne who plays a role in the social dynamics and the overture subplot.

General Feversham

supporting

Also known as Feversham, old General Feversham, Old Feversham

Harry's stern father, a retired general whose expectations shape Harry's actions.

Lieutenant Calder

supporting

Also known as Calder

A fellow officer who accompanies Harry on his journey to the Sudan.

Ibrahim

supporting

Also known as Trench Ibrahim

A native guide and servant who assists Harry in the Sudan.

Abou Fatma

supporting

Also known as Abou

A Sudanese ally who helps Harry navigate the desert and the Mahdist forces.

Dermod Eustace

minor

Also known as Dermod, old Dermod Eustace, old Dermod

Ethne's father, the old master of Lennon House.

Captain Mather

minor

Also known as Mather

A British officer who appears in the Sudan campaign.

Major Castleton

minor

Also known as Castleton, Mr. Castleton

A military acquaintance of Harry's.

Lord Wilmington

minor

Also known as Wilmington

A nobleman mentioned in the social circles of the novel.

General Gordon

minor

Also known as Gordon, the Gordon

Historical figure, the British general at Khartoum, referenced as a backdrop.

Colonel Dawson

minor

Also known as Dawson, Colonel

A military officer mentioned in the narrative.

Major Walters

minor

Also known as Walters

A military officer mentioned in passing.

Yusef

minor

A native character in the Sudan.

Emir Wad El Nejoumi

minor

Also known as Nejoumi

A Mahdist leader mentioned in the campaign.

Idris es-Saier

minor

Also known as Idris, Saier

A Sudanese figure encountered by Harry.

Moussa Fedil

minor

Also known as Moussa

A native character in the Sudan.

Abdul Kader

minor

Also known as Abdul

A native character mentioned in the Sudan.

Tewfik Bey

minor

Also known as Tewfik

An Egyptian official mentioned in the narrative.

Osman Digna

minor

A Mahdist commander mentioned as a threat.

Mr. Adair

minor

Husband of Mrs. Adair, mentioned briefly.

Muriel Graham

minor

A woman mentioned in the narrative.

Bastable

minor

A minor character mentioned in the story.

Laura

minor

A woman mentioned briefly in the narrative.