Character guide

Edward Ashburnham

major

Also known as Edward, Teddy Ashburnham, Ashburnham, Teddy, poor Edward, the silent Edward

A wealthy English landowner and philandering soldier, central to the novel's tragic love affairs.

Leonora Ashburnham

major

Also known as Leonora, poor Leonora, the miserable Leonora, Miss Lupton

Edward's devout Catholic wife, who manages his estate and endures his infidelities.

Florence Dowell

major

Also known as poor Florence, Florence, poor dear Florence, Miss Florence Hurlbird, Miss Florence, Hurlbird, old Hurlbird

The narrator's wife, a manipulative woman with a secret heart condition and hidden affairs.

John Dowell

major

Also known as Unknown, myself, me

The American narrator, a passive and unreliable observer of the tragic events around him.

Nancy Rufford

major

Also known as Nancy, Annie, III Nancy, Aden Nancy, Aden

Edward's young ward, whose innocence becomes entangled in the Ashburnhams' marital strife.

Maisie Maidan

supporting

Also known as poor Maisie, Maisie, Maidan, young Maidan

A young woman with a heart condition who becomes Edward's mistress in India.

La Dolciquita

minor

Also known as the Dolciquita

A Spanish courtesan with whom Edward has a brief, expensive affair in Monte Carlo.

Mrs. Maidan

minor

Also known as Little Mrs. Maidan, boxing Mrs. Maidan, poor Mrs. Maidan, little Mrs. Maidan

Maisie Maidan's mother, who accompanies her daughter to India.

Mr. Hurlbird

minor

Also known as old Mr. Hurlbird

Florence's wealthy, eccentric uncle from whom she inherits a fortune.

Mrs. Ashburnham

minor

Also known as Branshaw, Mrs. Ashburnham of Branshaw Teleragh, Branshaw Teleragh

Edward's mother, who lives at the family estate Branshaw Teleragh.

Mrs. Basil

minor

A friend of the Ashburnhams, mentioned in social contexts.

Jimmy

minor

Also known as Mr. Jimmy

A young man who accompanies Florence on a trip to Europe before her marriage.

Colonel Powys

minor

Also known as a Powys, Colonel, old Colonel Powys

A military friend of Edward's, part of the social circle in India.

Colonel Rufford

minor

Nancy Rufford's father, a military officer stationed abroad.

Carter

minor

Also known as young Carter

A young man who works for the Ashburnhams at Branshaw.

Colonel Hervey

minor

Also known as a Colonel Hervey

A military acquaintance of Edward's, mentioned in passing.

Major Basil

minor

A military officer and husband of Mrs. Basil.

Rodney Bayham

minor

Also known as Bayham, Mr. Rodney Bayham

A man who eventually marries Nancy Rufford after the novel's events.

Mrs. Rufford

minor

Nancy Rufford's mother, who lives apart from her husband.

Mumford

minor

Also known as old Mr. Mumford

An elderly neighbor of the Ashburnhams in England.

Julius

minor

A historical figure briefly mentioned in the narrative.

Bagshawe

minor

Also known as Mr. Bagshawe

A man who exposes Florence's past indiscretions to Leonora.

Mrs. Powys

minor

Wife of Colonel Powys, part of the social circle in India.

Uncle John

minor

Also known as John

Florence's uncle, mentioned in her family background.

Reggie Hurlbird

minor

A relative of Florence's, briefly mentioned.

Selmes

minor

Also known as young Selmes

A young man who shows interest in Nancy Rufford.

Mrs. Colonel Whelan

minor

Also known as A Mrs. Colonel Whelan

A social acquaintance mentioned in the narrative.

Colonel Ashburnham

minor

Edward's father, a military man mentioned in family history.

Miss Lupton

minor

A woman Leonora is compared to in her youth.