# The History of Henry Esmond — Character guide

> Key figures in The History of Henry Esmond by William Makepeace Thackeray.

- [Henry Esmond](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/henry_esmond.md): The protagonist and narrator, a loyal soldier and gentleman of mysterious birth who serves the Castlewood family.
- [Beatrix Esmond](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/beatrix_esmond.md): The beautiful and ambitious daughter of the Castlewood family, beloved by Henry Esmond.
- [Lady Castlewood](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/lady_castlewood.md): The kind and pious mistress of Castlewood who raises Henry Esmond as her own son.
- [Frank Castlewood](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/frank_castlewood.md): The son of Lady Castlewood, a good-natured but impulsive young nobleman.
- [Lord Mohun](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/lord_mohun.md): A dangerous and duplicitous nobleman who brings tragedy to Castlewood.
- [Father Holt](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/father_holt.md): A cunning Jesuit priest and Jacobite agent who educates young Henry Esmond.
- [Thomas Esmond](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/thomas_esmond.md): Henry Esmond's older cousin and the third Viscount Castlewood, a dissolute nobleman.
- [Duke of Hamilton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/duke_of_hamilton.md): A powerful Scottish nobleman who becomes a rival for Beatrix's hand.
- [Lord Castlewood (Francis)](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/lord_castlewood_francis.md): The fourth Viscount Castlewood, father of Frank and Beatrix, a charming but flawed gentleman.
- [Dowager Lady Castlewood](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/dowager_lady_castlewood.md): The sharp-tongued and manipulative mother of the late Viscount Castlewood.
- [Joseph Addison](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/mr_addison.md): A celebrated writer and politician, friend to Henry Esmond and Steele.
- [Richard Steele](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/richard_steele.md): A jovial writer and soldier, Henry Esmond's friend and fellow officer.
- [General Webb](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/general_webb.md): Henry Esmond's commanding officer, a brave but prickly military leader.
- [Tom Tusher](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/tom_tusher.md): The son of the local parson, a childhood companion of Henry Esmond who becomes a clergyman.
- [Duke of Marlborough](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/lord_marlborough.md): The great general and commander of the English forces during the War of Spanish Succession.
- [Henry St. John](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/mr_st_john.md): A brilliant and ambitious politician, later Viscount Bolingbroke, involved in Jacobite schemes.
- [John Lockwood](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/john_lockwood.md): The loyal old porter at Castlewood who serves the family faithfully.
- [Colonel Westbury](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/colonel_westbury.md): A fellow officer and friend of Henry Esmond in the army.
- [Jonathan Swift](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/mr_swift.md): The famous satirist and writer, a friend of the literary circle in London.
- [Clotilda](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/clotilda.md): A young woman Frank Castlewood marries while abroad in Flanders.
- [Mrs. Tusher](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/mrs_tusher.md): Tom Tusher's wife, a former servant at Castlewood.
- [King James II](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/king_james_ii.md): The deposed Catholic king whose restoration is plotted by Jacobites.
- [Queen Anne](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/queen_anne.md): The reigning queen of England during much of the story.
- [Lord Mohun (second)](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/mohun_second.md): A separate mention of Lord Mohun in a later context.
- [Francis Atterbury](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/mr_atterbury.md): A bishop and Jacobite conspirator involved in plots against the crown.
- [Captain Macartney](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/captain_macartney.md): An officer involved in the duel that kills the Duke of Hamilton.
- [Nancy Sievewright](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/nancy_sievewright.md): A young woman from Castlewood village who catches young Henry's eye.
- [Lord Ashburnham](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/lord_ashburnham.md): A suitor for Beatrix's hand mentioned in the later part of the story.
- [Matthew Prior](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/mr_prior.md): A poet and diplomat, part of the literary circle in London.
- [John Gay](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/mr_gay.md): A poet and playwright, friend of Swift and Pope.
- [Lady Masham](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/lady_masham.md): A favorite of Queen Anne and a political figure at court.
- [Prince Eugene](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/prince_eugene.md): The famous Austrian general who fights alongside Marlborough.
- [Mrs. Pastoureau](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/mrs_pastoureau.md): The mother of Henry Esmond's French hosts during his childhood.
- [Blaise](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/blaise.md): A servant in the Pastoureau household in France.
- [Sir George Esmond](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/sir_george_esmond.md): A relative of the Esmond family mentioned in the family history.
- [Isabella Esmond](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/isabella_esmond.md): The wife of Thomas Esmond, the third Viscount Castlewood.
- [Mademoiselle Meruel](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/mademoiselle_meruel.md): A French actress and acquaintance of the Dowager Lady Castlewood.
- [Monsieur Rigaud](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/monsieur_rigaud.md): A French painter who paints a portrait of Henry Esmond.
- [Chevalier de St. George](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/chevalier_de_st_george.md): The Jacobite pretender to the British throne, son of James II.
- [Lord Oxford](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/lord_oxford.md): A politician and Lord Treasurer under Queen Anne.
- [General Cadogan](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/general_cadogan.md): A senior officer under Marlborough, involved in military campaigns.
- [Captain von Holtz](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/captain_von_holtz.md): A mysterious German officer who may be a Jacobite agent.
- [Lord Blandford](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/lord_blandford.md): Marlborough's son, a young nobleman who dies young.
- [Lady Marlborough](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/lady_marlborough.md): The powerful wife of the Duke of Marlborough and favorite of Queen Anne.
- [William Congreve](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/mr_congreve.md): A famous playwright and wit, part of the literary circle.
- [Alexander Pope](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/mr_pope.md): The celebrated poet, mentioned in the literary circle.
- [Duke of Ormonde](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/duke_of_ormonde.md): A military commander and Jacobite sympathizer.
- [Marshal Villars](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/marshal_villars.md): A French general who fights against Marlborough.
- [Lady Elizabeth Hastings](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/lady_elizabeth_hastings.md): A young noblewoman admired by the Spectator club.
- [Lord Cutts](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/lord_cutts.md): A military officer known as the 'Salamander' for his bravery.
- [Sir John Fenwick](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/sir_john_fenwick.md): A Jacobite conspirator executed for plotting against William III.
- [Mr. Freeman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/mr_freeman.md): A pseudonym used by the Duke of Marlborough in correspondence.
- [Mrs. Bracegirdle](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/mrs_bracegirdle.md): A famous actress of the Restoration stage.
- [Lord Gerard](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/lord_gerard.md): A nobleman involved in the Jacobite plots.
- [Mr. Bridge](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/mr_bridge.md): A servant or official in the Castlewood household.
- [Mr. Leach](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/mr_leach.md): A fellow soldier and friend of Henry Esmond in the army.
- [Captain Dubois](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/captain_dubois.md): A French officer encountered during the campaigns.
- [General Lumley](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/general_lumley.md): A British general serving under Marlborough.
- [General Churchill](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/general_churchill.md): A relative of the Duke of Marlborough, also a military officer.
- [Lord Stair](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/lord_stair.md): A Scottish nobleman and diplomat mentioned in the story.
- [Robert Harley](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/mr_harley.md): A politician and later Earl of Oxford, involved in government.
- [Monsieur Baptiste](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/monsieur_baptiste.md): A French servant or attendant in the story.
- [Lubin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/lubin.md): A French peasant or servant character in the narrative.
- [Monsieur Simon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/monsieur_simon.md): A French acquaintance or servant encountered abroad.
- [Victoire](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/victoire.md): A French woman, possibly a servant or relative of the Pastoureaus.
- [Jack Churchill](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/jack_churchill.md): A soldier, possibly a relative of the Duke of Marlborough.
- [Roger Sterne](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/roger_sterne.md): A fellow soldier in the regiment with Henry Esmond.
- [Mr. Bates](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/mr_bates.md): A minor character, possibly a servant or official.
- [Old Pincot](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/old_pincot.md): An elderly servant or retainer at Castlewood.
- [General Wilkes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/general_wilkes.md): A military officer mentioned in the campaigns.
- [Jack Shafto](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/jack_shafto.md): A young man about town, friend of the literary set.
- [Cymon Wyldoats](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/cymon_wyldoats.md): A character mentioned in the Spectator paper within the story.
- [Eustace Esmond](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/eustace_esmond.md): A relative of the Esmond family mentioned in the genealogy.
- [Mrs. Lucy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/mrs_lucy.md): A servant or minor character in the household.
- [Dr. A—](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/dr_a.md): A doctor mentioned in passing, possibly Atterbury.
- [Mr. Collier](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/mr_collier.md): A clergyman or scholar mentioned in the story.
- [Lord Firebrace](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/lord_firebrace.md): A nobleman mentioned in the social circle.
- [Mr. Cardonnel](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/cardonnel.md): Marlborough's secretary, a minor official.
- [Hopson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/hopson.md): A soldier or officer mentioned in the campaigns.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters