Character guide

Mr. Polly

major

Also known as Polly, Mamie, Alfred Polly, Alfred

The protagonist, a discontented shopkeeper who seeks adventure and a new life.

Miriam

major

Also known as cousin Miriam, Cousin Miriam, Miriam Polly

Mr. Polly's wife, practical and unsympathetic to his dreams.

Uncle Jim

supporting

Also known as Jim

A violent bully and antagonist at the Potwell Inn.

Parsons

supporting

Also known as old Parsons, the gallant Parsons, the enthusiastic Parsons

Mr. Polly's old school friend, a dreamer and inventor.

Johnson

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Johnson, Mr. Johnson

Mr. Polly's neighbor and friend in Fishbourne.

Mr. Voules

supporting

Also known as a Mr. Voules, Presently Mr. Voules

Miriam's uncle, a pompous and interfering relative.

Mrs. Larkins

supporting

Also known as Larkins, the Larkins, Aunt Larkins

Miriam's mother, a domineering woman.

Uncle Pentstemon

minor

Mr. Polly's eccentric uncle who leaves him a small inheritance.

Mr. Rusper

minor

Also known as Rusper, the unfortunate Mr. Rusper

A rival shopkeeper in Fishbourne.

Annie

minor

Also known as Miss Annie, cousin Annie, Cousin Annie

Miriam's sister, who marries Mr. Voules.

Wintershed

minor

Also known as Mr. Wintershed

A fellow apprentice at Mr. Polly's first job.

Rumbold

minor

Also known as Mr. Rumbold, Old Rumbold, old Rumbold

A draper and Mr. Polly's early employer.

Platt

minor

Also known as II Platt

A fellow apprentice at Rumbold's.

The Young Lady

minor

A romantic interest of Mr. Polly's youth.

Sterne

minor

A fellow apprentice and friend of Mr. Polly.

Mr. Garvace

minor

Also known as Garvace

Mr. Polly's employer at the drapery shop.

Carter

minor

A fellow employee at Garvace's.

Morrison

minor

Also known as old Morrison

A colleague of Mr. Polly at Garvace's.

Elfrid

minor

Also known as cousin Elfrid

Miriam's brother, a lazy and pretentious young man.

Hinks

minor

Also known as V Hinks, Mr. Hinks

A friend of Parsons involved in a bicycle accident.

Mrs. Punt

minor

A customer at Mr. Polly's shop.

Mrs. Polly

minor

Also known as the unveracious Polly, Minnie

Mr. Polly's mother, a minor figure in his past.

Boomer

minor

Also known as Mr. Boomer

A customer at the Potwell Inn.

Christabel

minor

A young woman Mr. Polly meets during his travels.

Gambell

minor

Also known as Mr. Gambell

A customer at the Potwell Inn.

Blake

minor

Also known as Mr. Blake

A fellow traveler Mr. Polly encounters.

Alf

minor

A boy who works for Mr. Polly.

Little Clamp

minor

Also known as Mr. Clamp

A small boy who torments Mr. Polly.

Mrs. Rusper

minor

Also known as Rusper

Mr. Rusper's wife.

Mantell

minor

Also known as Messrs. Mantell

A firm of solicitors.

Warspite

minor

Also known as Mr. Warspite

A customer at the Potwell Inn.

Podger

minor

Also known as Mr. Podger, Presently Mr. Podger

A customer at the Potwell Inn.

Lizzie

minor

Also known as Betsy, the helpful Betsy

A servant at the Potwell Inn.

Mrs. Voules

minor

Also known as the entirely impassive Mrs. Voules

Mr. Voules' wife.

Harold

minor

Also known as Harold Johnsonese

A young man who visits the Polly household.

Tashingford

minor

Also known as Mr. Tashingford

A customer at the Potwell Inn.

Master Punt

minor

Mrs. Punt's son.

Bessie

minor

A servant girl at the Potwell Inn.

Willy

minor

Also known as Willie

A young boy in the neighborhood.

Mansfield

minor

Also known as Mr. Mansfield

A customer at the Potwell Inn.

Chuffles

minor

Also known as Mr. Chuffles

A customer at the Potwell Inn.

Aunt Flo

minor

Also known as Good old Aunty Flo

Mr. Polly's aunt.

Rosie

minor

A young woman Mr. Polly briefly meets.

Rymer

minor

Also known as Mr. Rymer

A customer at the Potwell Inn.

Mildred

minor

Also known as Aunt Mildred

Mr. Polly's aunt.

Martha Larkins

minor

Also known as Martha

A relative of the Larkins family.

Uncle Voules

minor

Mr. Voules' brother.

Old Tommy

minor

Also known as Tom Cringle

A local character mentioned in passing.

Tonks

minor

A customer at the Potwell Inn.

Bolls

minor

A customer at the Potwell Inn.