Character guide

Stephen Byrne

major

Also known as Stephen, VII Stephen Michael Hilary Byrne, Michael Hilary, Stephen Michael Hilary Byrne, the great Stephen Byrne, bubbling Michael, Michael, Mr. Stephen Byrne, Stephen's

A central figure, poet and patriarch of the Byrne family, whose actions drive the plot.

John Egerton

major

Also known as Egerton, John, good old John, VI John Egerton, John Egerton's, The wretched John, Poor old John, the unfortunate John, Old John, old John

A close friend or relative of Stephen, often caught in the family's turmoil.

Margery Byrne

supporting

Also known as Margaret, Margery Byrne—Margery Byrne, Byrne, Poor Margery

Stephen's wife, a long-suffering presence in the household.

Muriel Tarrant

supporting

Also known as Miss Muriel Tarrant, Muriel, Miss Tarrant

A young woman involved in the social circle of the Byrnes.

Emily Gaunt

supporting

Also known as Emily, Gaunt

A woman with a connection to the Byrne family, possibly a servant or relative.

Mrs. Bantam

minor

A housekeeper or local woman who interacts with the main characters.

Mr. Egerton

minor

Also known as Egerton

Possibly John Egerton's father or another male relative.

Mr. Dimple

minor

Also known as Dimple

A minor character, perhaps a tradesman or neighbor.

Mrs. Vincent

minor

Also known as Mrs. Ralph Vincent, the carroty-haired Mrs. Vincent, So Mrs. Vincent, the Vincent

A gossipy or notable local woman.

The Chase

minor

Also known as Hammerton Chase, Hammerton

A location or family name, possibly a house or estate.

Mrs. Byrne

minor

Also known as poor Mrs. Byrne

Likely Stephen's mother or another elder Byrne woman.

Old Mrs. Ambrose

minor

Also known as the indomitable Mrs. Ambrose, Mrs. Ambrose, Only Mrs. Ambrose

An elderly, formidable woman in the community.

Reverend Peter Tarrant

minor

Also known as The Reverend Peter, The Reverend Peter Tarrant, Peter, Peter Tarrant, the Rev. Peter, The Rev. Peter

A clergyman and likely relative of Muriel Tarrant.

Lord Milroy

minor

A titled gentleman who appears in the narrative.

Mr. Byrne

minor

Also known as Dear Mr. Byrne

Probably Stephen Byrne's father or another male Byrne.

Joan

minor

Also known as little Joan, Little Joan

A young girl, possibly a child of the Byrne household.

Mrs. Whittaker

minor

Also known as Whittaker

A local woman, part of the Whittaker family.

The Whittakers

minor

Also known as the Whittakers, The kindly Whittakers

A family in the neighborhood, known for their kindness.

Cook

minor

The cook in the Byrne household.

Gelert

minor

Also known as Gelert of Isobel's

A dog belonging to Isobel, mentioned in passing.

Henry Stimpson

minor

Also known as Stimpson, Henry

A servant or local man, possibly a gardener.

Mr. Asquith

minor

A minor character, perhaps a visitor or official.

Mr. Meredith

minor

Also known as Meredith

A neighbor or acquaintance of the Byrnes.

The Tarrants

minor

Also known as the Tarrants

The Tarrant family, including Muriel and the Reverend Peter.

George Tarrant

minor

Also known as young George, Young George Tarrant, George, Young George

A young male member of the Tarrant family.

Mr. Whittaker

minor

Also known as Whittaker

The husband or father in the Whittaker family.

Mr. Stimpson

minor

Also known as Stimpson

A servant or tradesman, possibly Henry's father.

Mrs. Church

minor

A local woman, possibly a housekeeper.

The Byrnes

minor

Also known as the Byrnes

The Byrne family as a collective entity.

Miss Atholl

minor

Also known as the younger Miss Atholl

A young woman from a neighboring family.

Maud

minor

A minor female character, possibly a servant.

Old Dr. Browning

minor

An elderly doctor who attends the family.

Mrs. Stimpson

minor

Also known as Stimpson

The wife of Mr. Stimpson, a local woman.

Mr. Farraday

minor

A minor character, possibly a visitor.

Mabel Jones

minor

Also known as Mabel

A servant or young woman in the household.

Andrews

minor

A servant or tradesman mentioned briefly.

Darling

minor

A term of endearment used as a name, possibly a child.