# The House of Mirth — Character guide

> Key figures in The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton.

- [Lily Bart](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/lily_bart.md): A beautiful and socially ambitious young woman navigating high society in New York.
- [Lawrence Selden](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/lawrence_selden.md): A lawyer and observer of society, Lily's confidant and romantic interest.
- [Simon Rosedale](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/simon_rosedale.md): A wealthy Jewish financier who seeks to marry into high society.
- [Gerty Farish](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/gerty_farish.md): Lily's kind and loyal friend, a charitable young woman of modest means.
- [Bertha Dorset](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/bertha_dorset.md): A manipulative and wealthy socialite who becomes Lily's rival.
- [Mrs. Peniston](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/mrs_peniston.md): Lily's wealthy and conservative aunt who provides her with a home.
- [Carry Fisher](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/carry_fisher.md): A clever social climber and friend who helps navigate society's intrigues.
- [Percy Gryce](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/percy_gryce.md): A shy, wealthy young man whom Lily considers marrying for security.
- [Gus Trenor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/gus_trenor.md): A married financier who lends Lily money and expects favors in return.
- [George Dorset](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/george_dorset.md): Bertha's long-suffering husband, who is infatuated with Lily.
- [Judy Trenor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/judy_trenor.md): Gus Trenor's wife and a prominent society hostess.
- [Grace Stepney](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/grace_stepney.md): A poor cousin of Mrs. Peniston who becomes her heir after Lily's fall.
- [Norma Hatch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/norma_hatch.md): A wealthy but vulgar woman from the West who seeks social acceptance.
- [Jack Stepney](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/jack_stepney.md): A society man and cousin to Lily and Grace Stepney.
- [Lord Hubert Dacey](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/lord_hubert.md): An English aristocrat who visits New York society.
- [Mrs. Hudson Bart](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/mrs_bart.md): Lily's mother, who raised her to value wealth and social position.
- [Mrs. Haffen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/mrs_haffen.md): A charwoman who tries to blackmail Lily with incriminating letters.
- [Nettie Struther](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/nettie_struther.md): A poor young woman whom Lily once helped, offering kindness in return.
- [Mrs. Wellington Bry](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/mrs_wellington_bry.md): A wealthy social climber who hosts lavish parties.
- [Lady Cressida Raith](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/lady_cressida.md): An English noblewoman visiting New York society.
- [Ned Silverton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/ned_silverton.md): A young man of good family but no money, part of the social set.
- [Ned Van Alstyne](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/ned_van_alstyne.md): An older gentleman and gossip in New York society.
- [Evie Van Osburgh](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/evie_van_osburgh.md): A young heiress who marries Percy Gryce.
- [Mattie Gormer](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/mattie_gormer.md): A wealthy but vulgar woman who befriends Lily for a time.
- [Mrs. Percy Gryce](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/mrs_gryce.md): Percy Gryce's mother, a devout and conservative woman.
- [Lulu Melson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/lulu_melson.md): A minor society figure mentioned in passing.
- [Molly Van Alstyne](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/molly_van_alstyne.md): A minor society figure, possibly Ned's relative.
- [Mrs. Van Osburgh](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/mrs_van_osburgh.md): A society matron and mother of many daughters.
- [Freddy Van Osburgh](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/freddy_van_osburgh.md): A young man from a wealthy family, part of the social circle.
- [Mr. Wellington Bry](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/mr_bry.md): A wealthy businessman and husband of Mrs. Bry.
- [Miss Jane Silverton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/miss_jane_silverton.md): Ned Silverton's sister, a poor relation in society.
- [Melville Stancy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/melville_stancy.md): A minor character mentioned in social contexts.
- [Miss Kilroy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/miss_kilroy.md): A minor character mentioned in social scenes.
- [Lady Skiddaw](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/lady_skiddaw.md): An English aristocrat mentioned in society gossip.
- [Kate Corby](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/kate_corby.md): A young woman in the social set, friend of Carry Fisher.
- [Jefferson Gryce](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/jefferson_gryce.md): Percy Gryce's deceased father, a collector of Americana.
- [Mrs. Selden](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/mrs_selden.md): Lawrence Selden's mother, mentioned as deceased.
- [Muriel](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_house_of_mirth_se/characters/muriel.md): A minor character, possibly a servant or child.

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