# The Laughing Cavalier — Character guide

> Key figures in The Laughing Cavalier by Baroness Orczy.

- [Gilda Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/gilda_beresteyn.md): Noblewoman and love interest of Diogenes, central to the plot's intrigue.
- [Diogenes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/diogenes.md): A witty, roguish philosopher and the laughing cavalier, protagonist of the story.
- [Stoutenburg](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/stoutenburg.md): Ambitious and treacherous nobleman, primary antagonist plotting against the state.
- [Nicolaes Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/nicolaes_beresteyn.md): Gilda's brother, a callous and scheming man involved in the conspiracy.
- [Jan Tiele](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/jan_tiele.md): A henchman and accomplice of Stoutenburg, involved in the plot.
- [Mynheer Ben Isaje](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/mynheer_ben_isaje.md): A Jewish moneylender and informant in Rotterdam, aiding the conspiracy.
- [Socrates](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/socrates.md): One of Diogenes' philosopher friends, a lean and witty companion.
- [Cornelius Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/cornelius_beresteyn.md): Father of Gilda and Nicolaes, a grieving and honorable Haarlem burgher.
- [Frans Hals](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/frans_hals.md): Famous painter commissioned to paint the laughing cavalier portrait.
- [Maria](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/maria.md): A servant or maid in the Beresteyn household, loyal to Gilda.
- [Pythagoras](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/pythagoras.md): Another of Diogenes' philosopher friends, portly and philosophical.
- [Willem](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/willem.md): Alternate name for Stoutenburg, used in some contexts.
- [Dondersteen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/dondersteen.md): A minor character, possibly a servant or associate, with few mentions.
- [Lucas van Sparendam](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/lucas_van_sparendam.md): A friend or acquaintance of the philosophers, involved in early scenes.
- [Sir Percy Blakeney](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/sir_percy_blakeney.md): The Scarlet Pimpernel, appears briefly in the later chapters.
- [Piet](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/piet.md): A red-haired henchman or servant, likely in Stoutenburg's employ.
- [Mynheer Beek](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/mynheer_beek.md): A minor official or burgher in Haarlem, mentioned in passing.
- [John of Barneveld](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/john_of_barneveld.md): Historical figure, referenced as a former friend of Stoutenburg.
- [Heemskerk](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/heemskerk.md): A minor character, possibly a guard or official, with few appearances.
- [Maurice of Nassau](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/maurice_of_nassau.md): Prince of Orange and Stadtholder, a historical figure in the plot.
- [Bucephalus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/bucephalus.md): Diogenes' horse, mentioned as a loyal and swift steed.
- [Jakob](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/jakob.md): A young boy or servant, possibly in Haarlem, with limited role.
- [Walburg de Marnix](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/walburg_de_marnix.md): A female character, possibly a relative or acquaintance of Gilda.
- [Mevrouw Hals](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/mevrouw_hals.md): Wife of Frans Hals, appears briefly in the painter's household.
- [Van Does](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/van_does.md): A minor character, possibly a friend or associate, mentioned briefly.
- [Mynheer van der Meer](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/mynheer_van_der_meer.md): A minor burgher or official, mentioned in passing.
- [Mynheer Patz](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/mynheer_patz.md): A minor character, possibly a tavern keeper or burgher.
- [Groeneveld](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/groeneveld.md): A minor character, possibly a conspirator or associate of Stoutenburg.
- [Mevrouw Patz](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_laughing_cavalier_se/characters/mevrouw_patz.md): Wife of Mynheer Patz, appears briefly in a scene.

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