The Magician · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Magician by W. Somerset Maugham.
Arthur Burdon
major
Also known as Burdon, Mr. Arthur Burdon, Mr. Burdon
A young English surgeon and the novel's protagonist, deeply in love with Margaret Dauncey.
Margaret Dauncey
major
Also known as Miss Margaret, Poor Margaret, Miss Dauncey
A beautiful and innocent young woman courted by Arthur, later drawn into Oliver Haddo's orbit.
Susie Boyd
major
Also known as Susan Boyd, Miss Susie, Miss Boyd
Margaret's sharp-witted and loyal friend who accompanies her to Paris.
Oliver Haddo
major
Also known as Haddo, Mr. Haddo
A mysterious and sinister magician who becomes Arthur's rival for Margaret's affections.
Dr. Porhoët
supporting
Also known as Porhoët, V Dr. Porhoët, The good Dr. Porhoët
A retired French doctor and scholar of the occult who befriends Arthur and Susie.
Frank Hurrell
supporting
Also known as Hurrell
Arthur's friend and fellow medical student who accompanies him to Paris.
Dr. Richardson
minor
A London physician who treats Margaret during her illness.
Mrs. Haddo
minor
Oliver Haddo's mother, a wealthy and domineering woman.
Marie Porhoët
minor
Also known as O Marie, Jeanne-Marie Porhoët
Dr. Porhoët's deceased wife, mentioned in his reminiscences.
Young Raggles
minor
Also known as Raggles
A medical student and friend of Arthur's in London.
Clayson
minor
Also known as O Clayson
A fellow medical student and acquaintance of Arthur Burdon.
Arbuthnot
minor
A friend of Arthur's from the medical school circle.
Burkhardt
minor
A German occultist and acquaintance of Oliver Haddo.
Madame Meyer
minor
Also known as Meyer
A Parisian landlady who rents rooms to Arthur and his friends.
Mrs. Bloomfield
minor
A London acquaintance of Margaret Dauncey's family.
Madame Rouge
minor
Also known as Rouge
A Parisian fortune-teller consulted by Susie Boyd.
Warren
minor
Also known as Monsieur Warren, Mr. Warren
An English expatriate living in Paris, friend of Dr. Porhoët.
Skene
minor
A Scottish occultist and associate of Oliver Haddo.
Lesebren
minor
A French occultist mentioned in Dr. Porhoët's circle.
