The Moon and Sixpence · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham.
Charles Strickland
major
Also known as Strickland, Charlie, dear Charlie, Neither Strickland
A middle-aged stockbroker who abandons his family to pursue painting in Paris and Tahiti.
The Narrator
major
Also known as Unknown, myself, I
A young writer who becomes fascinated by Strickland's life and career.
Mrs. Strickland
supporting
Also known as Strickland, Mrs. Strickland
Charles Strickland's abandoned wife, a respectable London hostess.
Dirk Stroeve
supporting
Also known as Stroeve, Dirk, Madame Dirk Stroeve, poor Dirk, Madame
A kind but mediocre Dutch painter who befriends Strickland in Paris.
Blanche Stroeve
supporting
Also known as Blanche Stroeve, Stroeve, Blanche
Dirk Stroeve's wife, who becomes infatuated with Strickland.
Ata
supporting
Also known as Ata
A young Tahitian woman who becomes Strickland's companion and wife.
Dr. Coutras
supporting
Also known as Dr. Coutras, Presently Dr. Coutras, LV Mr. Coutras
A French doctor in Tahiti who treats Strickland in his final illness.
Captain Nichols
minor
Also known as Captain Nichols, Nichols
A disreputable sea captain who accompanies Strickland to Tahiti.
Tiaré Johnson
minor
Also known as LI Tiaré, Tiaré, Tiaré Johnson
The half-Tahitian owner of a hotel in Papeete who helps Strickland.
Miss Waterford
minor
Also known as Miss Waterford, Rose Waterford
A gossipy novelist who introduces the narrator to Strickland's circle.
Colonel MacAndrew
minor
Also known as Colonel MacAndrew, the Colonel
Mrs. Strickland's brother, a retired military man who confronts Strickland.
Mrs. MacAndrew
minor
Also known as Mrs. MacAndrew
Colonel MacAndrew's wife, who accompanies him to Paris.
Alec Carmichael
minor
Also known as Alec Carmichael
A successful painter who contrasts with Strickland's obscurity.
Captain Brunot
minor
Also known as Captain Brunot, Rene Brunot, Brunot, Rene, Capitaine Brunot
A French planter in Tahiti who tells the narrator about Strickland.
Tough Bill
minor
Also known as Tough Bill
A rough sailor who befriends Strickland during his voyage to Tahiti.
Abraham
minor
Also known as Abraham
A brilliant medical student who abandons his career for a simple life.
Amy
minor
Also known as Amy, Poor Amy
A friend of Mrs. Strickland who helps her after Strickland leaves.
Fred
minor
Also known as Fred
A friend of the Strickland family who assists Mrs. Strickland.
Rev. Robert Strickland
minor
Also known as the Rev. Robert Strickland, Robert, Robert Strickland
Charles Strickland's son, who becomes a clergyman.
Mr. Van Busche Taylor
minor
Also known as Mr. Van Busche Taylor
An American art collector who researches Strickland's life.
George Rainey
minor
Also known as George Rainey
A doctor who treats Blanche Stroeve after her suicide attempt.
Mrs. Nichols
minor
Also known as Mrs. Nichols, Sometimes Mrs. Nichols
Captain Nichols's long-suffering wife.
Madame Coutras
minor
Also known as Madame Coutras, Madame
Dr. Coutras's wife, who assists in Strickland's final days.
Mrs. Ronaldson
minor
Also known as Mrs. Ronaldson
A neighbor of the Stroeves in Paris who gossips about Blanche.
Mrs. Johnson
minor
Also known as Mrs. Johnson
A hotel keeper in Tahiti who knows Strickland.
Captain Johnson
minor
Also known as Captain Johnson
A sea captain who transports Strickland to Tahiti.
