Character guide

Franklin Blake

major

Also known as Mr. Franklin Blake, Mr. Franklin, Franklin Blake, Mr. Blake, Master Franklin, the Master Franklin

Young gentleman who inherits the Moonstone and becomes the prime suspect in its theft.

Rachel Verinder

major

Also known as Miss Rachel, Rachel, cousin Rachel, Rachel Verinder, Miss Verinder

Strong-willed heiress who receives the Moonstone on her birthday and behaves mysteriously after its loss.

Godfrey Ablewhite

major

Also known as Mr. Godfrey Ablewhite, plain Mr. Ablewhite, Mr. Godfrey, Mr. Ablewhite, old Mr. Ablewhite, Godfrey, cousin Godfrey

Charming philanthropist and cousin to Rachel, with hidden motives regarding the diamond.

Sergeant Cuff

major

Also known as Sergeant, the celebrated Cuff, Sergeant Cuff's, The Sergeant, The great Cuff, the great Cuff

Eccentric and brilliant detective from London called in to solve the Moonstone theft.

Ezra Jennings

major

Also known as Ezra, the everlasting Ezra Jennings, Mr. Jennings, Mr. Ezra Jennings

Mysterious, ill-fated assistant to Mr. Candy who helps unravel the truth about the diamond.

Gabriel Betteredge

major

Also known as Betteredge, Gabriel, old Betteredge, old Gabriel, Mr. Betteredge, Dear old Betteredge

Loyal Verinder family steward and narrator of the first period, devoted to Robinson Crusoe.

Rosanna Spearman

supporting

Also known as Rosanna, Rosanna Spearman, Spearman

Reformed thief turned housemaid at the Verinder estate, secretly in love with Franklin Blake.

Mr. Bruff

supporting

Also known as the unsuspecting Mr. Bruff, Mr. Bruff—the Great Mr. Bruff, Bruff

Trusted family solicitor who manages Rachel's affairs and investigates the diamond's disappearance.

Lady Verinder

supporting

Also known as dear Lady Verinder, poor Lady Verinder, Poor Lady Verinder, the late Lady Verinder

Rachel's dignified mother who opposes the Moonstone's presence in her house.

Penelope Betteredge

supporting

Also known as Penelope, Penelope Betteredge

Gabriel Betteredge's sensible daughter and a housemaid at the Verinder estate.

Mr. Candy

supporting

Also known as Unluckily Mr. Candy, little Mr. Candy, Poor Mr. Candy, poor Mr. Candy, Mr. Candy Frizinghall

Local doctor who attends the Verinder household and falls ill after the birthday dinner.

Miss Clack

supporting

Also known as Clack, Dear Miss Clack, Drusilla, Drusilla Clack

Pious, meddlesome relative of the Verinders who narrates part of the story.

Mr. Murthwaite

supporting

Also known as the immovable Mr. Murthwaite, Murthwaite

Traveler and expert on Indian culture who tracks the Moonstone's origins.

John Herncastle

supporting

Also known as Herncastle, the Honourable John, Colonel Herncastle

Disreputable colonel who stole the Moonstone in India and bequeaths it to Rachel.

The Indians

supporting

Also known as Indians, Hindus, The Hindus

Three Hindu priests who pursue the Moonstone to restore it to their god.

Mr. Septimus Luker

supporting

Also known as Mr. Luker, Luker

London moneylender who becomes involved in the diamond's secret transactions.

Mrs. Yolland

minor

Also known as Good Mrs. Yolland, good Mrs. Yolland, Mrs. Yolland

Kindly cottager who shelters Rosanna Spearman and knows her secrets.

Gooseberry

minor

Street-smart boy who assists Sergeant Cuff in his investigation.

Sir John Verinder

minor

Also known as John Verinder, Sir John, the late Sir John, John, the late Sir John Verinder

Deceased husband of Lady Verinder and father of Rachel.

Superintendent Seegrave

minor

Also known as Mr. Seegrave

Inept local police superintendent who initially investigates the theft.

Samuel

minor

Verinder family footman who assists with household duties.

Aunt Ablewhite

minor

Also known as My Aunt Ablewhite, Aunt Ablewhite

Aunt of Rachel and mother of Godfrey Ablewhite, a gossipy relative.

Nancy

minor

Also known as Miss Jane Ann Stamper

Servant at the Verinder estate who provides information to the police.

Limping Lucy

minor

Also known as Lucy

Lame servant girl and close friend of Rosanna Spearman.

Mrs. Merridew

minor

Friend of Lady Verinder who attends Rachel's birthday dinner.

The late Mrs. Betteredge

minor

Also known as Mrs. Betteredge

Deceased wife of Gabriel Betteredge, remembered fondly.

Mr. Smalley

minor

Also known as Smalley

Lawyer consulted by the Verinder family regarding the Moonstone.

Mrs. Threadgall

minor

Housekeeper at the Verinder estate.

Mr. Joyce

minor

Also known as Joyce

Verinder family butler who assists during the investigation.

Selina Goby

minor

Also known as Selina

Servant who provides testimony about the night of the theft.

Mr. Begbie

minor

Guest at Rachel's birthday dinner who discusses the diamond.

Mr. Jeffco

minor

Also known as Jeffco

Local tradesman who provides information about the diamond.

Duffy

minor

Also known as Little Duffy

Servant at the Verinder estate who assists with errands.

Cobb

minor

Local man who helps with the search for the missing diamond.

Mrs. Hotherstone

minor

Also known as Hotherstone

Woman who runs a lodging house in the area.

General Baird

minor

Historical figure mentioned in connection with the Moonstone's origin.

De Quincey

minor

Author referenced by Ezra Jennings regarding opium experiences.