# The Moonstone — Character guide

> Key figures in The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins.

- [Franklin Blake](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/franklin_blake.md): Young gentleman who inherits the Moonstone and becomes the prime suspect in its theft.
- [Rachel Verinder](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/rachel_verinder.md): Strong-willed heiress who receives the Moonstone on her birthday and behaves mysteriously after its loss.
- [Godfrey Ablewhite](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/godfrey_ablewhite.md): Charming philanthropist and cousin to Rachel, with hidden motives regarding the diamond.
- [Sergeant Cuff](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/sergeant_cuff.md): Eccentric and brilliant detective from London called in to solve the Moonstone theft.
- [Ezra Jennings](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/ezra_jennings.md): Mysterious, ill-fated assistant to Mr. Candy who helps unravel the truth about the diamond.
- [Gabriel Betteredge](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/gabriel_betteredge.md): Loyal Verinder family steward and narrator of the first period, devoted to Robinson Crusoe.
- [Rosanna Spearman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/rosanna_spearman.md): Reformed thief turned housemaid at the Verinder estate, secretly in love with Franklin Blake.
- [Mr. Bruff](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/mr_bruff.md): Trusted family solicitor who manages Rachel's affairs and investigates the diamond's disappearance.
- [Lady Verinder](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/lady_verinder.md): Rachel's dignified mother who opposes the Moonstone's presence in her house.
- [Penelope Betteredge](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/penelope_betteredge.md): Gabriel Betteredge's sensible daughter and a housemaid at the Verinder estate.
- [Mr. Candy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/mr_candy.md): Local doctor who attends the Verinder household and falls ill after the birthday dinner.
- [Miss Clack](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/miss_clack.md): Pious, meddlesome relative of the Verinders who narrates part of the story.
- [Mr. Murthwaite](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/mr_murthwaite.md): Traveler and expert on Indian culture who tracks the Moonstone's origins.
- [John Herncastle](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/john_herncastle.md): Disreputable colonel who stole the Moonstone in India and bequeaths it to Rachel.
- [The Indians](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/the_indians.md): Three Hindu priests who pursue the Moonstone to restore it to their god.
- [Mr. Septimus Luker](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/mr_septimus_luker.md): London moneylender who becomes involved in the diamond's secret transactions.
- [Mrs. Yolland](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/yolland.md): Kindly cottager who shelters Rosanna Spearman and knows her secrets.
- [Gooseberry](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/gooseberry.md): Street-smart boy who assists Sergeant Cuff in his investigation.
- [Sir John Verinder](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/john_verinder.md): Deceased husband of Lady Verinder and father of Rachel.
- [Superintendent Seegrave](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/superintendent_seegrave.md): Inept local police superintendent who initially investigates the theft.
- [Samuel](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/samuel.md): Verinder family footman who assists with household duties.
- [Aunt Ablewhite](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/aunt_ablewhite.md): Aunt of Rachel and mother of Godfrey Ablewhite, a gossipy relative.
- [Nancy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/nancy.md): Servant at the Verinder estate who provides information to the police.
- [Limping Lucy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/limping_lucy.md): Lame servant girl and close friend of Rosanna Spearman.
- [Mrs. Merridew](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/mrs_merridew.md): Friend of Lady Verinder who attends Rachel's birthday dinner.
- [The late Mrs. Betteredge](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/the_late_mrs_betteredge.md): Deceased wife of Gabriel Betteredge, remembered fondly.
- [Mr. Smalley](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/mr_smalley.md): Lawyer consulted by the Verinder family regarding the Moonstone.
- [Mr. Joyce](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/joyce.md): Verinder family butler who assists during the investigation.
- [Selina Goby](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/selina_goby.md): Servant who provides testimony about the night of the theft.
- [Mr. Begbie](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/mr_begbie.md): Guest at Rachel's birthday dinner who discusses the diamond.
- [Mr. Jeffco](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/mr_jeffco.md): Local tradesman who provides information about the diamond.
- [Duffy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/duffy.md): Servant at the Verinder estate who assists with errands.
- [Cobb](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/cobb.md): Local man who helps with the search for the missing diamond.
- [Mrs. Hotherstone](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/hotherstone.md): Woman who runs a lodging house in the area.
- [General Baird](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/general_baird.md): Historical figure mentioned in connection with the Moonstone's origin.
- [De Quincey](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_moonstone_se/characters/de_quincey.md): Author referenced by Ezra Jennings regarding opium experiences.

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