# The Prince and the Pauper — Character guide

> Key figures in The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain.

- [Tom Canty](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/characters/tom_canty.md): A poor London boy who dreams of royalty and accidentally switches places with Prince Edward.
- [Miles Hendon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/characters/miles_hendon.md): A kind soldier who befriends the displaced prince and protects him through many adventures.
- [Edward VI](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/characters/edward_vi.md): The young Prince of Wales who becomes king after being mistaken for Tom Canty.
- [John Canty](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/characters/john_canty.md): Tom's abusive father who drags the prince into the underworld of London.
- [Hugo](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/characters/hugo.md): A young ruffian in John Canty's gang who torments the prince.
- [Hugh Hendon](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/characters/hugh_hendon.md): Miles Hendon's treacherous younger brother who usurps Hendon Hall.
- [Lady Edith](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/characters/lady_edith.md): Miles Hendon's beloved, forced into a false marriage by Hugh.
- [Lord St. John](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/characters/lord_st_john.md): A nobleman who serves as a court official during Tom's reign.
- [Lord Hertford](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/characters/hertford.md): A powerful lord who advises Tom during his time as king.
- [Henry VIII](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/characters/henry_viii.md): The dying king and father of Prince Edward, who appears briefly at the start.
- [Bet](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/characters/bet.md): Tom's kind-hearted twin sister who helps him in the palace.
- [Humphrey Marlow](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/characters/humphrey_marlow.md): A young nobleman who becomes Tom's whipping boy at court.
- [Father Andrew](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/characters/father_andrew.md): A kind priest who teaches Tom to read and write.
- [Blake Andrews](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/characters/blake_andrews.md): An old friend of Tom's from the slums of London.
- [Duke of Norfolk](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/characters/norfolk.md): A nobleman present at court during the transition of power.
- [Sir William Herbert](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/characters/sir_william_herbert.md): A courtier who appears during Tom's royal duties.
- [Lord Protector](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/characters/lord_protector.md): The regent who manages affairs during the young king's absence.
- [Duke of Somerset](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/characters/duke_of_somerset.md): A powerful nobleman involved in court politics.
- [Bishop Ridley](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/characters/bishop_ridley.md): A bishop who preaches at court during Tom's reign.
- [Giles Witt](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/characters/giles_witt.md): A minor character encountered during the prince's wanderings.
- [Arthur](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/characters/arthur.md): A young boy who briefly interacts with the prince.
- [Sir Richard](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/characters/sir_richard.md): A knight who appears in the later part of the story.
- [Nan](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_prince_and_the_pauper_se/characters/nan.md): A woman mentioned in passing during the narrative.

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