Character guide

George Colwan

major

Also known as Mr. Colwan, the younger George Colwan, Colwan, Mr. George Colwan, the accomplished George Colwan, the said George Colwan

A young laird, central to the narrative, who becomes entangled in a deadly rivalry.

Robert Wringhim

major

Also known as Mr. Robert Wringhim Colwan, young Wringhim, Robert Wringhim Colwan, the notorious Robert Wringhim, the Rev. Robert Wringhim, the profound Mr. Wringhim, the Rev. Mr. Wringhim, the important Mr. Wringhim, the precious Mr. R. Wringhim

A fanatical young man who believes he is justified in his actions, leading to tragedy.

Mrs. Logan

supporting

A housekeeper and confidante who investigates strange events surrounding the Colwan family.

John Barnet

supporting

Also known as old Barnet, Barnet, John Barnet, old John Barnet

An old servant of the Colwan family, loyal and observant.

Thomas Drummond

supporting

Also known as Mr. Drummond, young Drummond, the Honourable Thomas Drummond, Tom

A friend of George Colwan, involved in the events leading to the conflict.

Mrs. Calvert

supporting

Also known as O Mrs. Calvert, Calvert

A woman with knowledge of the darker secrets surrounding the Colwan family.

Mr. Blanchard

supporting

Also known as a Mr. Blanchard, old Mr. Blanchard

A minister who confronts Robert Wringhim about his dangerous theology.

Miss Logan

minor

Also known as a Miss Logan

A relative of Mrs. Logan, assisting in her investigations.

Robin Ruthven

minor

Also known as honest Robin Ruthven

A local man who provides information about the Colwan family history.

M'Gill

minor

A lawyer involved in the legal affairs of the Colwan estate.

Lady Dalcastle

minor

Also known as Dalcastle

The mother of George Colwan, a figure from the past with a troubled history.

Andrew Handyside

minor

Also known as Handyside

A servant who witnesses key events and reports them.

James Hogg

minor

Also known as James, Hogg

The author who appears as a character in the framing narrative.

Master Whigham

minor

A schoolmaster who interacts with the young Robert Wringhim.

Adam Gordon

minor

Also known as Gordon, Mr. Adam Gordon

A friend of George Colwan, present during the fatal duel.

Samuel Scrape

minor

Also known as Scrape, Samuel, behold Samuel

A minor character who appears in the narrative.

Mr. James Watson

minor

Also known as a Mr. James Watson, Mr. Watson, Watson

A printer involved in publishing the confessions.

Linkum

minor

Also known as Lawyer Linkum

A lawyer who represents Robert Wringhim in legal matters.

Gil-Martin

major

Also known as Gil

A mysterious figure who influences Robert Wringhim, possibly supernatural.

Sir Thomas Wallace of Craigie

minor

Also known as Sir Thomas

A historical figure mentioned in the narrative.

Old Dal

minor

Also known as Dal

A nickname for the Laird of Dalcastle, father of George.

Martha

minor

A servant in the Colwan household.

Tam Douglas

minor

A local man who provides testimony.

Johnny Dods

minor

Also known as Johnny

A servant who assists in the narrative.

Arabella Calvert

minor

Also known as Bell Calvert, ane Bell Calvert, the unfortunate Arabella Calvert, Tibbie

A woman with a past connected to the Colwan family.

James Anderson

minor

Also known as Mr. Anderson, Mr. James Anderson

A minister who appears in the narrative.

Mrs. Colwan

minor

The mother of George Colwan, mentioned in the family history.

Mr. David Anderson

minor

Also known as a Mr. Anderson

A minister who interacts with Robert Wringhim.

Baillie Orde

minor

Also known as a Baillie Orde

A magistrate involved in the legal proceedings.

Lord Craigie

minor

A judge in the legal case.

Mr. Wilson

minor

A minor character mentioned in the narrative.

Mrs. Keeler

minor

A woman who appears in the narrative.

Penpunt

minor

A minor character mentioned in the narrative.

Rabina

minor

A minor female character.

Auld John

minor

An old servant mentioned in the narrative.

Walker

minor

A minor character mentioned in the narrative.