# The Quest of the Silver Fleece — Character guide

> Key figures in The Quest of the Silver Fleece by W. E. B. Du Bois.

- [Zora Cresswell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/zora_cresswell.md): Central character, a strong-willed Black woman who rises from poverty and fights for her community.
- [Bles Alwyn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/bles_alwyn.md): Central character, Zora's love interest and a politically ambitious Black man.
- [Harry Cresswell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/harry_cresswell.md): Wealthy white landowner and politician whose actions drive much of the conflict.
- [Mary Taylor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/mary_taylor.md): White schoolteacher who becomes involved in the lives of the Black community.
- [Miss Smith](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/miss_smith.md): A white woman who employs Zora and becomes a mentor figure.
- [Colonel Cresswell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/colonel_cresswell.md): Patriarch of the Cresswell family, a powerful white landowner.
- [Mrs. Vanderpool](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/mrs_vanderpool.md): Wealthy white socialite who takes an interest in Zora's education.
- [Mrs. Harry Cresswell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/mrs_harry_cresswell.md): Harry Cresswell's wife, a white woman caught in the social dynamics of the South.
- [Mrs. Grey](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/mrs_grey.md): Wealthy white woman who hosts social events and influences local politics.
- [John Taylor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/john_taylor.md): Mary Taylor's father, a white businessman involved in local affairs.
- [Mr. Easterly](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/mr_easterly.md): A shrewd white politician and businessman who schemes against the Cresswells.
- [Mr. Teerswell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/mr_teerswell.md): A white businessman and political ally of Easterly.
- [Senator Smith](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/senator_smith.md): A white politician involved in the national political scene.
- [Sam Stillings](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/sam_stillings.md): A white businessman and political operative.
- [Mr. Charles Smith](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/mr_charles_smith.md): A white politician and associate of Senator Smith.
- [Elspeth](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/elspeth.md): An elderly Black woman, a spiritual figure in the community.
- [Helen Cresswell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/helen_cresswell.md): A young white woman, possibly a relative of the Cresswells.
- [The Judge](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/the_judge.md): A local judge who presides over legal matters.
- [Bishop Johnson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/bishop_johnson.md): A bishop in the Black church, a community leader.
- [Robert](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/robert_bertie.md): A young man, possibly a suitor or friend of a main character.
- [Congressman Cresswell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/congressman_cresswell.md): A member of the Cresswell family who becomes a congressman.
- [Mr. Caldwell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/mr_caldwell.md): A white man, possibly a lawyer or businessman.
- [Thompson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/thompson.md): A minor character, possibly a servant or worker.
- [Miss Cresswell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/miss_cresswell.md): A female member of the Cresswell family.
- [Mr. Bocombe](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/mr_bocombe.md): A white man, possibly a merchant or landowner.
- [Mr. Maxwell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/mr_maxwell.md): A white man, possibly a politician or businessman.
- [Rob](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/rob.md): A minor character, possibly a worker or friend.
- [Mr. Tolliver](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/mr_tolliver.md): A white man, possibly a politician or lawyer.
- [Rev. Dr. Boldish](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/rev_dr_boldish.md): A minister, possibly white, who officiates at events.
- [Miss Jones](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/miss_jones.md): A minor female character, possibly a teacher or companion.
- [Mr. Vanderpool](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/mr_vanderpool.md): Mrs. Vanderpool's husband, a wealthy white man.
- [Jim Sykes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/jim_sykes.md): A Black man in the community, possibly a worker.
- [Mr. Stillings](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/mr_stillings.md): A white businessman, possibly related to Sam Stillings.
- [Jack Tolliver](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/jack_tolliver.md): A young white man, possibly a friend of Harry Cresswell.
- [Sanders](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/sanders.md): A minor character, possibly a worker or servant.
- [Carrie Wynn](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/carrie_wynn.md): A young woman, possibly a friend of Zora's.
- [Temple Bocombe](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/temple_bocombe.md): A minor character, possibly related to Mr. Bocombe.
- [Mr. Todd](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/mr_todd.md): A white man, possibly a politician or businessman.
- [Nell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/nell.md): A minor female character, possibly a servant or friend.
- [Jason](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/jason.md): A minor character, possibly a worker or community member.
- [Mr. Cole](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/mr_cole.md): A white man, possibly a merchant or landowner.
- [Helene](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/helene.md): A minor female character, possibly a friend or relative.
- [Mr. Job Grey](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/mr_job_grey.md): A white man, possibly related to Mrs. Grey.
- [Sister Maxwell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/sister_maxwell.md): A woman in the Black community, possibly a church member.
- [Miss Helen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_quest_of_the_silver_fleece_se/characters/miss_helen.md): A minor female character, possibly a teacher or companion.

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