The Rector and The Doctor’s Family · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Rector and The Doctor’s Family by Margaret Oliphant.
Nettie Underwood
major
Also known as Nettie, Miss Marjoribanks, Miss Underwood, Miss Nettie
A courageous and inquisitive young woman who becomes a central figure in the doctor's family.
Dr. Edward Rider
major
Also known as Edward Rider, young Rider, Edward, Ned, Young Rider, Dr. Rider, Dr. Edward, the doctor, young Dr. Rider, poor Dr. Rider
A young doctor struggling with family responsibilities and his own ambitions in Carlingford.
Fred Rider
supporting
Also known as Fred, Poor Fred, Fred Rider, Freddy, young Rider, poor Mr. Fred
The doctor's troubled younger brother, whose actions cause family strain.
The Rector
major
Also known as the Rector, The Rector
The local rector, a thoughtful and observant figure in the community.
Susan Rider
supporting
Also known as Susan, Poor Susan
A long-suffering member of the Rider household, often burdened by family troubles.
Miss Wodehouse
supporting
Also known as Miss Wodehouse, good Miss Wodehouse
A kind and well-meaning spinster in Carlingford society.
Lucy Wodehouse
supporting
Also known as Lucy, Lucy Wodehouse, Miss Lucy, Miss Lucy Wodehouse
A young woman from the Wodehouse family, connected to the rector's circle.
Mr. Wodehouse
minor
Also known as Mr. Wodehouse
A gentleman of Carlingford, father of Lucy and Miss Wodehouse.
Mr. Proctor
minor
Also known as Mr. Proctor, good Mr. Proctor
A local clergyman and colleague of the rector.
Mrs. Proctor
minor
Also known as old Mrs. Proctor, Mrs. Proctor
The elderly mother of Mr. Proctor, living in Carlingford.
Morley Proctor
minor
Also known as Morley, the Reverend Morley Proctor
A young clergyman, son of Mr. Proctor.
Mr. Wentworth
supporting
Also known as Mr. Wentworth, St. Roque, young Wentworth, Wentworth, Young Wentworth, poor Mr. Wentworth
A young minister from St. Roque, involved in local affairs.
Richard Chatham
minor
Also known as Richard Chatham, Richard, Chatham, Mr. Chatham
A local man whose sudden appearance stirs up the community.
Bessie Christian
minor
Also known as Bessie Christian, Bessie
A young woman connected to the Rider family circle.
Mrs. Smith
minor
Also known as Smith, Mrs. Smith, poor Mrs. Smith, dear Mrs. Smith
A local woman, often mentioned in the community's gossip.
Mr. Smith
minor
Also known as Mr. Smith, the virtuous Smith, Smith
Husband of Mrs. Smith, a minor figure in Carlingford.
Molly
minor
Also known as Molly, Mary, the mournful Mary
A servant or dependent in the Rider household.
Dr. Marjoribanks
minor
Also known as Dr. Marjoribanks
A senior doctor in Carlingford, a colleague of young Dr. Rider.
Mr. Bury
minor
Also known as Mr. Bury, old Mr. Bury, Good evangelical Mr. Bury
An elderly evangelical clergyman in the area.
Mrs. Brown
minor
Also known as Mrs. Brown, Mrs. John Brown
A minor character, possibly a neighbor or parishioner.
The Bushman
minor
Also known as The Bushman, the Bushman
A mysterious figure from abroad who appears briefly.
Morgan
minor
Also known as Morgan
A servant or minor functionary in the Rider home.
