Character guide

Mary Lennox

major

Also known as Mistress Mary, sour little Mary, Mistress Mary Quite Contrary, Susan Ann, little Susan Ann, Miss Mary, Sarah Ann

A sour, lonely girl sent to live at Misselthwaite Manor after her parents die in India.

Colin Craven

major

Also known as Master Colin, Mester Colin, Poor Colin, the young Rajah, the Rajah, Rajah

Archibald Craven's sickly, tyrannical son who believes he is dying and rarely leaves his room.

Dickon Sowerby

major

Also known as Our Dickon, X Dickon, Dickon lad, Susan Sowerby's boy Dickon

A kind, animal-loving Yorkshire boy who helps Mary and Colin restore the secret garden.

Martha Sowerby

supporting

Also known as Yorkshire Martha, Presently Martha, Martha Phœbe Sowerby, agitated Martha, IV Martha

A cheerful maid at Misselthwaite Manor who befriends Mary and tells her about the secret garden.

Ben Weatherstaff

supporting

Also known as old Ben Weatherstaff, old Ben, Weatherstaff

A gruff old gardener who tends the grounds and knows the secret of the hidden garden.

Mrs. Medlock

supporting

Also known as Medlock, poor Mrs. Medlock

The stern housekeeper at Misselthwaite Manor who oversees Mary's care.

Archibald Craven

supporting

Also known as Mr. Archibald Craven, Mr. Craven, Craven, Master Craven, Archie, Mester Craven

Colin's grieving, reclusive father who owns Misselthwaite Manor.

Dr. Craven

minor

Colin's physician cousin who indulges Colin's belief that he is ill.

Mrs. Sowerby

supporting

Also known as Susan Sowerby, Susan, Mother

Dickon and Martha's wise, kind mother who supports the children's secret.

Mr. Roach

minor

Also known as Roach

The head gardener at Misselthwaite Manor who oversees the outdoor staff.

Basil

minor

A boy Mary played with briefly in India before her parents died.

Mrs. Craven

minor

Also known as the Mem Sahib, The Mem Sahib, the Mem Sahib—Mary

Archibald's late wife who died in the secret garden accident.

Captain Lennox

minor

Also known as Captain

Mary's father, a British army officer who died of cholera in India.

Ayah

minor

Also known as The Ayah, her Ayah

Mary's Indian nursemaid who died of cholera.

Pitcher

minor

Also known as Mr. Pitcher

Mr. Craven's loyal valet at Misselthwaite Manor.

Bob Haworth

minor

Also known as Bob

A local farmer who helps with garden work at the manor.

Jem Fettleworth

minor

Also known as Jem

A local man mentioned in passing by the Yorkshire characters.

Bess Fettleworth

minor

A local woman mentioned in passing by the Yorkshire characters.

Mrs. Crawford

minor

A woman who knew Mary's mother in India.

Colonel McGrew

minor

A military acquaintance of Mary's father in India.

Lizabeth Ellen

minor

Also known as Ellen

A local girl mentioned by Martha as a friend.

John

minor

A servant at Misselthwaite Manor mentioned briefly.