Character guide

The Governess

major

Also known as Unknown, me, I, my friend

The unnamed young governess who comes to Bly and becomes obsessed with protecting the children.

Miles

major

Also known as little Miles, Master Miles, Little Miles, Dear little Miles, dear little Miles, the boy, dear little Miles, Master Miles

The young boy at Bly, recently expelled from school, who the governess believes is threatened by ghosts.

Mrs. Grose

supporting

Also known as poor Mrs. Grose, poor scared Mrs. Grose

The housekeeper at Bly, confidante to the governess and caretaker of the children.

Flora

supporting

Also known as little Flora, Miss Flora, dear little Flora, Flora

The young girl at Bly, sister of Miles, who becomes distant under the governess's scrutiny.

Miss Jessel

supporting

Also known as woman

The deceased former governess at Bly who appears as a ghostly figure to the current governess.

Peter Quint

supporting

Also known as Quint, Mr. Quint, Peter

The deceased former valet at Bly who appears as a ghost and is believed to corrupt Miles.

Douglas

minor

Also known as Poor Douglas

The man who introduces the governess's manuscript to the house party in the prologue.

The Master

minor

Also known as the master, The master

The children's uncle and employer who hires the governess and forbids her from contacting him.

Griffin

minor

Also known as Mrs. Griffin

A member of the house party listening to Douglas's story in the prologue.

Luke

minor

A servant at Bly who brings the governess a letter about Miles's expulsion.