Character guide

Fred Brent

major

Also known as Freddie, Freddie Brent, Frederick Brent, young Brent

The protagonist, a young man raised by Miss Prime after his mother's death.

Miss Hester Prime

major

Also known as Miss Prime, Hester Prime, Hester

A strict, religious woman who raises Fred Brent after his mother's death.

Eliphalet Hodges

supporting

Also known as Hodges, Brother Hodges, Liphalet Hodges, Uncle 'Liphalet

A deacon and friend of Miss Prime, often involved in church affairs.

Mrs. Hester Hodges

supporting

Also known as Aunt Hester, Mrs. Hodges

Eliphalet Hodges' wife, a kind woman who cares for Fred.

Mrs. Sallie Martin

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Martin, Sallie Martin, Sally Martin

A neighbor and friend of the Hodges family.

Tom Brent

supporting

Also known as old Tom Brent

Fred's father, a drunkard who abandoned the family.

Elizabeth Simpson

supporting

Also known as Lizzie

A young woman courted by Fred, later his love interest.

Mr. Simpson

minor

Also known as The Rev. Mr. Simpson

Elizabeth's father, a minister in the community.

Mr. Perkins

minor

Also known as young Perkins

A local man who interacts with Fred and the community.

Mrs. Warren

minor

A widow who boards Fred when he returns to town.

Mrs. Davis

minor

A neighbor and mother of Sophy and Melissy.

Daniel Hastings

minor

Also known as Dan'l Hastings, old Dan'l Hastings

An elderly man in the community, often consulted for wisdom.

Old Bess

minor

Also known as Bess

An elderly servant or helper in the Hodges household.

Melissy Davis

minor

Daughter of Mrs. Davis, a young girl in the neighborhood.

Margaret Brent

minor

Also known as Margar't Brent, poor Margar't Brent

Fred's deceased mother, who died when he was young.

Willie Tompkins

minor

Also known as Billy Tompkins, Bill Tompkins

A boyhood friend of Fred's in the village.

Sophy Davis

minor

Another daughter of Mrs. Davis, friend of the family.

Mrs. Smith

minor

Also known as Mis' Smith

A minor character in the community, often mentioned in passing.

Mrs. Jones

minor

A neighbor, occasionally referenced in community gossip.

Mrs. Austin

minor

A woman in the town, mentioned briefly.

John

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant or laborer.

Dexter

minor

A horse owned by the Hodges family.

Thomas Donaldson

minor

A man from the community, mentioned in passing.

Mr. Daniels

minor

A local resident, briefly referenced.

Little Mary

minor

A child in the village, mentioned in passing.

Mag

minor

A minor female character, possibly a servant.

Sister Prime

minor

Another name for Miss Hester Prime used in church contexts.