# The Water-Babies — Character guide

> Key figures in The Water-Babies by Charles Kingsley.

- [Tom](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_babies_se/characters/tom.md): A young chimney sweep who becomes a water baby and embarks on a transformative journey.
- [Mr. Grimes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_babies_se/characters/mr_grimes.md): Tom's harsh master, a chimney sweep who later faces consequences for his cruelty.
- [Ellie](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_babies_se/characters/miss_ellie.md): A kind little girl who befriends Tom and helps guide him in his new life.
- [Sir John Harthover](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_babies_se/characters/sir_john_harthover.md): A wealthy landowner who employs Tom and later becomes involved in his adventures.
- [Mother Carey](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_babies_se/characters/mother_carey.md): A powerful fairy who oversees the water babies and dispenses wisdom and justice.
- [Mrs. Bedonebyasyoudid](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_babies_se/characters/mrs_bedonebyasyoudid.md): A stern fairy who punishes naughty children and teaches moral lessons.
- [Mrs. Doasyouwouldbedoneby](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_babies_se/characters/mrs_doasyouwouldbedoneby.md): A kind fairy who rewards good behavior and embodies the golden rule.
- [The Doasyoulikes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_babies_se/characters/the_doasyoulikes.md): A lazy tribe of people who do whatever they please and suffer the consequences.
- [Cousin Cramchild](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_babies_se/characters/cousin_cramchild.md): A pedantic and overbearing relative who lectures others on education.
- [St. Brandan](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_babies_se/characters/brandan.md): A legendary saint mentioned in the story's mythological framework.
- [Epimetheus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_babies_se/characters/epimetheus.md): A figure from Greek myth who appears in the narrative's allegorical sections.
- [Prometheus](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_babies_se/characters/prometheus.md): A Titan from Greek mythology referenced in the story's moral lessons.
- [Dennis](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_babies_se/characters/dennis.md): A minor character who appears briefly in Tom's adventures.
- [Bumpsterhausen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_babies_se/characters/bumpsterhausen.md): A comical figure who appears in the water-baby world.
- [Mr. Lobster](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_babies_se/characters/valiant_mr_lobster.md): A brave lobster who interacts with Tom underwater.
- [Lady Gairfowl](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_babies_se/characters/the_gairfowl.md): An ancient seabird who tells Tom about the history of the world.
- [Tomtoddies](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_babies_se/characters/tomtoddies.md): A group of creatures who represent conformity and foolishness.
- [Aunt Agitate](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_babies_se/characters/aunt_agitate.md): A minor character who stirs up trouble in the narrative.
- [Herrwiggius](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_babies_se/characters/herrwiggius.md): A pompous academic figure satirized in the story.
- [Kenelm Digby](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_babies_se/characters/kenelm_digby.md): A historical figure briefly mentioned in the narrative.
- [Pope Gregory](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_babies_se/characters/old_pope_gregory.md): A historical pope referenced in the story's allusions.
- [Professor Owen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_babies_se/characters/professor_owen.md): A real-life scientist mentioned in the book's commentary.
- [The Baltas](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_babies_se/characters/the_baltas.md): A group of people referenced in the story's moral allegory.

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