Character guide

Ernest Pontifex

major

Also known as Ernest, Mr. Pontifex, Master Ernest, the wretched Ernest, dear Ernest

The protagonist, a sensitive young man struggling with his family and faith.

Christina Pontifex

major

Also known as Christina, Dearest Miss Christina, Christiana

Ernest's mother, a pious and manipulative woman.

Theobald Pontifex

major

Also known as Theobald, Dear Theobald, the Rev. Theobald Pontifex, the inexorable Theobald

Ernest's father, a stern and oppressive clergyman.

George Pontifex

supporting

Also known as Pontifex, Mr. Pontifex, old Mr. Pontifex, George, little George

Ernest's grandfather, a successful but harsh businessman.

Alethea Pontifex

major

Also known as Alethea, Miss Alethea Pontifex, Miss Pontifex, Aunt Alethea

Ernest's kind and independent aunt who becomes his benefactor.

Ellen

supporting

Also known as that lass Ellen, lass Ellen

A servant girl who has a brief romantic involvement with young Ernest.

Towneley

supporting

A charismatic and wealthy schoolfellow of Ernest's at Cambridge.

Pryer

supporting

Also known as LXI Pryer

A cynical clergyman who befriends and exploits Ernest in London.

Mrs. Jupp

supporting

Also known as poor old Jupp, Mrs. Jupp the landlady, Poor old Jupp

Ernest's landlady in London, a coarse but good-hearted woman.

Dr. Skinner

supporting

Also known as the famous Dr. Skinner of Roughborough, Skinner

The pompous headmaster of Roughborough school.

Mrs. Pontifex

minor

Also known as old Mrs. Pontifex, John Pontifex, Mrs. John Pontifex

George Pontifex's wife and Ernest's grandmother.

Charlotte Pontifex

supporting

Also known as Charlotte, Miss Charlotte, Charlotte one

Ernest's sister, who is pious and judgmental.

Mr. Hawke

minor

A schoolmaster at Roughborough who torments Ernest.

Joseph

minor

Also known as Joey, Joe King

A servant or acquaintance of the Pontifex family.

Mrs. Allaby

minor

Also known as Mr. Allaby, enthusiastic Mrs. Allaby, old Mr. Allaby

Christina's mother, a matchmaker for her daughters.

Jack

minor

A minor acquaintance or servant in the story.

Mr. Shaw

minor

A lawyer or business associate of the Pontifex family.

Mrs. Cowey

minor

A neighbor or acquaintance of the Pontifexes.

Miss Maitland

minor

A young woman admired by Ernest.

Samuel Butler

supporting

Also known as Sam

The narrator, a friend of the Pontifex family and Ernest's confidant.

Gelstrap

minor

A brutal servant or school official at Roughborough.

Mrs. Skinner

minor

Also known as Skinner

Dr. Skinner's wife.

Badcock

minor

A schoolfellow or minor character at Roughborough.

Miss Snow

minor

Also known as Miss Emily Snow

A young woman associated with Ernest's London life.

Mrs. Thompson

minor

Also known as the Mrs. Thompson

A landlady or neighbor in London.

Mrs. Richards

minor

A servant or housekeeper for the Pontifex family.

Figgins

minor

Also known as Mr. Figgins, young Figgins

A schoolfellow of Ernest's at Roughborough.

Holt

minor

Also known as Mr. Holt, a Mr. Holt

A tradesman or acquaintance of the Pontifexes.

Mr. Baxter

minor

Also known as Mrs. Baxter, Mr. and Mrs. Baxter

Neighbors or acquaintances of the Pontifex family.

Mrs. Jay

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant or neighbor.

Mrs. Cross

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant or neighbor.

Susan

minor

A servant in the Pontifex household.

Mr. Fairlie

minor

Also known as a Mr. Fairlie

A minor acquaintance of the Pontifexes.

Mr. Overton

supporting

Also known as Overton

The narrator and family friend, also named Overton.

Mr. Rollings

minor

Also known as old Rollings

A farmer or tradesman known to the Pontifexes.

Bell

minor

Also known as Rose

Servants or minor characters in the household.

Mr. Hughes

minor

A minor character, possibly a tradesman or neighbor.

Dr. Martin

minor

A doctor consulted by the Pontifex family.

Dawson

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant or tradesman.

Mr. Ottery

minor

A minor acquaintance of the Pontifexes.

Eliza Allaby

minor

Also known as Elizabeth, Elizabeth Allaby

One of Christina's sisters.

Mrs. Gover

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant or neighbor.

Alice

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant or acquaintance.

Mrs. Jones

minor

Also known as Jones

A minor character, possibly a neighbor or servant.

Tom Paine

minor

Also known as Tom

A minor character, possibly a servant or acquaintance.

Jim

minor

Also known as James

A minor character, possibly a servant or acquaintance.

Maria

minor

A servant in the Pontifex household.

Dr. Jones

minor

A doctor or minor professional acquaintance.

Mr. Templer

minor

A minor acquaintance of the Pontifex family.

Mr. Larkins

minor

A minor character, possibly a tradesman or neighbor.

Mrs. Goodhew

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant or neighbor.

Miss Wright

minor

Also known as old Miss Wright

An elderly acquaintance of the Pontifex family.

Miss Allaby

minor

Also known as a Miss Allaby

One of Christina's unmarried sisters.

Mrs. Burne

minor

A minor character, possibly a neighbor or servant.

Mrs. Holt

minor

Also known as poor Mrs. Holt

A minor character, possibly a neighbor or tradesman's wife.

Bill

minor

A servant or minor character in the story.

Topsy

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant or child.