# The Way of All Flesh — Character guide

> Key figures in The Way of All Flesh by Samuel Butler.

- [Ernest Pontifex](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/ernest_pontifex.md): The protagonist, a sensitive young man struggling with his family and faith.
- [Christina Pontifex](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/christina_pontifex.md): Ernest's mother, a pious and manipulative woman.
- [Theobald Pontifex](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/theobald_pontifex.md): Ernest's father, a stern and oppressive clergyman.
- [George Pontifex](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/george_pontifex.md): Ernest's grandfather, a successful but harsh businessman.
- [Alethea Pontifex](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/alethea_pontifex.md): Ernest's kind and independent aunt who becomes his benefactor.
- [Ellen](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/ellen.md): A servant girl who has a brief romantic involvement with young Ernest.
- [Towneley](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/towneley.md): A charismatic and wealthy schoolfellow of Ernest's at Cambridge.
- [Pryer](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/pryer.md): A cynical clergyman who befriends and exploits Ernest in London.
- [Mrs. Jupp](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mrs_jupp.md): Ernest's landlady in London, a coarse but good-hearted woman.
- [Dr. Skinner](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/dr_skinner.md): The pompous headmaster of Roughborough school.
- [Mrs. Pontifex](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mrs_pontifex_senior.md): George Pontifex's wife and Ernest's grandmother.
- [Charlotte Pontifex](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/charlotte_pontifex.md): Ernest's sister, who is pious and judgmental.
- [Mr. Hawke](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mr_hawke.md): A schoolmaster at Roughborough who torments Ernest.
- [Joseph](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/joseph.md): A servant or acquaintance of the Pontifex family.
- [Mrs. Allaby](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mrs_allaby.md): Christina's mother, a matchmaker for her daughters.
- [Jack](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/jack.md): A minor acquaintance or servant in the story.
- [Mr. Shaw](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mr_shaw.md): A lawyer or business associate of the Pontifex family.
- [Mrs. Cowey](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mrs_cowey.md): A neighbor or acquaintance of the Pontifexes.
- [Samuel Butler](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/samuel_butler.md): The narrator, a friend of the Pontifex family and Ernest's confidant.
- [Gelstrap](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/gelstrap.md): A brutal servant or school official at Roughborough.
- [Badcock](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/badcock.md): A schoolfellow or minor character at Roughborough.
- [Miss Snow](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/miss_snow.md): A young woman associated with Ernest's London life.
- [Mrs. Richards](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mrs_richards.md): A servant or housekeeper for the Pontifex family.
- [Figgins](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/figgins.md): A schoolfellow of Ernest's at Roughborough.
- [Holt](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/holt.md): A tradesman or acquaintance of the Pontifexes.
- [Mr. Baxter](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mr_baxter.md): Neighbors or acquaintances of the Pontifex family.
- [Mrs. Jay](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mrs_jay.md): A minor character, possibly a servant or neighbor.
- [Mrs. Cross](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mrs_cross.md): A minor character, possibly a servant or neighbor.
- [Mr. Overton](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mr_overton.md): The narrator and family friend, also named Overton.
- [Mr. Rollings](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mr_rollings.md): A farmer or tradesman known to the Pontifexes.
- [Bell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/bell_rose.md): Servants or minor characters in the household.
- [Mr. Hughes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mr_hughes.md): A minor character, possibly a tradesman or neighbor.
- [Dr. Martin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/dr_martin.md): A doctor consulted by the Pontifex family.
- [Dawson](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/dawson.md): A minor character, possibly a servant or tradesman.
- [Mrs. Gover](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mrs_gover.md): A minor character, possibly a servant or neighbor.
- [Alice](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/alice.md): A minor character, possibly a servant or acquaintance.
- [Mrs. Jones](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mrs_jones.md): A minor character, possibly a neighbor or servant.
- [Tom Paine](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/tom_paine.md): A minor character, possibly a servant or acquaintance.
- [Jim](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/jim_james.md): A minor character, possibly a servant or acquaintance.
- [Dr. Jones](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/dr_jones.md): A doctor or minor professional acquaintance.
- [Mr. Templer](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mr_templer.md): A minor acquaintance of the Pontifex family.
- [Mr. Larkins](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mr_larkins.md): A minor character, possibly a tradesman or neighbor.
- [Mrs. Goodhew](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mrs_goodhew.md): A minor character, possibly a servant or neighbor.
- [Miss Wright](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/miss_wright.md): An elderly acquaintance of the Pontifex family.
- [Mrs. Burne](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mrs_burne.md): A minor character, possibly a neighbor or servant.
- [Mrs. Holt](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/mrs_holt.md): A minor character, possibly a neighbor or tradesman's wife.
- [Bill](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/bill.md): A servant or minor character in the story.
- [Topsy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_all_flesh_se/characters/topsy.md): A minor character, possibly a servant or child.

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