# The Wings of the Dove — Character guide

> Key figures in The Wings of the Dove by Henry James.

- [Merton Densher](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/merton_densher.md): A journalist and Kate Croy's secret lover, central to the plot's romantic and moral conflicts.
- [Kate Croy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/kate_croy.md): Ambitious young woman entangled in a love triangle and a scheme involving Milly Theale.
- [Milly Theale](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/milly_theale.md): A wealthy, dying American heiress whose kindness and illness drive the novel's central tragedy.
- [Susan Stringham](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/susan_stringham.md): Milly's devoted companion and confidante, a writer who accompanies her to Europe.
- [Lord Mark](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/lord_mark.md): An aristocratic suitor to Milly whose actions have devastating consequences.
- [Maud Lowder](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/maud_lowder.md): Kate's wealthy, domineering aunt who schemes to control her niece's marriage.
- [Sir Luke Strett](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/sir_luke_strett.md): The eminent physician who diagnoses Milly's fatal illness and advises her.
- [Marian Condrip](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/marian_condrip.md): Kate's widowed sister, struggling with poverty and her children.
- [Eugenio](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/eugenio.md): Milly's Italian courier and servant in Venice.
- [Lionel Croy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/lionel_croy.md): Kate's disreputable, estranged father who seeks money from her.
- [Mrs. Densher](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/mrs_densher.md): Merton Densher's mother, a minor figure in his background.
- [Mr. Condrip](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/mr_condrip.md): Marian's deceased husband, mentioned as a clergyman.
- [Lady Aldershaw](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/lady_aldershaw.md): A society acquaintance encountered at a party.
- [Lady Wells](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/lady_wells.md): A minor society figure mentioned in conversation.
- [Dr. Finch](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wings_of_the_dove_se/characters/dr_finch.md): A doctor briefly mentioned in relation to Milly's care.

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