# The Wood Beyond the World — Character guide

> Key figures in The Wood Beyond the World by William Morris.

- [Golden Walter](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wood_beyond_the_world_se/characters/golden_walter.md): A young merchant who embarks on a sea voyage and becomes entangled in a strange, magical land.
- [The Maid](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wood_beyond_the_world_se/characters/the_maid.md): A mysterious and powerful young woman who aids Walter in the Wood Beyond the World.
- [The Lady](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wood_beyond_the_world_se/characters/the_lady.md): A sorceress and ruler of the golden house in the wood, who holds Walter captive.
- [The Old Man](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wood_beyond_the_world_se/characters/the_old_man.md): A wise hermit who gives Walter guidance and information about the strange land.
- [Bartholomew Golden](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wood_beyond_the_world_se/characters/bartholomew_golden.md): Walter's father, a wealthy merchant who dies early in the story.
- [Arnold Penstrong](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wood_beyond_the_world_se/characters/arnold_penstrong.md): A shipmaster and loyal friend to Walter, who accompanies him on his voyage.
- [The Bears](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wood_beyond_the_world_se/characters/the_bears.md): A tribe of fierce, bear-like warriors encountered by Walter and the Maid.
- [The Dwarf](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wood_beyond_the_world_se/characters/the_dwarf.md): A malevolent dwarf servant of the Lady, who spies on Walter and the Maid.
- [The King's Son](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wood_beyond_the_world_se/characters/the_king_s_son.md): A prince from a distant land who becomes a rival to Walter.
- [The Shipmaster](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wood_beyond_the_world_se/characters/the_shipmaster.md): The captain of the Bartholomew, who navigates the storm and new land.
- [Sir Squire](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wood_beyond_the_world_se/characters/sir_squire.md): A knight of Stark Wall who serves the new king.
- [The Reddings](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wood_beyond_the_world_se/characters/the_reddings.md): A group of red-clad warriors who attack Walter and the Maid.
- [Adam](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wood_beyond_the_world_se/characters/adam.md): A servant or companion mentioned briefly in the narrative.
- [Forsooth](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wood_beyond_the_world_se/characters/forsooth.md): A minor character or personification, possibly a herald or speaker.

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