Character guide

Mr. Cardan

major

Also known as Cardan, old Cardan, Tom Cardan, Tommy

A cynical, witty old man who observes and comments on the other characters' romantic entanglements.

Mary Thriplow

major

Also known as Miss Thriplow, Mary, Miss Mary, Miss Mary Thriplow, Etty

A young novelist staying at Mrs. Aldwinkle's villa, entangled in romantic complications.

Irene

major

Also known as Irene Aldwinkle, little Irene

Mrs. Aldwinkle's niece, a beautiful and somewhat naive young woman.

Mrs. Aldwinkle

major

Also known as Elisa Bacciochi, Elisa Bonaparte

The wealthy and eccentric hostess of the villa in Italy, obsessed with culture and matchmaking.

Mr. Calamy

major

Also known as Calamy, Dear Calamy, Poor Calamy

A thoughtful and somewhat detached young man who becomes a focus of romantic interest.

Lord Hovenden

supporting

Also known as Hovenden, Young Lord Hovenden

A young, titled Englishman visiting the villa, involved in the romantic intrigues.

Miss Elver

supporting

A quiet, observant guest at the villa, often in the background of conversations.

Mr. Elver

supporting

Also known as Hastily Mr. Elver

Miss Elver's father, a somewhat fussy and conventional older gentleman.

Mr. Chelifer

supporting

Also known as Chelifer, Francis Chelifer, Francis

A poet and journalist, author of an autobiographical fragment within the novel.

Barbara Waters

supporting

Also known as Barbara, the real Barbara

A young woman from Chelifer's past, featured in his autobiographical narrative.

Mr. Falx

supporting

Also known as old Mr. Falx

An elderly, scholarly guest at the villa, often engaged in philosophical discussions.

Aunt Lilian

supporting

Also known as Lilian, poor Lilian, Lilian Aldwinkle

Mrs. Aldwinkle's sister, a hypochondriac with romantic fantasies about young men.

Miss Masson

supporting

Also known as Poor Miss Masson, Dorothy Masson, Dorothy

A friend of the Aldwinkle family, often serving as a confidante.

Miss Carruthers

minor

Also known as Evviva Miss Carruthers

A lively and outspoken young woman among the villa guests.

Mr. Bosk

minor

Also known as old Mr. Bosk

An older gentleman who is part of the villa's social circle.

Grace Elver

minor

Also known as Grace, poor Grace

Mr. Elver's other daughter, less prominent than her sister.

Concetta

minor

Also known as mad Concetta

A local Italian woman, possibly a servant or villager, with a tragic story.

Mr. Parfitt

minor

Also known as Old Mr. Parfitt

An elderly acquaintance of the Aldwinkle family.

Mrs. Cloudesley Shove

minor

Also known as Cloudesley, Cloudesley Shove, Mrs. Cloudesley

A literary woman who is a friend of Mrs. Aldwinkle.

Mrs. Chelifer

minor

Francis Chelifer's mother, mentioned in his autobiography.

Jim

minor

Also known as Darling Jim, darling Jim

A young man romantically involved with Barbara Waters.

Mr. Brimstone

minor

Also known as young Mr. Brimstone, Brimstone

A minor character, possibly a suitor or acquaintance of the Elver family.

Edna

minor

A young woman mentioned in passing, possibly a servant or local.

Mr. Toft

minor

Also known as Poor Mr. Toft, Poor Toft

A minor character, possibly a tradesman or local figure.

Fluffy

minor

Also known as Miss Fluffy

A pet dog belonging to one of the characters at the villa.

Philip Elver

minor

Also known as Philip, Phil, poor Philip Elver

The son of Mr. Elver, a young man with a troubled life.

Mr. Chigwell

minor

Also known as Funny little Mr. Chigwell

A minor character, possibly a visitor or local eccentric.

Prince Papadiamantopoulos

minor

A foreign prince mentioned as part of the social scene.

Lady Giblet

minor

Also known as The Giblet

A minor aristocratic figure mentioned in conversation.

Mr. Fox

minor

Also known as the Fox, old Mr. Fox

A minor character, possibly a neighbor or acquaintance.

Lady Trunion

minor

Also known as the Trunion

A minor aristocratic figure mentioned in passing.

Miss Monad

minor

A minor character, possibly a governess or companion.

Ernest

minor

Also known as old Ernest

A minor character, possibly a servant or local man.

Mrs. Terebinth

minor

Also known as The affaire Terebinth

A woman involved in a scandalous affair mentioned by characters.

Y

minor

Also known as Unfortunately Y

A mysterious figure referenced in a philosophical or literary context.