Character guide

Jefferson Campbell

major

Also known as Dr. Jefferson Campbell, Jeff Campbell, Jeff, Dr. Jeff, Dr. Campbell

A young black doctor who becomes Melanctha's lover and struggles with her emotional intensity.

Melanctha Herbert

major

Also known as Melanctha, Miss Melanctha

A passionate, restless young woman seeking love and meaning in a small town.

Anna Federner

major

Also known as the good Anna, Anna, Poor Anna

A devoted German servant who manages her mistresses' households with fierce loyalty.

Lena Mainz

major

Also known as Lena, the Gentle Lena, poor Lena

A docile, passive German girl who becomes a servant and later a wife.

Jane Harden

supporting

Also known as Jane

A worldly, dissipated woman who mentors Melanctha in her youth.

Rose Johnson

supporting

Also known as Rose

A selfish, lazy black woman who is Melanctha's friend and later neglects her.

Herman Kreder

supporting

Also known as Herman, old Kreder

A German tailor who marries Lena and becomes controlling.

Mrs. Lehntman

supporting

Also known as the widow Mrs. Lehntman

A midwife and Anna's close friend, who often takes advantage of Anna's generosity.

Jem Richards

supporting

Also known as Jem

A gambler and Melanctha's lover after Jeff, who treats her poorly.

Mrs. Haydon

minor

Also known as poor Mrs. Haydon

Anna's first mistress, a kind but ineffectual woman.

Sam Johnson

minor

Also known as Sam

Rose's husband, a hardworking but passive man.

Miss Mary Wadsmith

supporting

Also known as Mary, Miss Mary, Mary Wadsmith

A wealthy, elderly woman who employs Anna for many years.

Julia Lehntman

minor

Also known as Julia

Mrs. Lehntman's daughter, a flighty young woman.

Molly

minor

Also known as a melancholy Molly, Irish Mary

An Irish servant girl who works with Anna.

Mrs. Drehten

minor

Also known as good Mrs. Drehten

A German woman who boards with Anna and later becomes her companion.

Sallie

minor

Also known as Sally, little Sally

A young girl who works as a servant in the Wadsmith household.

Peter

minor

Also known as this Peter

A young man who briefly courts Melanctha.

James Herbert

minor

Also known as Herbert

Melanctha's father, a black man who abandons the family.

Mathilda Haydon

minor

Also known as Mathilda

Anna's cousin, a dull, fat girl who comes to live with her.

Old Katie

minor

Also known as Katy, old Katy

An elderly German woman who works as a servant.

Baby

minor

Also known as old Baby, little Baby

Anna's blind, elderly dog, whom she dotes on.

Miss Annie

minor

A young woman who works as a servant in the Wadsmith house.

Miss Jane

minor

Also known as little Jane, Jane

A young girl who is a friend of the Wadsmith family.

John

minor

Also known as the good John

A servant who works for Mrs. Lehntman.

Mrs. Aldrich

minor

Also known as Aldrich

A wealthy woman who employs Anna briefly.

Sis

minor

A young black girl who works as a servant.

Mrs. Federner

minor

Anna's mother, a poor German widow.

Old Mr. Kreder

minor

Also known as Mr. Kreder

Herman's father, a strict German tailor.

Dr. Shonjen

minor

Also known as jolly Dr. Shonjen

A jovial doctor who treats Anna in her final illness.

Rags

minor

Also known as little Rags, jolly little Rags

A small, lively dog owned by Mrs. Lehntman.

Charley

minor

A young man who works as a servant.

Mr. Haydon

minor

Mrs. Haydon's husband, a shadowy figure.

Willie

minor

A young boy who works as a servant.

Bertha Haydon

minor

Also known as Bertha

Mrs. Haydon's daughter, a sickly child.

Lily

minor

A young girl who works as a servant.

Lizzie

minor

Also known as the pretty, cheerful Lizzie

A cheerful servant girl who works with Anna.

Aunt Mathilda

minor

Also known as Mathilda

Anna's aunt, who helps raise her.