Character guide

Little Billee

major

Also known as Billee

A charming young artist and central figure in the Parisian bohemian circle.

Trilby

major

Also known as Trilby demeura, Poor Trilby, Dear Trilby

A beautiful model and singer whose life becomes entwined with the artists.

Taffy

supporting

Also known as old Taffy, big Taffy, the good Taffy, Taffy Wynne

A large, good-natured artist and friend to Little Billee and the Laird.

Svengali

major

Also known as la Svengali, Madame Svengali, Poor Svengali

A mysterious and manipulative musician who exerts a powerful influence.

Mrs. Bagot

supporting

Also known as poor Mrs. Bagot, Blanche Bagot

Little Billee's mother, concerned for her son's welfare.

Gecko

supporting

Also known as little Gecko, Poor Gecko, Dear Gecko

A devoted violinist and member of Svengali's musical circle.

Marta

supporting

Also known as Poor Marta, the good Marta, old Marta

Trilby's loyal and caring maid.

The Laird

supporting

Also known as Laird, Laird of Cockpen, Cockpen

A Scottish artist and friend, known for his eccentric French grammar.

Dodor

minor

Also known as Madame Dodor

A friend and fellow artist in the Parisian circle.

Zouzou

minor

Also known as the good Zouzou

A friend and fellow artist in the Parisian circle.

Madame Vinard

minor

A landlady or local figure in the artists' neighborhood.

Monsieur J⸺

minor

Also known as poor Monsieur J⸺

A minor acquaintance in the Parisian art world.

Monsieur Passefil

minor

Also known as Passefil

A minor character in the artists' social circle.

Madame Cantharidi

minor

Also known as the lively Madame Cantharidi, old Cantharidi

A lively older woman in the Parisian setting.

Jeannot

minor

Also known as little Jeannot

A young boy or minor figure in the narrative.

Willie

minor

Also known as Willy

A minor character, possibly a friend or relative.

Sir Louis Cornelys

minor

A titled gentleman who appears in the story.

Lord Witlow

minor

Also known as young Lord Witlow

A young nobleman mentioned in the narrative.

Durien

minor

Also known as Monsieur Durien

A minor character in the artists' milieu.

Sir Oliver Calthorpe

minor

Also known as Sir Oliver

A minor aristocratic figure in the story.

Sandy McAlister

minor

Also known as Sandy, McAlister, dear Sandy McAlister

A Scottish friend of the artists.

Blanche Bagot

minor

Also known as Blanche, dear Blanche Bagot

Little Billee's sister.

Monsieur Vinard

minor

Also known as Vinard

A minor character, possibly Madame Vinard's husband.

Lavinia Hunks

minor

Also known as Miss Lavinia Hunks, Miss Hunks

A minor female character.

Lorrimer

minor

A minor character, possibly an artist.

Carrel

minor

Also known as Monsieur Carrel

A minor character in the Parisian setting.

Mademoiselle Ernestine

minor

A minor female character.

William Bagot

minor

Also known as Bagot, William, Mr. William Bagot

Little Billee's father.

Lady Cornelys

minor

Also known as Cornelys

A minor aristocratic figure.

Angèle Boisse

minor

Also known as Angèle

A minor female character.

Sir Oscar Wynne

minor

Also known as Sir Oscar

A minor aristocratic figure.

Colin Maigret

minor

Also known as a poor casseur de pierres

A poor stone-breaker living in the Impasse des Taupes.

Mathieu

minor

A minor character.

Litrebili

minor

A minor character, possibly a nickname.