Character guide

Jane Addams

major

Also known as James Addams, Addams, myself, I

The narrator and founder of Hull House, chronicling her social reform work in Chicago.

Count Tolstoy

supporting

Also known as Tolstoy

Russian writer and philosopher whose ideas on simplicity and labor influenced Addams.

Abraham Lincoln

supporting

Also known as Lincoln, President Lincoln, Mr. Lincoln, Old Abe, the young Lincoln

U.S. President whose moral example shaped Addams's early ideals and reform work.

Miss Starr

supporting

Also known as Ellen Gates Starr

Co-founder of Hull House and close friend of Addams, involved in early settlement activities.

Thomas Davidson

minor

Also known as Tommy

Philosopher and educator who inspired Addams's early intellectual pursuits.

Marcella

minor

A young girl at Hull House whose story illustrates immigrant struggles.

De Quincey

minor

English writer referenced in discussions of literature and addiction.

Mrs. Moran

minor

A neighbor and early contact in the Hull House community.

Mr. Stead

minor

Also known as William T. Stead

Journalist and reformer who collaborated with Addams on civic issues.

Joseph Mazzini

minor

Also known as Mazzini, Joe, Joseph

Italian revolutionary whose writings on democracy influenced Addams.

Mrs. Stevens

minor

A resident or neighbor involved in Hull House activities.

Miss Eleanor Smith

minor

Also known as Miss Smith

Music teacher and contributor to arts programs at Hull House.

President McKinley

minor

U.S. President whose assassination is discussed in the context of social unrest.

Miss Norah Hamilton

minor

Also known as Hull House

Artist and resident at Hull House who contributed to its cultural life.

Polly Keyser

minor

Also known as Polly, Miss Mary Keyser, Mary

A friend or colleague involved in Hull House social clubs.

Jesus

minor

Also known as Christ

Central figure in Christian teachings referenced in Addams's moral reflections.

Mayor Dunne

minor

Chicago mayor who worked with Addams on labor and civic reforms.

Prince Kropotkin

minor

Russian anarchist and thinker whose ideas on mutual aid were discussed.

Gershuni

minor

Russian revolutionary figure mentioned in context of political exiles.

Goosie

minor

A child or nickname character from the Hull House neighborhood.

Albrecht Durer

minor

German artist whose works were studied in Hull House art programs.

Mr. Pullman

minor

Also known as George Pullman

Industrialist whose company town and labor policies were critiqued.

John Hobson

minor

Also known as Mr. John Hobson, John Burns

British economist and reformer who visited Hull House.

Jeanne d'Arc

minor

Also known as Jean Valjean

Historical figure referenced as a symbol of courage and reform.

Evelyn

minor

A young woman or child associated with Hull House stories.

Professor Blaisdell

minor

Academic who lectured or participated in Hull House educational programs.

Walter Besant

minor

Also known as Sir Walter Besant

British author and social reformer whose work influenced Addams.

Mr. Maude

minor

Translator and correspondent of Tolstoy who visited Hull House.

Bronson Alcott

minor

Transcendentalist educator whose ideas on learning were discussed.

Julia C. Lathrop

supporting

Also known as Miss Julia C. Lathrop, Miss Lathrop

Social reformer and resident at Hull House, later head of U.S. Children's Bureau.

Henry George

minor

Economist and author of 'Progress and Poverty,' debated at Hull House.

Florence Kelley

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Florence Kelley, Mrs. Kelley

Labor reformer and resident at Hull House who championed child labor laws.

Dr. Graham Taylor

minor

Also known as Perhaps Dr. Taylor

Social reformer and founder of Chicago Commons settlement house.

Luther

minor

Historical religious reformer referenced in discussions of social change.

John Trevor

minor

British labor leader and founder of the Labour Church movement.

Professor Masurek

minor

Academic who lectured on Slavic cultures at Hull House.

Dr. Alice Hamilton

supporting

Also known as Dr. Hamilton

Physician and toxicologist, resident at Hull House, pioneer in industrial medicine.

Maxim Gorky

minor

Also known as Gorky

Russian writer and revolutionary whose visit to America is discussed.

John Ruskin

minor

Also known as Ruskin

Art critic and social thinker whose ideas influenced Hull House arts.

Bellerophon

minor

Mythological figure referenced in literary discussions at Hull House.

Dr. Gillette

minor

Physician who assisted with medical work at Hull House.

Professor Davidson

minor

Academic who participated in Hull House educational forums.

Koerner

minor

German poet and patriot referenced in immigrant cultural discussions.

Henry D. Lloyd

minor

Also known as Mr. Henry D. Lloyd, Mr. Lloyd

Journalist and reformer who collaborated with Addams on labor issues.

Governor Altgeld

minor

Illinois governor who pardoned Haymarket anarchists, admired by Addams.

John Dewey

minor

Also known as Dr. Dewey, Dr. John Dewey

Philosopher and educator who collaborated with Hull House on progressive education.

Judas

minor

Biblical figure referenced in moral discussions at Hull House.