Character guide

Elizabeth Ann

major

Also known as Betsy, Ann, Eliza, little Elizabeth Ann, poor Betsy, Elizabeth Ann⁠, Elizabeth AnnвБ†вАФnothing

The protagonist, a timid orphan who grows into a confident, independent girl on a Vermont farm.

Abigail

major

Also known as Aunt Abigail, Abby, rosy Aunt Abigail, your Aunt Abigail and your Uncle Henry

Betsy's kind, practical aunt who raises her on the Putney farm with Uncle Henry.

Henry

major

Also known as Uncle Henry, Harry

Betsy's gentle, hardworking uncle who teaches her farm life and self-reliance.

Cousin Ann

supporting

Also known as Ann, Annie, your Cousin Ann that lifted you down, Cousin . Ann

A cousin who helps care for Betsy early on and later appears in the story.

Cousin Molly Lathrop

supporting

Also known as Cousin Molly, Molly, little Molly, May, Little Molly, Maria Wendell

A lively cousin who becomes Betsy's friend and companion at school.

Aunt Frances

supporting

Also known as Frances, sweet Aunt Frances, whose feelings were so easily hurt and who had given her so many years of such anxious care

Betsy's overprotective aunt who raised her before sending her to the Putney farm.

Lias Brewster

supporting

Also known as Lias, little ’ Lias Brewster, Little ’ Lias

A shy, kind boy who becomes Betsy's friend at school.

Shep

supporting

Also known as old Shep, Old Shep

The family dog who accompanies Betsy on her adventures.

Ralph

minor

A boy at school who interacts with Betsy and the other children.

Eleanor

minor

Also known as Little Eleanor

A younger girl who becomes Betsy's friend and sewing circle member.

Aunt Harriet

minor

Also known as Harriet

Betsy's aunt who initially has a cough and is part of the family circle.

the doctor

minor

Also known as The doctor

The local physician who attends to the family and offers advice.

Mr. Pond

minor

A neighbor who helps with farm tasks and appears in the story.

Ellen Peters

minor

Also known as Ellen

A girl at school who is part of Betsy's social circle.

Deborah

minor

Also known as Debby

A woman who helps with household chores and appears briefly.

Grace

minor

A girl at school who interacts with Betsy.

Mother

minor

Betsy's deceased mother, mentioned in memories and family talk.

Stashie Monahan

minor

Also known as Stashie, big Stashie

A boy at school who is part of the children's group.

the Wendells

minor

Also known as The Wendells

A family mentioned as neighbors or acquaintances.

Father

minor

Betsy's deceased father, mentioned in family background.

William Vaughan

minor

Also known as Vaughan, Will Vaughan

A boy who appears in the story and interacts with Betsy.

Cousin James Lathrop

minor

Also known as thereвАЩs James, Cousin James LathropвАЩs

A relative mentioned in the family network.

Miss Ann

minor

A woman who appears briefly in the story.

the Vaughans

minor

A family mentioned as neighbors or acquaintances.

Mr. Plimpton

minor

A man who appears in the story briefly.

Frank

minor

A boy at school who is part of the children's group.

Miss Benton

minor

A teacher at Betsy's school.

Mrs. Wendell

minor

A woman mentioned in the story.

Mercy

minor

A woman who appears briefly in the narrative.

Matey

minor

A minor character mentioned in the story.