# Understood Betsy — Character guide

> Key figures in Understood Betsy by Dorothy Canfield Fisher.

- [Elizabeth Ann](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/elizabeth_ann.md): The protagonist, a timid orphan who grows into a confident, independent girl on a Vermont farm.
- [Abigail](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/abigail.md): Betsy's kind, practical aunt who raises her on the Putney farm with Uncle Henry.
- [Henry](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/henry.md): Betsy's gentle, hardworking uncle who teaches her farm life and self-reliance.
- [Cousin Ann](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/cousin_ann.md): A cousin who helps care for Betsy early on and later appears in the story.
- [Cousin Molly Lathrop](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/cousin_molly.md): A lively cousin who becomes Betsy's friend and companion at school.
- [Aunt Frances](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/aunt_frances.md): Betsy's overprotective aunt who raised her before sending her to the Putney farm.
- [Lias Brewster](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/lias_brewster.md): A shy, kind boy who becomes Betsy's friend at school.
- [Shep](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/shep.md): The family dog who accompanies Betsy on her adventures.
- [Ralph](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/ralph.md): A boy at school who interacts with Betsy and the other children.
- [Eleanor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/eleanor.md): A younger girl who becomes Betsy's friend and sewing circle member.
- [Aunt Harriet](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/aunt_harriet.md): Betsy's aunt who initially has a cough and is part of the family circle.
- [the doctor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/the_doctor.md): The local physician who attends to the family and offers advice.
- [Mr. Pond](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/mr_pond.md): A neighbor who helps with farm tasks and appears in the story.
- [Ellen Peters](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/ellen_peters.md): A girl at school who is part of Betsy's social circle.
- [Deborah](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/deborah.md): A woman who helps with household chores and appears briefly.
- [Grace](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/grace.md): A girl at school who interacts with Betsy.
- [Mother](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/mother.md): Betsy's deceased mother, mentioned in memories and family talk.
- [Stashie Monahan](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/stashie_monahan.md): A boy at school who is part of the children's group.
- [the Wendells](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/the_wendells.md): A family mentioned as neighbors or acquaintances.
- [Father](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/father.md): Betsy's deceased father, mentioned in family background.
- [William Vaughan](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/william_vaughan.md): A boy who appears in the story and interacts with Betsy.
- [Cousin James Lathrop](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/cousin_james.md): A relative mentioned in the family network.
- [Miss Ann](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/miss_ann.md): A woman who appears briefly in the story.
- [the Vaughans](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/the_vaughans.md): A family mentioned as neighbors or acquaintances.
- [Frank](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/frank.md): A boy at school who is part of the children's group.
- [Mercy](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/mercy.md): A woman who appears briefly in the narrative.
- [Matey](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters/matey.md): A minor character mentioned in the story.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/understood_betsy_se/characters