Character guide

Henry David Thoreau

major

Also known as Unknown, a true Homeric or Paphlagonian man, mine, myself

The author and narrator who lives simply at Walden Pond, observing nature and society.

John Field

supporting

Also known as Poor John Field!, John

An Irish immigrant farmer struggling to make a living, visited by Thoreau at his home.

John Farmer

minor

A farmer who sits at his door and hears a flute, symbolizing a contemplative life.

Flint

minor

A former owner of the pond's shore, criticized for his materialistic land management.

Col. Quoil

minor

Also known as Quoil

A former soldier and drunkard who lived in a shanty near the pond.

Jack Robinson

minor

A transient worker who helped Thoreau build his house and later moved west.

Brister Freeman

minor

Also known as Brister

A former slave who lived near Walden Pond and had a small farm.

Zilpha

minor

A former slave woman who lived in a hut near the pond and spun linen.

Wyman

minor

Also known as Wyman the potter, Wyman the younger

A potter who lived in a shanty near the pond and sold pottery.

James Collins

minor

Also known as James

An Irishman whose shanty Thoreau bought and moved for his own house.

Hugh Quoil

minor

A former soldier and drunkard who lived in a shanty near the pond.

Cato Ingraham

minor

Also known as Cato

A former slave who lived in a hut near Walden Pond and farmed.

Hermit

minor

A character in a dialogue with the Poet, representing solitude and contemplation.

Mr. Poet

minor

Also known as Poet

A character in a dialogue with the Hermit, representing artistic inspiration.

Old Johnson

minor

An elderly neighbor who visited Thoreau and told stories of the past.

Neighbor Seeley

minor

A neighbor who helped Thoreau raise his house frame.

Tom Hyde

minor

A former resident of the woods known for his independence and poverty.