Character guide

Catherine Sloper

major

Also known as Catherine Harrington, Catherine, Poor Catherine, Miss Catherine Harrington, X Catherine, our heroine, Miss Sloper

The plain, gentle heroine whose inheritance attracts fortune-hunting Morris Townsend.

Morris Townsend

major

Also known as Mr. Townsend, Morris, Townsend, Morris Townsend, Mr. Morris Townsend, young Townsend

A charming but penniless suitor who pursues Catherine for her money.

Dr. Austin Sloper

major

Also known as the Doctor, Dr. Sloper, Austin Sloper, Austin, Dear Austin, little Dr. Sloper

Catherine's brilliant, domineering father who opposes her engagement to Morris.

Lavinia Penniman

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Penniman, Penniman, Aunt Penniman, Lavinia, Aunt Lavinia, dear Lavinia, the impulsive Lavinia

Catherine's romantic, meddlesome aunt who encourages Morris's courtship.

Mrs. Almond

supporting

Also known as Almond, this Mrs. Almond

Dr. Sloper's sensible sister and a voice of reason in the family.

Mrs. Montgomery

minor

Also known as poor Mrs. Montgomery

Morris Townsend's impoverished, principled sister who warns Catherine.

Arthur Townsend

minor

Also known as Arthur, young Townsend

Morris's cousin, a cheerful young man engaged to Marian Almond.

Marian Almond

minor

Also known as Marian

Mrs. Almond's daughter who becomes engaged to Arthur Townsend.

John Ludlow

minor

A minor acquaintance mentioned in passing at social gatherings.

Mr. Penniman

minor

Lavinia's deceased husband, mentioned only in backstory.

Elizabeth

minor

Dr. Sloper's deceased first wife and Catherine's mother.