# Washington Square — Character guide

> Key figures in Washington Square by Henry James.

- [Catherine Sloper](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/washington_square_se/characters/catherine_sloper.md): The plain, gentle heroine whose inheritance attracts fortune-hunting Morris Townsend.
- [Morris Townsend](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/washington_square_se/characters/morris_townsend.md): A charming but penniless suitor who pursues Catherine for her money.
- [Dr. Austin Sloper](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/washington_square_se/characters/dr_austin_sloper.md): Catherine's brilliant, domineering father who opposes her engagement to Morris.
- [Lavinia Penniman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/washington_square_se/characters/lavinia_penniman.md): Catherine's romantic, meddlesome aunt who encourages Morris's courtship.
- [Mrs. Almond](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/washington_square_se/characters/mrs_almond.md): Dr. Sloper's sensible sister and a voice of reason in the family.
- [Mrs. Montgomery](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/washington_square_se/characters/mrs_montgomery.md): Morris Townsend's impoverished, principled sister who warns Catherine.
- [Arthur Townsend](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/washington_square_se/characters/arthur_townsend.md): Morris's cousin, a cheerful young man engaged to Marian Almond.
- [Marian Almond](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/washington_square_se/characters/marian_almond.md): Mrs. Almond's daughter who becomes engaged to Arthur Townsend.
- [John Ludlow](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/washington_square_se/characters/john_ludlow.md): A minor acquaintance mentioned in passing at social gatherings.
- [Mr. Penniman](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/washington_square_se/characters/mr_penniman.md): Lavinia's deceased husband, mentioned only in backstory.
- [Elizabeth](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/washington_square_se/characters/elizabeth.md): Dr. Sloper's deceased first wife and Catherine's mother.

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