Anthony Adverse

Anthony Adverse, the illegitimate son of Denis Moore and Maria; grandson and heir of John Bonnyfeather, under whom he serves as an apprentice. Anthony becomes a slave trader in Africa and a banker, businessman, and plantation owner in New Orleans. Successively captured by Indians and by soldiers, he is imprisoned in Mexico and later bleeds to death after an accident there. Anthony is more a romantic, daring man of action than an intellectual. In the variety of his adventures, he resembles the heroes of picaresque fiction, but he has neither their low-caste background nor their roguish character.

Don Luis

Don Luis (lew-EES), the Marquis da Vincitata (veen-see-TAH-tah), the arrogant husband of Anthony’s mother and landlord of Casa Bonnyfeather. He fails in an attempt to murder Anthony and Vincent Nolte. Later governor at Santa Fe, Don Luis dies of a stroke after sentencing Anthony to prison.

Maria Bonnyfeather

Maria Bonnyfeather, daughter of John Bonnyfeather, mother of Anthony, and wife of Don Luis. She dies in childbirth.

John Bonnyfeather

John Bonnyfeather (secretly the Jacobite Marquis of Aberfoyle), Anthony’s grandfather, a prominent merchant of Leghorn.

Faith Paleologus

Faith Paleologus (pah-leh-oh-LOH-gews), Mr. Bonnyfeather’s lustful housekeeper, who seduces young Anthony. She becomes Don Luis’ mistress and afterward his wife.

Angela Guiseppe

Angela Guiseppe (jew-SEHP-peh), Faith’s daughter and Anthony’s mistress and mother of his son. She is later a mistress to Napoleon.

Florence Udney

Florence Udney, Anthony’s first wife. She is burned to death with Maria, her young daughter by Anthony.

Dolores de la Fuente

Dolores de la Fuente (FWEHN-teh), Anthony’s second wife, a relative of Don Luis de la Casas. She bears Anthony two children.

Vincent Nolte

Vincent Nolte (NOHL-teh), Anthony’s friend, a banker.

Sandy McNab

Sandy McNab, Mr. Bonnyfeather’s chief clerk.

Denis Moore

Denis Moore, an Irish-French nobleman, Maria’s gallant lover, who is killed by her husband.

Captain Jorham

Captain Jorham, skipper of an American ship.

Father Xavier

Father Xavier (hah-vee-EHR), a Jesuit priest, Anthony’s childhood guardian, who tells him of his origin and of his status as Mr. Bonnyfeather’s heir.

Gallego

Gallego (gah-YEH-goh), a slave trader who owes money to Mr. Bonnyfeather. He dies in Africa.

Don Luis de la Casas

Don Luis de la Casas (KAH-sahs), captain-general in Havana.

Father François

Father François (frahn-SWAH), a compassionate monk shipped from Cuba to Africa for aiding and comforting slaves.

Ferdinando

Ferdinando (fehr-dee-NAHN-doh), Gallego’s representative in Africa, who is crucified by Mnombibi.

Mnombibi

Mnombibi (nahm-BEE-bee), an African witch doctor.

Neleta

Neleta (neh-LEH-tah), Ferdinando’s half-breed sister and Anthony’s mistress, whom he deserts.

Captain Bittern

Captain Bittern, skipper of the “Unicorn.”

M. Ouvrard

M. Ouvrard (oh-VRAHRD), a French financier.

David Parish

David Parish, husband of Florence Udney, whom Anthony marries after David’s death.

Anna Frank

Anna Frank, the cousin of Vincent Nolte and guardian of Anthony’s son.

Mary Jorham

Mary Jorham, the young niece of Captain Jorham.