Characters

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Eleanor Bold

Eleanor Bold is the younger daughter of the Reverend Septimus Harding, known as the "Warden," and is a wealthy widow of John Bold. She resides with her infant son and her sister-in-law, Mary Bold. Eleanor's romantic choices form a significant part of the novel's narrative, as she must decide between her three suitors: Mr. Slope, Bertie Stanhope, and Mr. Arabin. For much of the story, her ecclesiastical friends and relatives anticipate she will choose Mr. Slope. Ultimately, Eleanor marries the Reverend Francis Arabin.

Dr. Proudie

Dr. Proudie becomes the Bishop of Barchester following the death of Archdeacon Grantly’s father. He is a vain but weak man, heavily influenced by his domineering wife, Mrs. Proudie, and Mr. Slope. Despite the expectation that he would offer the wardenship of Hiram’s Hospital to Mr. Harding, Dr. Proudie permits Mr. Slope’s machinations to award the appointment to Mr. Quiverful.

Mrs. Proudie

Mrs. Proudie is the assertive and controlling wife of the Bishop of Barchester. She attempts to dominate Barchester by supporting evangelical and Low Church causes, distributing church patronage, and manipulating people through Mr. Slope. Her actions create tension with the established ecclesiastical society in Barchester.

The Reverend Obadiah Slope

The Reverend Obadiah Slope is the Bishop's chaplain, known for his evangelical fervor. His initial sermon at Barchester Cathedral causes friction with much of the chapter. Initially, he acts on behalf of Mrs. Proudie, but when he seeks to curry favor with Eleanor Bold by supporting Mr. Harding, Mrs. Proudie disavows him. Failing to win both Eleanor and the position of Dean of Barchester, Mr. Slope returns to London.

The Reverend Theophilus Grantly

The Reverend Theophilus Grantly serves as the Archdeacon of Barchester and is the rector of Plumstead Episcopi. He is a staunch supporter of his father-in-law, Mr. Harding, in his quest to be reinstated as the warden of Hiram’s Hospital. When the living of St. Ewold’s becomes available, he visits Oxford to secure the post for the Reverend Francis Arabin. He is also concerned about the possibility of his sister-in-law, Eleanor, marrying Mr. Slope.

Susan Grantly

Susan Grantly is the wife of Archdeacon Grantly and the elder daughter of Mr. Harding. Although she generally follows her husband’s lead, she makes efforts to moderate his temper when it comes to her sister, Eleanor.

The Reverend Septimus Harding

The Reverend Septimus Harding is the former warden of Hiram’s Hospital. He desires to return to his former position but is thwarted by Mr. Slope and Mrs. Proudie, who insist on additional responsibilities and the establishment of evangelical Sunday Schools. Later, he is offered the deanship of Barchester Cathedral but declines due to his advanced age.

The Reverend Francis Arabin

The Reverend Francis Arabin is a scholarly High Church clergyman from Oxford, brought into the living at St. Ewold’s to bolster opposition against Bishop Proudie and Mr. Slope. Ultimately, he becomes Dean of Barchester and marries Eleanor Bold.

Dr. Vesey Stanhope

Dr. Vesey Stanhope, who holds several livings in the Barchester area, has spent the last twelve years in Italy. Summoned back to Barchester by Dr. Proudie through Mr. Slope, he shows little interest in the political or ecclesiastical affairs of Barchester.

Mrs. Stanhope

Mrs. Stanhope, Dr. Stanhope's wife, is primarily concerned with fashion and her personal appearance.

Charlotte Stanhope

Charlotte Stanhope, the eldest daughter of the Stanhopes, is known for her efficient and intelligent management of her family’s affairs. She is a friend of Eleanor and encourages her brother Bertie to propose to Eleanor.

La Signora Madeline Vesey Neroni

La Signora Madeline Vesey Neroni, née Stanhope, is the celebrated beauty of the Stanhope...

(This entire section contains 953 words.)

Unlock this Study Guide Now

Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.

Get 48 Hours Free Access

family. Crippled by a brief, disastrous marriage to a cruel Italian, she remains confined to her sofa but still captivates many men. One such man is Mr. Slope, whose hypocrisy she exposes, yet she generously promotes the match between Eleanor and Mr. Arabin.

Ethelbert “Bertie” Stanhope

Ethelbert “Bertie” Stanhope is the affable son of the Stanhopes, who has experimented with law, art, and various religions. His family wishes for him to marry Eleanor and secure her wealth, but his proposal fails, and he is sent back to Carrara by his father.

Mr. Quiverful

Mr. Quiverful is a genial clergyman and father, persuaded to accept the preferment at Hiram’s Hospital in addition to his living at Puddingdale.

Mrs. Letty Quiverful

Mrs. Letty Quiverful, the wife of Mr. Quiverful, is the mother of fourteen children. She appeals to Mrs. Proudie to grant the preferment at Hiram’s Hospital to her husband.

Miss Thorne of Ullathorne

Miss Thorne of Ullathorne, from an established family at St. Ewold’s, hosts a large party where both Mr. Slope and Bertie Stanhope propose to Eleanor. Miss Thorne, favoring Mr. Arabin, invites both him and Eleanor to stay until their engagement is finalized.

Wilfred Thorne

Wilfred Thorne is Miss Thorne's younger brother, a bachelor with a keen interest in tradition and genealogy.

Dr. Gwynne

Dr. Gwynne is the Master of Lazarus College, Oxford, and plays a crucial role in securing the deanship for Mr. Arabin.

Olivia Proudie

Olivia Proudie is the daughter of the Proudies, momentarily rumored to be engaged to Mr. Slope.

Mary Bold

Mary Bold is the sister-in-law and confidante of Eleanor Bold.

Johnny Bold

Johnny Bold is the young son of Eleanor and the late John Bold.

Griselda Grantly

Griselda Grantly is the attractive daughter of Archdeacon Grantly.

Dr. Trefoil

Dr. Trefoil serves as the Dean of Barchester Cathedral before dying of apoplexy.

The Bishop of Barchester

The Bishop of Barchester is the father of Archdeacon Grantly, whose death occurs at the novel's onset.

Dr. Omicron Pi

Dr. Omicron Pi is a renowned doctor from London.

Previous

Summary

Next

Critical Essays

Loading...