Characters
Sir William Batten
Sir William Batten serves as the surveyor on the Naval Board, where Pepys holds the position of Clerk of the Acts. In his memoirs, Pepys admits a dislike for Batten, despite attending Batten's parties and enjoying himself there. Professionally, Batten and Pepys sometimes clash over various issues, such as selecting fleet masters. Tensions escalate when Pepys discovers a timber contract more advantageous for the navy, thereby eliminating Batten's cut from the previous contract.
Sir George Carteret
Sir George Carteret is the Treasurer on the Naval Board and occasionally a source of concern for Pepys. Pepys approaches Carteret with caution, although he assists in arranging the marriage between Carteret’s son and the daughter of the Earl of Sandwich.
Lady Barbara Palmer Castlemaine
Lady Castlemaine is one of the women Pepys desires, though he never has an affair with her. She is known for her cunning and manipulative ways to achieve her desires. She becomes involved in the King’s court at Whitehall, where their affair is observed by both the Queen and the public. Castlemaine persuades the King to help her separate from her husband and even bears the King’s child. She further manipulates the King to misuse public funds for her personal benefit.
Sir William Coventry
Sir William Coventry is the Secretary to the Lord High Admiral when Pepys begins his role as Clerk of the Acts. Throughout his career, Pepys frequently relies on Coventry for guidance and support, especially in political matters. Coventry advises Pepys on handling Parliamentary committees during hearings where Pepys must defend himself and the Naval Board. Coventry also serves as one of the navy commissioners.
Sir George Downing
Sir George Downing is Pepys’s initial superior at the Exchequer. As the English resident in The Hague, Holland, Downing works to undermine Dutch trade. He also advocates for financial reform by proposing a national bank similar to the Exchequer.
First Earl of Sandwich
See Edward Montagu.
Nell Gwyn
Nell Gwyn is among the first actresses in the new theater era, where women are allowed to perform on stage, unlike before. Pepys meets her backstage and is captivated by her charm. They engage in numerous romantic encounters.
William Hewer
William Hewer begins as a humble servant in Pepys’s household but quickly becomes his trusted assistant and friend. Hewer assists Pepys with office paperwork and numerous other tasks over the years. This includes helping with Pepys’s affairs in Tangier and mediating during Pepys’s conflicts with his wife over his infidelity with Deb Willet.
James, Duke of York
James, the Duke of York, is the brother of King Charles II, and Pepys works for him throughout his extensive career as Clerk of the Acts. When The Diary of Samuel Pepys begins, James is in exile with his brother. Upon their return, the Duke of York is appointed Lord High Admiral of the navy, with the Navy Board reporting directly to him. The Duke frequently confides in Pepys during his service, sharing confidential matters and having Pepys draft memos in the King’s or Duke’s name. Influenced by his aggressive advisors, the Duke and his brother decide to attack the Dutch to restore England’s reputation, a decision that ultimately weakens the already fragile English naval fleet.
Betty Lane
See Betty Martin
Doll Lane
Doll Lane is the sister of Betty Lane, with whom Pepys also has numerous romantic encounters.
Betty Martin
Betty Martin, initially known as Betty Lane in the narrative, is one of the women Pepys visits frequently in his amorous moods. When she is young and single, Pepys is strongly attracted to her and spends many afternoons with...
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her. As he begins to lose interest, he helps her find a husband. After her marriage, he rekindles their affair, and later in life, he seeks her out again for female companionship, despite acknowledging that she is no longer as attractive as she once was.
Edward Montagu
Edward Montagu is Samuel Pepys’s distinguished first cousin and the first Earl of Sandwich. Edward provides significant financial support for Samuel's business ventures in London. After Pepys completes his education, the Earl initially hires him as a secretary and domestic steward. Recognizing Samuel’s reliability, Edward appoints him as the admiral secretary to his fleet tasked with bringing Charles II back to England. Following this successful mission, Sandwich becomes Pepys’s patron, guiding his career and securing various positions for him, including Clerk of the Acts for the navy, the first of many appointments. Despite his high regard, Sandwich faces trouble when his fleet loses to the Dutch and he is seen publicly having an affair with a common woman.
Sir William Penn
Sir William Penn is a navy commissioner, and Pepys has a strong dislike for him. They frequently clash over official naval matters.
Elizabeth Pepys
Elizabeth is the wife of Samuel Pepys. She hails from a modest French family of respectable standing. Her relationship with Samuel is highly tumultuous, yet deeply loving. As Samuel's career and wealth flourish, he restricts her involvement in social activities more than she desires. Consequently, Elizabeth spends most of her time at home, managing household responsibilities. Her jealousy grows over Samuel's infidelities, and after catching him "embracing" their maid, Deb Willet, she expels Willet from their home and asserts control over Samuel, ensuring he remains faithful.
Samuel Pepys
Samuel Pepys is the author and narrator of The Diary of Samuel Pepys. A man of great passion, he channels his enthusiasm into various aspects of his life. At the beginning of the diary, Samuel resides in London with his wife, Elizabeth. After aiding his distinguished cousin, Edward Montagu (the Earl of Sandwich), on the significant voyage to bring Charles II back to England, Sandwich helps secure Samuel's role as Clerk of the Acts for the Naval Board. This pivotal event marks the start of Samuel's ascent in both the navy and London society. Samuel has insatiable cravings for food, women, and wealth, and his adulterous escapades often cause him distress or trouble with Elizabeth. He also enjoys the theater, dancing, and other arts. Throughout the diary, Samuel strives to eliminate corruption within the navy, occasionally engaging in corruption himself, and witnesses major historical events, such as the Great Plague of 1665 and the Great Fire of London in 1666, during which he helps maintain order. Samuel concludes his diary in 1669, fearing he is going blind.
Charles Stuart, II
Charles II is the reigning king during most of the period covered in Samuel Pepys’s diary. After his father, Charles I, is executed, Charles II flees to Holland. He is invited back to England following the fall of Oliver Cromwell’s regime and is officially crowned King of England in 1660. His return restores the country to its pre-Cromwell state, much to the relief of his subjects. Charles reinstates activities such as drinking, dancing, gambling, and theater-going, which were suppressed under Puritan rule. However, his own extramarital affairs, particularly with Lady Castlemaine and Lady Stewart, are frowned upon by his subjects. Furthermore, Charles frequently battles with Parliament for funds to support his navy, with Parliament demanding more detailed justifications for the expenses. Samuel often advocates for the navy's financial needs on Charles's behalf.
Frances Stuart
Frances Stuart, another of King Charles II's favored mistresses at court, captivates Samuel Pepys. He regards Lady Stuart as the most beautiful woman present at court. Stuart arrives at court, taking over the king’s royal affections from Lady Castlemaine.
Deb Willet
Deb Willet, employed as a servant in the Pepys household, is hired by Samuel as a maid for his wife. Pepys becomes highly attracted to her innocence and starts making advances, which she initially rejects. Eventually, she gives in and begins an affair with Pepys, which his wife soon discovers. As a result, Deb is dismissed from her position and relocates to Whetstone's Park, an area known for prostitution.
