Characters
Dr. Thomas Thorne
Dr. Thomas Thorne serves as the compassionate physician of Greshamsbury in East Barsetshire. After his brother's tragic death at the hands of Roger Scatcherd, Dr. Thorne undertakes the responsibility of raising Mary, the illegitimate daughter of his brother and Mary Scatcherd, a village girl. Throughout the novel, Dr. Thorne keeps Mary's true heritage a secret until she comes into an inheritance from Roger Scatcherd. Highly regarded for his humane nature, Dr. Thorne maintains amicable relations with both the Scatcherd family and the aristocratic Greshams of Greshamsbury Park.
Mary Thorne
Mary Thorne, Dr. Thorne's niece, remains oblivious of her illegitimate background until the novel's conclusion. Raised alongside the young Greshams at Greshamsbury Park, Mary harbors deep affection for Frank Gresham, the heir of the estate. Although she is expelled from Greshamsbury Park due to Lady Arabella's insistence on Frank marrying someone wealthy, Mary remains steadfast in her love for Frank. Her situation changes dramatically when she learns of her heritage and inherits Roger Scatcherd's fortune, enabling her union with Frank.
Frank Gresham
Frank Gresham, the youthful successor to Greshamsbury Park, is constantly reminded by his mother of the necessity to marry a wealthy heiress. Nonetheless, Frank's devotion to Mary Thorne is unwavering. Even when tasked with courting the affluent Miss Dunstable, Frank's inherent honesty prevents him from pursuing her insincerely, despite external pressures from his family.
Francis Newbold Gresham
Francis Newbold Gresham, father to Frank and the squire of Greshamsbury, has squandered the family estate in a futile attempt to reclaim his father's parliamentary seat. With ten children to his name, he watches as his lands diminish to cover his debts. Despite his kind nature, he recognizes the necessity for his son to marry into wealth to restore the family's fortunes.
Lady Arabella De Courcy Gresham
Lady Arabella De Courcy Gresham, spouse of Squire Gresham and mother to Frank, prides herself on her De Courcy lineage. Ambitious for her son's future, she is adamant that Frank should marry for money, resulting in Mary's expulsion from their home.
Sir Roger Scatcherd
Sir Roger Scatcherd, initially a destitute stonemason, serves a six-month sentence for the murder of Dr. Thorne’s brother following a betrayal involving his sister, Mary Scatcherd. Through shrewdness and hard work, he accumulates significant wealth as a railroad manufacturer and secures a parliamentary seat, albeit temporarily due to uncovered electoral fraud in which he was uninvolved. His fondness for alcohol ultimately leads to his demise. His will designates his son as the heir, with an alternative provision bestowing his estate to his sister's child upon his son’s death.
Lady Scatcherd
Lady Scatcherd, the faithful and enduring wife of Sir Roger, shares a close friendship with Dr. Thorne and once served as a wet nurse to young Frank Gresham.
Louis Philippe Scatcherd
Louis Philippe Scatcherd, Sir Roger's sole offspring, struggles with alcoholism. Heartbroken by Mary's rejection, he succumbs to his addiction, which eventually claims his life. His untimely death results in the family wealth transferring to Mary Thorne.
Countess Rosina De Courcy
Countess Rosina De Courcy, Lady Arabella's sister-in-law, shares her ambition both socially and politically. She extends an invitation to Frank to visit Courcy Castle, offering him a chance to secure a prosperous match.
Earl De Courcy
Earl De Courcy, the proprietor of Courcy Castle and a prominent Whig aristocrat in Barsetshire, lives largely in the shadow of his wife.
Lord Porlock
Lord Porlock is the eldest son and the designated heir of Courcy Castle.
The Honourable George De Courcy
The Honourable George De Courcy, the second son, lacks both honor and wisdom.
The Honourable John De Courcy
(This entire section contains 1015 words.)
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The Honourable John De Courcy
The Honourable John De Courcy, the third son, is known for his prodigality.
Martha Dunstable
Martha Dunstable, a wealthy heiress from a patent medicine fortune, is well-versed in dismissing persistent suitors. Although Frank Gresham is sent to win her over at Courcy Castle, she finds herself charmed by his genuine nature and inability to be deceitful. They develop a strong friendship, with Martha providing Frank advice concerning Mary Thorne. She turns down The Honourable George's proposal.
Augusta Gresham
Augusta Gresham, the eldest daughter of the Greshamsbury squire, faces rejection by her fiancé, Mr. Moffat.
Mr. Moffat
Mr. Moffat, a local MP, loses to Sir Roger Scatcherd and breaks off his engagement to Augusta upon realizing the Greshams are less affluent than he presumed.
Beatrice Gresham
Beatrice Gresham, the second daughter of the Greshamsbury squire, is a close confidante of Mary Thorne and eventually weds the Reverend Caleb Oriel.
The Reverend Caleb Oriel
The Reverend Caleb Oriel is the youthful rector of Greshamsbury, committed to High Church principles.
Patience Oriel
Patience Oriel, Reverend Caleb Oriel's sister, shares a strong friendship with Mary Thorne.
Lady Amelia De Courcy
Lady Amelia De Courcy, the eldest De Courcy daughter, upholds strict standards of social class and decorum.
Mortimer Gazebee
Mortimer Gazebee, a diligent and ambitious young lawyer without noble lineage, proposes to Augusta Gresham. She declines his offer following counsel from her cousin, Lady Amelia. He eventually marries Lady Amelia.
Dr. Fillgrave
Dr. Fillgrave, a physician from Barchester, occasionally attends to Sir Roger Scatcherd.
Harry Baker
Harry Baker is a companion of Frank Gresham.
Mr. Nearthewinde
Mr. Nearthewinde serves as a Parliamentary agent.
Mr. Closerstil
Mr. Closerstil is another Parliamentary agent.
Mr. Romer
Mr. Romer, a barrister, orchestrates Sir Roger Scatcherd's parliamentary campaign.
Mrs. Proudie
Mrs. Proudie is the assertive wife of the Bishop of Barchester.
Mr. Reddypalm
Mr. Reddypalm is a publican with an interest in political affairs.
The Duke of Omnium
The Duke of Omnium, the proprietor of Gatherum Castle, is the foremost Whig aristocrat in the area.
Fothergill
Fothergill acts as the duke's agent.
Miss Gushing
Miss Gushing, enamored with the Reverend Caleb Oriel, eventually marries Mr. Rantaway.
Jonah (Joe)
Jonah (Joe) is the harsh servant of Louis Philippe Scatcherd.
Mr. Bideawhile
Mr. Bideawhile is a solicitor based in London.
Lady Rosina De Courcy
Lady Rosina De Courcy,
Lady Margaretta De Courcy
Lady Margaretta De Courcy, and
Lady Alexandrina De Courcy
Lady Alexandrina De Courcy are the younger daughters of the De Courcys family.