Touchstone

Touchstone is a forthright and honest goldsmith, whose patience is tested by the pretensions of his daughter, Gertrude, and the reckless behavior of his apprentice, Francis Quicksilver. In contrast, he deeply appreciates the duty and devotion shown by his other daughter, Mildred, and his diligent apprentice, Golding. Although he maintains a stern demeanor, his good-hearted nature ultimately leads him to show mercy to those who repent, including the prodigal Quicksilver.

Mistress Touchstone

Mistress Touchstone, a woman of simple outlook, finds herself impressed by her socially ambitious daughter, Gertrude, and her newly knighted son-in-law, Sir Petronel Flash. Her admiration for these figures adds to her husband's irritation. However, when Gertrude faces misfortune, Mistress Touchstone encourages her daughter to seek her father's forgiveness, demonstrating her underlying compassion and hope for familial reconciliation.

Gertrude

Gertrude, the arrogant and ambitious daughter of Touchstone, dismisses her father’s values and looks down on her mother and sister. Her lofty aspirations lead her to marry Sir Petronel Flash, only to be deserted by him soon after. She experiences a humbling downfall when her husband is jailed, and in seeking her father’s pardon, she struggles to completely shed her impudent demeanor.

Mildred

Mildred, the dutiful and kind-hearted daughter of Touchstone, contrasts sharply with her ambitious sister, Gertrude. Despite Gertrude’s self-centered and disdainful behavior, Mildred remains friendly and supportive. With her father’s blessing, she marries the virtuous apprentice Golding, solidifying her role as a symbol of loyalty and familial love.

Francis Quicksilver

Francis Quicksilver, Touchstone’s errant apprentice, lives a life of indulgence, gambling, and maintaining a mistress, Sindefy. His reckless adventures include joining Sir Petronel Flash in a doomed voyage to Virginia, which ends in shipwreck and results in his imprisonment for theft. Facing a death sentence, Quicksilver undergoes sincere repentance, and with Touchstone’s intervention, he receives forgiveness and eventual release.

Golding

Golding is Touchstone’s conscientious and industrious apprentice, who steadily rises in social standing to become an alderman’s deputy. His goodness is genuine, devoid of self-righteousness, allowing him to act as a mediator. He persuades Touchstone to visit the prison, ultimately steering him towards forgiving both the wayward Quicksilver and the errant Sir Petronel Flash.

Sir Petronel Flash

Sir Petronel Flash, a newly minted knight, captivates Mistress Touchstone and marries Gertrude, only to abandon her for Winifred. His decision lands him in prison alongside Quicksilver. During his incarceration, he experiences remorse for his actions and is granted forgiveness, allowing him to reunite with his wife, Gertrude.

Security

Security is an elderly usurer who finds himself imprisoned. However, through Touchstone’s benevolence, he is released. This act of generosity highlights Touchstone’s capacity for mercy, extending even to those who might not seem deserving at first glance.

Winifred

Winifred, the attractive young wife of Security, is entangled in a brief affair with Sir Petronel Flash, whom she leaves her husband for. Nonetheless, she returns to Security, illustrating a reconciliation and return to her original commitments.

Sindefy

Sindefy is the mistress of Francis Quicksilver and serves as Gertrude’s maid. Under the influence of Golding, Quicksilver consents to marry Sindefy, suggesting a potential for reform and stability in his previously tumultuous life.