Ruth Hilton

Ruth Hilton, who later assumes the name Mrs. Denbigh, begins her journey as a solitary sixteen-year-old working long hours in a seamstress’s shop, surrounded by many other girls but often feeling isolated due to the absence of any living family. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she encounters Mr. Bellingham, a young nobleman who entices her to London and North Wales, leading to her pregnancy. During Mr. Bellingham's illness in Wales, his mother arrives to care for him and promptly dismisses Ruth. Fortuitously rescued by Mr. Benson, Ruth is taken to Eccleston, where she assumes the guise of Mrs. Denby, a model widow and devoted mother. She secures employment as a governess to two daughters of a wealthy local family. The revelation of her past occurs when her son is six years old, yet the Bensons—a minister and his sister—stand steadfastly by her side. Ruth remains in the community, dedicating herself to nursing the sick. Her life concludes during an epidemic, leaving behind a legacy as a revered and cherished woman.

Mr. Bellingham

Mr. Bellingham, who later takes on the name Mr. Donne, is portrayed as a selfish and opportunistic character. He is drawn to Ruth's beauty and seduces her but makes no effort to find her after his recovery from illness. He resurfaces as Mr. Donne, a political aspirant who has altered his identity to inherit a legacy. Despite proposing to Ruth, she rejects him, and he continues to pursue a questionable political path, revealing his inherent weakness and self-interest.

Thurstan Benson

Thurstan Benson is a compassionate and generous minister, marked by his physical humpback. In his forties, he encounters and befriends Ruth in North Wales alongside his sister. His livelihood depends on his small Dissenting congregation in Eccleston, separate from the official English church. The task of keeping Ruth’s secret weighs heavily on him, particularly when she becomes a nurse and governess for Mr. Bradshaw’s daughters. Despite these challenges, his spirit of generosity and nobility remains unwavering.

Sally

Sally, the esteemed elderly retainer of the Bensons, harbors a sense of personal responsibility for Mr. Benson’s humpback, believing it resulted from her dropping him as a baby. Despite her initial harshness towards Ruth, she grows deeply devoted to her, paralleling her loyalty to the Bensons. Sally’s frugally saved wages are ultimately used to assist Ruth, demonstrating her deep-seated commitment to the family.

Mr. Bradshaw

Mr. Bradshaw emerges as a prominent parishioner in Mr. Benson’s church, embodying moral uprightness yet displaying scant tolerance for the perceived failings of others. His tendency to be judgmental and condescending strains his relationships, particularly with his eldest daughter, and blinds him to his own son’s weaknesses. Despite hiring Ruth as a governess, he reacts with cruelty upon discovering her illegitimate child, further complicating his ability to cope with his son's misdemeanors. Eventually, Mr. Bradshaw reconciles with the Bensons and Ruth, though his family, including his wife and children, often exhibit more empathy.”

Richard Bradshaw

Richard Bradshaw, the son of Mr. Bradshaw, follows in his father’s professional footsteps as a solicitor but falters morally. He misappropriates investors’ funds, including those entrusted by Mr. Benson. This betrayal is unveiled after Ruth’s public shaming and her son’s humiliation. Although exiled to Scotland, Richard reforms and prospers, but his actions leave a lingering shadow of shame over his father.

Jemima Bradshaw

Jemima Bradshaw, Mr. Bradshaw’s eldest daughter, is depicted as both attractive and energetic. At sixteen, she catches the eye of Mr. Farquhar, the suitor preferred by her parents and notably by her father. Despite her rebellious streak, she eventually weds Mr. Farquhar. However, their...