Character guide

Jesus Christ

major

Also known as Jesus, Christ, the Lord Jesus Christ, our Lord Jesus Christ, Master Jesus Christ, the Christ, Lord Jesus Christ, Jesus of Nazareth

Alexander's book keeps returning to Jesus not as a distant dogma but as the Master whose teaching reframes sparrows, sunsets, and household chores as sites of divine care. The Jesus who emerges here is cheerful rather than severe, a physician for the whole person, and a friend who found rest in a Bethany home. His presence sets the standard against which the narrator measures wonder, duty, and love, making him the quiet center of the book's moral world.

Unknown

major

Also known as myself, mine

This narrator moves through the book as a pastor-thinker, turning a prism, a Psalm, or a wife's patience into evidence that God speaks through the familiar. His recurring anxiety is that habit blunts gratitude, that we slight the 'divinest thing God has given us to know' living under our own roof. His voice gives the book its searching, self-implicating tone, inviting readers to hold the door of the heart ajar rather than merely agree.

Martha

supporting

Also known as VIII The Real Martha

Martha is the robust, capable counterweight to her dreamy sister Mary, the one whose housewifely skill made Bethany a genuine haven for a homeless Master. Her famous moment of irritation, when serving eclipsed sitting at His feet, has been used to diminish her, but Alexander insists she served Christ in the way she served best. She matters because she forces the book's readers to ask whether practical devotion has ever been given its due, or only apologized for.

Paul

supporting

Also known as the Apostle Paul, the Apostle Paul

Paul stands behind much of the book's argument that Jesus deliberately aligned himself with publicans, sinners, and the unwell rather than the respectable. His image of Christ as physician, not priest alone, lets Alexander reach readers who distrust the Church but trust a doctor's self-sacrifice. Paul's presence gives the devotional reflections a scriptural spine, grounding their warmth in apostolic precedent rather than sentiment.

Mary

minor

Also known as Mary Mardon

Biblical mother of Jesus, referenced as an example of faith and humility.

the Doctor

minor

Also known as The Doctor

A character in a story within the book, representing wisdom and care.

John Wesley

minor

Also known as Wesley, John

Christian theologian and evangelist whose teachings are referenced.

Nabal

minor

Biblical figure known for his foolishness and harshness, used as a cautionary example.

Elijah

minor

Old Testament prophet who appears as an example of faith and depression.

Joseph

minor

Old Testament patriarch whose story of suffering and faithfulness is referenced.

Jacob

minor

Biblical patriarch whose struggles and transformation are cited as spiritual lessons.

Isaiah

minor

Major Old Testament prophet whose writings are quoted for comfort and challenge.

Jeremiah

minor

Old Testament prophet known for his lamentations and messages of hope.

Ecclesiastes

minor

Biblical book personified as a voice reflecting on life's meaning and vanity.

John Bunyan

minor

Also known as Bunyan, John

Author of Pilgrim's Progress, referenced as an example of spiritual perseverance.

Master

minor

Also known as the Master

Title for Jesus Christ, used as a term of reverence and discipleship.

Judas

minor

Disciple who betrayed Jesus, used as a warning against betrayal and greed.

George Eliot

minor

Novelist whose works and characters are cited for moral and spiritual insights.

Agricola

minor

Historical figure referenced in an illustrative anecdote about character.

Amos Barton

minor

Also known as the Rev. Amos Barton, Amos

Fictional clergyman from George Eliot's story, used as an example of humility.

Joy

minor

Also known as thy, thou, thee

Personified virtue representing spiritual gladness and divine gift.

Jim Bludso

minor

Also known as Jim

Character from a poem, known for his rough exterior but loyal heart.

Gashmu

minor

Also known as Gashmu the Gossip

Biblical figure who opposed Nehemiah, used as a symbol of slander and opposition.

Nehemiah

minor

Old Testament leader who rebuilt Jerusalem's walls, cited for perseverance.

Moses

minor

Lawgiver of Israel, referenced as a model of leadership and intercession.

St. Nicholas

minor

Saint associated with generosity, mentioned in a seasonal context.

Ruskin

minor

Art critic and social thinker whose ideas on work and beauty are cited.

The Lord

minor

Also known as Himself

Title for God, used throughout as the object of worship and trust.

King Arthur

minor

Legendary British king, used as an example of noble leadership.

Henry Drummond

minor

Scottish evangelist and writer, cited for his teachings on love.

Viscount Kenmure

minor

Also known as Kenmure

Scottish nobleman referenced in a historical anecdote about faith.

David

minor

King of Israel and psalmist, used as an example of repentance and praise.

George Stephenson

minor

Also known as Stephenson

Railway pioneer, referenced as an example of perseverance and innovation.

R. L. Stevenson

minor

Also known as Stevenson

Author whose writings on courage and adventure are cited.

Sir Walter Scott

minor

Scottish novelist and poet, referenced for his historical tales.

John Hay

minor

Also known as Hay

American statesman and writer, referenced in a literary context.

Ezekiel

minor

Old Testament prophet whose visions of restoration are referenced.

Samuel

minor

Old Testament prophet and judge, cited for his faithful service.