A Day at a Time · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in A Day at a Time by Archibald Alexander.
Skim names here — open a free preview to see character cards and Character Web beside the page as you read.
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.