Dudley Carston

Scylla Taverner

Dudley is obsessively drawn to Scylla, viewing her as a mystical figure he both desires and fears, creating a tense, manipulative dynamic.

Picus

Dudley and Picus are locked in a competitive, antagonistic struggle over Scylla's attention and the group's direction.

Felix Taverner

Dudley and Felix share a bond of mutual respect and camaraderie, often acting as allies in their chaotic social circle.

Ross

Dudley and Ross are close companions, frequently interacting with easygoing banter and shared adventures.

Lydia

Dudley and Lydia are acquaintances within the same social circle, interacting politely but without deep connection.

the doctor

Dudley consults the doctor for medical or psychological advice, maintaining a formal patient-practitioner relationship.

Phil

Dudley and Phil are friendly but not deeply involved, interacting as part of the larger group.

Nanna

Dudley and Nanna have a casual acquaintance, likely through shared social gatherings.

Scylla Taverner

Dudley is obsessively drawn to Scylla, viewing her as a mystical figure he both desires and fears, creating a tense, manipulative dynamic.

Scylla Taverner

Dudley is obsessively drawn to Scylla, viewing her as a mystical figure he both desires and fears, creating a tense, manipulative dynamic.

Picus

Dudley and Picus are locked in a competitive, antagonistic struggle over Scylla's attention and the group's direction.

Ross

Dudley and Ross are close companions, frequently interacting with easygoing banter and shared adventures.

Armed with Madness

Central protagonist who arrives at the house, becomes involved in the group's activities, and experiences a crisis leading to flight and return.

Armed with Madness

A volatile member who suffers a breakdown and attacks Scylla, later led away by Picus.

II

The American visitor who is expected to arrive today; Scylla is to meet him at Starn.

III

The American visitor, feeling out of place and struggling to connect with the group.

III

A tall, dark man who kisses Scylla's hand goodnight.

IV

Reconsiders his strategy toward Scylla and the group, deciding to stay to gain power over them.

IV

Noted as doing all the work while Picus claimed illness, and as someone who fights for Picus out of fear.

V

Feels desire for Scylla, observes Picus and Clarence, struggles with his role in the group.

V

Dreams of Picus and the grail; feels shy and ill-adjusted, worries about being seen through.

VI

Struggles to interpret Scylla's words and his own desires; participates in the Grail discussion at tea.

VI

Agrees with Felix about bad drawing; is mentioned in relation to Picus's despair.

VII

Feels protective of Scylla during the storm, later becomes jealous and suspicious after hearing a whistle outside her door.

VII

Uneasy and petulant during the storm, plays the gramophone, later shows jealousy and self-pity regarding Picus.

VIII

Carston is taken to Starn and resents its life; he is bored and upset, and Ross suspects he may be used as a tool for trouble.

VIII

Clarence is mentioned as someone Picus is afraid of and who might be affected by Picus's actions.

IX

Plods alongside Clarence, grows angry and envious of Picus, suspects Picus of deliberately misleading them, and feels a mix of hatred and grudging acceptance.

IX

Leads the group at one point, worries about Picus, wets a handkerchief for Picus's head, and follows Picus out after the confrontation.

The Search for the Cup

Feels physically well despite inner turmoil; desires Scylla more; becomes jealous of Picus; considers rescuing Scylla as a claim on her.

The Search for the Cup

His room is full of frivolities; Carston pities him without humor.

XI

Mentioned as a potential threat to the secret cove and as the subject of the cup mystery.

XII

Discovers the cup in his room and becomes paranoid, accusing others of trickery.

XII

Hides his face in pain as Picus chatters, escaping into a grey land of suffering.

XIII

The target of Picus's trick; Scylla considers talking to him and wonders if there will be a train for him to leave.

XIV

Packs and leaves the house, reflecting on his experience and feeling a mix of elation and unresolved curiosity.

XV

Narrator and protagonist; reflects on his experiences at Gault House and engages cautiously with Mr. Tracy.

XV

Appears in Carston's dreamlike vision; part of the group's dynamic.

XVI

Returns to the house, apologizes to Scylla, hides in the attic during Mr. Tracy's visit.

XVI

Refuses to manage Picus, slips away to warn him, mentioned in Scylla's rebuke.

XVII

Consumed by jealousy and paranoia, he imagines Picus betraying him and wanders off with his gun, petting phantoms.

XVII

Listens to Scylla's discourse, feels spiritual upset, and thinks they all need to get out of the house.

XVIII

Skinning rabbits with Nanna; speaks of a broken heart and wretched feelings.

XVIII

Does not know how to greet Picus; notes the adventure as complicated and boring; observes the group's private griefs.

XIX

Carston observes the approaching storm with Scylla, helps haul lobster pots, and lies awake listening to the gale, feeling both awe and unease.

XX

Observes the household dynamics, plans to leave for Biarritz, and reflects on Scylla's love.

XX

Yawns during Felix's outburst, plans to go to the cottage to prevent damp.

Felix

Mentioned as a comparison; Felix wonders if his American friend is 'another Carston,' reflecting his limited understanding of Carston's character.

Picus

Picus worries that his own actions caused Clarence's decline.

Picus

Picus resents Carston and fears he will take Scylla.

Scylla

Mentioned as a former romantic interest of Lydia and a current friend of Scylla.

Carston

The protagonist, traveling to Tambourne and reflecting on his journey and the cup.

Lydia

Recipient of Lydia's letter; possibly planning to marry Scylla.

Clarence

Alone at his cottage, Clarence experiences profound fear, rage, and a breakdown, destroying a model ship meant for Scylla.

Mr. Tracy

Carston confronts Mr. Tracy about the cup, seeking factual information but sensing evasion.

In and Out

Consults the vicar about the cup and his love for Scylla; experiences a state of wonder and moral clarity.

Clarence and Scylla

Clarence is in a violent, obsessive state, having tortured a clay statue of Picus and shot a gull; he threatens Scylla and shoots arrows at her.

Carston and Clarence

Travels to Tollerdown, confronts Clarence, rescues Scylla, and drops the cup into the well.

Carston and Clarence

In a violent, delusional state; shoots Scylla and is tricked into dropping the cup into the well.