# Joseph — At the Back of the North Wind character guide

> Joseph in At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Joe

**First appearance:** 0000-i-the-hayloft

## Snapshot

Diamond's father, a hardworking cabman who loves his family and his horses, and who keeps his dignity even when the household is squeezed into a single room.

## Who they are

Joseph drives his cab through London weather and brings home what he can, and he takes quiet pride in his son and in the old horse also called Diamond. He is not a man of visions like his boy, but he is honest, steady, and slow to complain, and the family's fortunes rise and fall with the fares he can find. His labor and his decency give the story its grounding in ordinary life, and the losses that befall the household are felt through him as much as through anyone.

## Relationships

### [Diamond](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/characters/diamond)

_friendship_

Joseph is a stableman and friend to Diamond, sharing a simple, loyal companionship.

### [Mr. Raymond](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/characters/mr_raymond)

_professional_

Joseph works as a stableman for Mr. Raymond, serving him with respect and reliability.

### [Diamond](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/characters/diamond)

_friendship_

Joseph is a stableman and friend to Diamond, sharing a simple, loyal companionship.

### [Mr. Raymond](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/characters/mr_raymond)

_professional_

Joseph works as a stableman for Mr. Raymond, serving him with respect and reliability.

### [Mr. Raymond](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/characters/mr_raymond)

_professional_

Joseph works as a stableman for Mr. Raymond, serving him with respect and reliability.

## In the story

### [The North Wind Doth Blow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/xxxi-the-north-wind-doth-blow)

Struggles with financial hardship due to Ruby's lameness and business depression; tries to keep hope alive.

### [Diamond and Ruby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/xxxii-diamond-and-ruby)

Mentioned as the master who feeds and spares Ruby, and whose family is struggling.

### [The Prospect Brightens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/xxxiii-the-prospect-brightens)

Anxious about finances and Ruby's care, but eventually relieved and grateful when Mr. Raymond returns.

### [In the Country](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/xxxiv-in-the-country)

Father of Diamond; prepares for migration; returns to town after settling the family; drives Ruby and Diamond with the carriage.

### [XXXV: I Make Diamond’s Acquaintance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/xxxv-i-make-diamond-s-acquaintance)

Diamond's father; lives with his wife in a cottage near The Mound.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/characters/joseph
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/characters