Behind a Mask · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Behind a Mask by Louisa May Alcott.
Skim names here — open a free preview to see character cards and Character Web beside the page as you read.
Jean Muir
major
Also known as Miss Muir, Muir, Poor Jean Muir
A governess with no references and too much charm, she arrives at Coventry Hall determined to be underestimated—and never is.
Mr. Coventry
major
Also known as Coventry, the younger Coventry, Gerald
Gerald Coventry, the proud, languid younger son, vows to ignore the new governess and instead finds himself reading her letters far too closely.
Ned Coventry
supporting
Also known as Edward, Mr. Ned, Dear old Ned, Edward Coventry
The warm-hearted elder brother who treats the poor governess with unguarded kindness—and pays for it with a heart he can't get back.
Sir John Coventry
supporting
Also known as Gallant Sir John, Good Sir John, Dear Sir John, John Coventry
The elderly baronet of Coventry Hall, generous and honorable, whose loneliness makes him easy prey for a girl who knows how to weep over portraits.
Bella Coventry
supporting
Also known as Miss Bella, Bell, innocent Bella, Dear Bella
The Coventry daughter, romantic and trusting, who befriends the new governess with her whole heart and never thinks to ask what she wants.
Lucia
supporting
Also known as Miss Lucia, Poor Lucia
Gerald's proud, perceptive cousin, the one woman in the house who watches Jean Muir with narrowed eyes and refuses to be charmed.
Mrs. Coventry
supporting
Also known as peevish Mrs. Coventry, Coventry, Lady Coventry
Mrs. Coventry presides over Coventry Hall with the fretful authority of an invalid who misses nothing and forgives little. Her peevish suspicion of servants and governesses alike keeps the household on edge, and her disapproval can chill a room faster than any locked door. As the young Coventrys orbit their own romances and rivalries, her watchfulness raises the stakes for anyone hoping to win a place in the family — especially a certain new governess.
Lady Sydney
minor
Also known as young Sydney, Sydney, Lady S.
A noblewoman with a past connection to Jean Muir's earlier life.
Dean
minor
Also known as Mrs. Dean, Hester Dean, Poor Dean
A servant or confidante at Coventry Hall, loyal to the family.
Hector
minor
A servant or groom at Coventry Hall, occasionally mentioned.
Miss Beaufort
minor
Also known as Tell Miss Beaufort
A social acquaintance mentioned in the household's circle.
Dr. Scott
minor
A physician called to attend to the Coventry family.
Reverend Mr. Fairfax
minor
Also known as The Reverend Mr. Fairfax
A clergyman who visits the Coventry household.
Lady Grace Howard
minor
Also known as Lady Howard, Lady Grace
A noblewoman connected to the Sydney family.
Hortense
minor
Also known as Dear Hortense
A French maid or companion associated with Jean Muir's past.
Mrs. Morris
minor
A local woman who provides lodging or services.
Benson
minor
A servant in the Coventry household.
Vashti
minor
A name Jean Muir uses as an alias or stage name.