# Behind a Mask — Character guide

> Key figures in Behind a Mask by Louisa May Alcott.

- [Jean Muir](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/jean_muir.md): A governess with no references and too much charm, she arrives at Coventry Hall determined to be underestimated—and never is.
- [Mr. Coventry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/mr_coventry.md): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/ned_coventry.md): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/sir_john_coventry.md): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/bella_coventry.md): The Coventry daughter, romantic and trusting, who befriends the new governess with her whole heart and never thinks to ask what she wants.
- [Lucia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/lucia.md): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/mrs_coventry.md): 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 disa
- [Lady Sydney](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/lady_sydney.md): A noblewoman with a past connection to Jean Muir's earlier life.
- [Dean](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/dean.md): A servant or confidante at Coventry Hall, loyal to the family.
- [Hector](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters/hector.md): A servant or groom at Coventry Hall, occasionally mentioned.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/behind_a_mask_se/characters