Anson Pentland

Olivia Pentland

Husband and wife in a strained marriage, with Anson's traditionalism clashing with Olivia's quiet strength.

Sabine Callendar

A secret, passionate affair that threatens the stability of the Pentland family.

Aunt Cassie Struthers

Nephew and aunt, with Anson often dismissive of Cassie's opinions and meddling.

Sybil Pentland

Father and daughter, with Anson's distant, authoritarian parenting causing Sybil to feel neglected.

Olivia Pentland

Husband and wife in a strained marriage, with Anson's traditionalism clashing with Olivia's quiet strength.

Sabine Callendar

A secret, passionate affair that threatens the stability of the Pentland family.

Aunt Cassie Struthers

Nephew and aunt, with Anson often dismissive of Cassie's opinions and meddling.

Olivia Pentland

Husband and wife in a strained marriage, with Anson's traditionalism clashing with Olivia's quiet strength.

Sybil Pentland

Father and daughter, with Anson's distant, authoritarian parenting causing Sybil to feel neglected.

Sabine Callendar

A secret, passionate affair that threatens the stability of the Pentland family.

Sybil Pentland

Father and daughter, with Anson's distant, authoritarian parenting causing Sybil to feel neglected.

I

Olivia's husband, representing the rigid, traditional authority of the Pentland family.

II

Found in the drawing-room late at night, compiling the family history; confronts Olivia about Sybil and O'Hara, revealing deep-seated bitterness and prejudice.

I

Anson is referenced as Olivia's husband and as one of those opposed to Sabine's friendship with O'Hara.

II

Olivia's husband, seen in retrospect as an anemic, proper man who married her out of family pressure rather than love.

III

Anson is absent from lunch, having gone to Boston; his ineffectual nature and lack of income are contrasted with his father's vigor.

I

Obsessively works on his genealogical book, tagging plants and researching Savina Pentland's lineage.

II

Ashamed of his outburst at the ball, avoids mentioning O'Hara, and is harassed by Aunt Cassie to take a stand in the family; feels trapped by family obligations.

III

Never lonely because he is deeply embedded in tradition and indistinguishable from his friends.

VI

Resists the heat through duty, works on the Pentland Family history, is told by Olivia about her riding, and stands helplessly during Jack's death.

I

Remains silent and withdrawn, wandering aimlessly and being scolded by Aunt Cassie.

Chapter III

Anson is similarly criticized for her rigid mindset, sharing Aunt Cassie's limited view that their world is the pinnacle of achievement.

VIII

Anson is mentioned as Olivia's husband, representing the oppressive traditions she resents.

III

Anson likes the change with reservations, preferring plain early American furniture, and is portrayed as a bore who guards his dignity zealously, resenting O'Hara, Sabine, and Jean de Cyon.

IX

Anson confronts Olivia about Sybil's riding with Michael O'Hara, highlighting the family's concern over propriety.

V

Refuses Olivia's request for divorce, clinging to family honor and tradition, and shows vulnerability when his pride is threatened.

I

Appears composed at breakfast after a struggle the previous night.