Character guide

Geoffrey Newton

major

Also known as Newton, Geoffrey

A young farmer caught between love and land, Geoffrey must hold his ground when a midsummer strike threatens to burn his hay to straw.

Margaret Estcourt

major

Also known as Marjory, Margaret

Heiress to Greene Ferne and a thousand pounds, Margaret walks as if the parish belongs to her — and drives a hay-wagon when the men won't.

Rev. Felix St. Bees

supporting

Also known as Felix, St. Bees, Felix St. Bees

The clergyman who argues reason at stubborn strikers and still remembers to fetch a chair for the older lady.

Val Browne

supporting

Also known as Mr. Valentine Browne, Valentine Browne, Valentine, Mr. Browne

A rival suitor whose easy charm and quick volunteering make him a constant, unsettling presence at Margaret's side.

Augustus Basset

supporting

Also known as Augustus, Basset

The red-nosed bailie who mutters to himself and knows exactly how much ale it takes to bring a hayfield back to work.

Old Andrew Fisher

supporting

Also known as Andrew, Andrew Fisher, Andrew the younger, Fisher

An old farmer of the hills whose daughter May is always down at the Estcourts, and whose rural wisdom frames the parish's talk.

May Fisher

supporting

Also known as May, Fisher, Peggy, Peggy Moulding, Molly, old Fisher

A village girl whose easy welcome at the Estcourts sets tongues wagging, May Fisher is the quiet counterpoint to Margaret's queenly walk.

Jabez

minor

Also known as Axe un, uncle Jabez, Axe uncle Jabez

A rustic laborer with a distinctive dialect, often working on the farm.

Tummas

minor

A farmhand with a thick dialect, often seen in the fields.

Kitty

minor

A young woman from the village, part of the local social circle.

Squire Thorpe

minor

Also known as Thorpe, Squire, the pudding Squire Thorpe

A local squire and landowner, a figure of authority.

Rause

minor

A minor character, possibly a servant or laborer.

Gaffer Pistol

minor

Also known as Gaffer, Gaffer Pistol - legs, old Gaffer Pistol, Pistol - legs

An old man with a nickname, possibly a veteran or eccentric.

Mrs. Estcourt

supporting

A widow still handsome enough that neighbors predict she'll marry again, Mrs. Estcourt holds Greene Ferne Farm and her daughter's prospects in her hands.

Mr. Hedges

minor

Also known as Hedges

A farmer and neighbor, involved in local disputes.

Mr. Ruck

minor

Also known as Ruck

A farmer and occasional adversary in land dealings.

Jane

minor

A servant or village girl, mentioned in passing conversations.

Farmer Ruck

minor

Also known as Ruck

Another farmer named Ruck, possibly related to Mr. Ruck.

Mr. Fisher

minor

Also known as Fisher

A village man, possibly related to Andrew Fisher.

Rev. Basil Thorpe

minor

Also known as Basil, Thorpe, Basil Thorpe

A clergyman, possibly related to Squire Thorpe.

Jim

minor

A farmhand or village youth, briefly mentioned.

Jenny

minor

A village woman, possibly a servant or neighbor.

Nash

minor

A minor character, perhaps a tradesman or laborer.

Kippur Mathew

minor

Also known as Mathew, Mathew the cobbler

A cobbler in the village, known for his craft.

Miss Fisher

minor

Also known as Fisher

A young woman from the Fisher family, possibly May's relative.

Timothy

minor

Also known as Timothy wenches

A village man, possibly a farmhand or local character.

Farmer Hedges

minor

Also known as Hedges

Another farmer named Hedges, possibly related to Mr. Hedges.

Bill

minor

Also known as Zend Bill

A laborer or servant, briefly mentioned.

Diamond

minor

A horse or pet, mentioned in passing.

Betsy Warren

minor

Also known as Betsy, Elizabeth

A village woman, possibly a servant or neighbor.