Roland Ashton

Hester Vernon

Roland is Hester's suitor and later lover, their relationship filled with passion, secrecy, and societal obstacles.

Edward Vernon

Edward disapproves of Roland as a suitor for Hester, viewing him as unworthy and creating conflict between them.

Emma Ashton

Emma is Roland's sister, and their relationship is supportive but strained by Roland's romantic entanglements.

Catherine Vernon

Catherine opposes Roland's relationship with Hester, viewing him as a threat to her daughter's reputation.

Emma Ashton

Emma is Roland's sister, and their relationship is supportive but strained by Roland's romantic entanglements.

Hester Vernon

Roland is Hester's suitor and later lover, their relationship filled with passion, secrecy, and societal obstacles.

Edward Vernon

Edward disapproves of Roland as a suitor for Hester, viewing him as unworthy and creating conflict between them.

Catherine Vernon

Catherine opposes Roland's relationship with Hester, viewing him as a threat to her daughter's reputation.

Hester Vernon

Roland is Hester's suitor and later lover, their relationship filled with passion, secrecy, and societal obstacles.

Edward Vernon

Edward disapproves of Roland as a suitor for Hester, viewing him as unworthy and creating conflict between them.

Catherine Vernon

Catherine opposes Roland's relationship with Hester, viewing him as a threat to her daughter's reputation.

Emma Ashton

Emma is Roland's sister, and their relationship is supportive but strained by Roland's romantic entanglements.

Walks and Talks

The grandson of Captain Morgan, newly arrived; speaks softly to Hester from the shadows, suggesting she is at the beginning of her story, but is silenced by the captain's interference.

XVII: The Young and the Old

Recently arrived at the Vernonry, praised by Catherine for his independence and good looks; Captain Morgan is suspicious of him.

XVIII: A Family Party

Engages Catherine in conversation about philosophy, uses his charm to win her favor.

XIX: Confidences

Engages Edward in conversation about business and speculation; shows curiosity about Hester; feels indignation at Edward's ingratitude toward Catherine, but is restrained by mutual interest.

Roland

Arrives with plans to win over Catherine Vernon but pivots to business opportunities; observes the household with detached amusement.

XXI: Warning

Defends his financial profession to his grandfather, promises not to harm the Vernons, and bids a tender farewell to Hester, hinting at future congratulations.

XXII: Dancing Teas

His departure marks the beginning of a new social era for Hester; she reflects on her past feelings for him, but now finds Edward more intriguing.

A New Competitor

Mentioned as having met Emma and told her about the Vernon cousins; Emma lives with him in Redborough.

A Double Mind

The instigator of the speculative scheme, whose detailed letter pushes Edward toward a risky decision.

XXVIII: Was It Love?

Mentioned as having briefly distracted Hester from Edward, causing her to question the constancy of her feelings.

The Party at the Grange

Arrives late at the party, receives a warm welcome from Catherine and Edward, and has previously occupied Hester's thoughts.

Business and Love

Explains stock market operations to Hester, grows jealous of Edward, and attempts to flirt with Hester.

A Speculator

Advises Edward against the speculation, warning him not to risk other people's money. He is cautious and tries to dissuade Edward.

A Late Visitor

Roland is mentioned in Hester's thoughts; his remark that Edward 'lost his head' comes back to her as she pieces together Edward's situation.

Doubts and Fears

Roland is troubled by Hester's strange behavior and goes to the bank to confront Edward about his financial scheme, ultimately feeling relieved but suspicious.

A Discovery

Chief guest at Catherine's dinner party; leaves with Edward after the party.

XXXVI: In the Labyrinth

Departs after hinting at future intentions toward Hester, but she is indifferent and relieved by his going.

The Settlement

Hurries down to explain his role in Edward's affairs, but refrains from speaking to Catherine; reveals Emma's elopement with Edward.

XLV: The End

Mentioned as another possible suitor for Hester; described as having brains.