Character guide

Dan Oliphant

major

Also known as Daniel, Henry Oliphant, Mr. Daniel Oliphant, young Daniel

The Oliphant son who chafes against his family's genteel expectations and throws himself into business, courtship, and the messy work of becoming his own man.

Harlan Oliphant

major

Also known as Mr. Oliphant, the studious Harlan, the sardonic Harlan

Dan's elder brother, all precision and irony, whose cool intelligence and social polish make him both a foil and a quiet reproach to the family's strivers.

Lena McMillan

major

Also known as Evidently Lena, the McMillan

A young woman whose beauty and self-possession unsettle the Oliphant men, drawing desire, rivalry, and the painful question of what she actually wants.

Martha Shelby

supporting

Also known as old Shelby, dear old Martha

An older woman of the household whose plainspoken warmth and long memory steady the Oliphants when their ambitions and tempers run ahead of them.

George McMillan

supporting

Also known as Mr. George Howe, McMillan

A McMillan whose dealings with the Oliphants braid business ambition with social friction, testing where money ends and manners begin.

Mrs. Savage

minor

Also known as old Mrs. Savage, grandma Savage

An elderly neighbor or relative, often mentioned in domestic contexts.

Mr. Shelby

minor

Also known as dry old Mr. Shelby, Shelby

A dry, older gentleman connected to the Shelby family, appearing in social scenes.

Mrs. Oliphant

minor

The mother of Dan and Harlan, a quiet presence in the Oliphant household.

Sam Kohn

minor

Also known as Master Sam Kohn, Sammy, little Sammy Kohn, Mr. Kohn

A young boy or minor character, possibly a friend or acquaintance of the family.

Fred Oliphant

supporting

Also known as Frederic, Mr. Frederic Oliphant, Freddie Oliphant

One of the Oliphant brothers, gallant and easy in company, whose charm and restlessness keep the family's social weather unpredictable.

Grandma Savage

minor

Also known as Grandma, grandma

An elderly relative, likely the same as Mrs. Savage, appearing in family scenes.

Mr. Venable

minor

Also known as Venable, the renowned Venable, Perry Venable

A notable figure in the community, possibly a professional or artist.

Earl of Ornaby

minor

Also known as Ornaby, The Earl of Ornaby

A titled character referenced in the narrative, possibly a historical or local figure.

Miss Shelby

minor

Also known as that big Miss Shelby

A Shelby daughter, possibly a romantic interest or social figure.

Nimbus

minor

A possibly animal or whimsical character, mentioned with person-like pronouns.

Old Hickory Shelby

minor

Also known as Old Hickory

A character with a distinctive nickname, likely a Shelby family member.

Miss McMillan

minor

A female member of the McMillan family, possibly Lena's relative.

Olive

minor

Also known as Aunt Olive

An aunt figure, likely related to the Oliphants or Shelbys.

Mrs. McMillan

minor

The mother or elder of the McMillan family, appearing in domestic settings.

Old George Rowe

minor

Also known as George Rowe

An older male character, possibly a neighbor or acquaintance.

Oliver

minor

Also known as Cousin Oliver

A cousin of the Oliphants, appearing in family gatherings.

Charlie

minor

Also known as young Charlie

A young boy or minor character in the community.

Mr. Johns

minor

Also known as Mr. John P. Johns, old John P. Johns

An older gentleman, possibly a business associate or neighbor.

Emma

minor

A female character, possibly a servant or acquaintance.

Dannie

minor

Also known as Innocent old Dannie

An older, innocent character, possibly a servant or local figure.

General McMillan

minor

A military title held by a McMillan family member, mentioned in passing.

Eugene Morgan

minor

Also known as Morgan

A character with a few mentions, possibly a friend or rival.

Charlotte

minor

A female character, possibly a servant or relative.

Old Ranse Ornaby

minor

Also known as Ranse Ornaby

An older member of the Ornaby family, possibly a local landowner.

Jim

minor

A minor male character, possibly a servant or worker.

Mist' Hollun

minor

A character with a dialect name, possibly a local figure.

John Evelyn

minor

Also known as Evelyn

A historical or literary reference, possibly a minor character.