Dick

Robert the Weaver

Dick and Robert the Weaver are friends who collaborate in the communal work and social life.

Ellen

Dick and Ellen have a warm, platonic friendship, with Dick showing admiration for Ellen's spirit.

Ellen

Dick and Ellen have a warm, platonic friendship, with Dick showing admiration for Ellen's spirit.

II: A Morning Bath

The waterman who rows the narrator; he is handsome, friendly, and offers to be his guide.

The Guest House and the Breakfast Therein

The ferryman who accompanies the narrator to the Guest House and gently chides Robert for his intrusive questions.

IV: A Market by the Way

Dick guides the narrator through Hammersmith, explains the market and theatre, and is puzzled by the narrator's question about poor people.

Children on the Road

Dick guides the Guest through Kensington, explains the repurposing of the Houses of Parliament, and describes how children learn through life and play rather than formal schooling.

VI: A Little Shopping

Guides the Guest through Piccadilly, explains the market's function, and humorously but firmly discourages the Guest from changing his attire. He also briefly alludes to a recent tragic love affair.

VII: Trafalgar Square

Dick explains the road-mending work, the history of Trafalgar Square, and the purpose of banded-workshops.

An Old Friend

Dick guides the Guest, points out landmarks, and seems anxious or distracted, possibly hoping to meet someone at the market.

IX: Concerning Love

Brings the Guest to Old Hammond; is reunited with Clara, his former wife.

XV: On the Lack of Incentive to Labour in a Communist Society

Mentioned as expected to arrive with Clara, but they do not appear during the conversation.

XVI: Dinner in the Hall of the Bloomsbury Market

Dick defends the beauty of old fairy tales and childlike imagination, and engages in lover's banter with Clara.

XVIII: The Beginning of the New Life

Dick and Clara arrive to fetch the Guest at the end of the chapter.

XIX: The Drive Back to Hammersmith

Cheerful and practical, plans to take the Guest on a haymaking and harvest tour.

The Hammersmith Guesthouse Again

Drives the narrator back, warns off the weaver, and is celebrated for reuniting with Clara.

XXI: Going Up the River

Dressed in embroidered white flannel, rows the boat, and speaks enthusiastically about the hay-harvest and the beauty of the women working.

XXII: Hampton Court and a Praiser of Past Times

Dick rows the boat with tireless strength, expresses a preference for the open countryside over parks, and listens uncomfortably to the old man's praise of past times.

XXIII: An Early Morning by the Runnymede

Dick jokes about the scene being like a fairy tale, calling Ellen a fairy and the old man a gnome, and shows affection for the idyllic morning.

XXIV: Up the Thames: The Second Day

Dick is the guide and friend, showing the narrator around and explaining the history of places like Eton.

XXV: The Third Day on the Thames

Defends the traditional pound-lock for its beauty, and steers the boat while discussing the homicide case.

XXVI: The Obstinate Refusers

Leads the group, engages in banter with the builders, and explains the concept of 'easy-hard work.'

XXVII: The Upper Waters

Dick engages in the discussion about the shift to handicraft, and later helps Ellen with her boat rudder.

XXVIII: The Little River

Wants fairness in boat assignments but defers to Ellen's choice.

A Resting-Place on the Upper Thames

Dick leads the group, calls for the midday meal, and later teases Ellen and the guest about their conversation.

The Journey's End

Dick leads the boat party, enthusiastically points out landmarks, and greets the waiting friends.

XXXI: An Old House Amongst New Folk

Appears briefly to greet the Guest and Ellen, suggests a swim before dinner, and leaves with Clara.

The Feast's Beginning … The End

Dick guides the Guest to the feast, shares his love for the earth and the seasons, and jokes about the Guest's influence on his thoughts.