Character guide

Roger Mifflin

major

Also known as Mr. Mifflin, Mr. Roger Mifflin, Mifflin

Roger Mifflin has spent years peddling literature from Parnassus, a book wagon he loves more than most people, and he's finally decided to retreat to Brooklyn and write his own book. But his chivalrous streak wars with his plans: no sooner has he sold the outfit than he's shadowing Helen down country roads, convinced a woman traveling alone is courting disaster. His blend of quixotic gallantry, bookish passion, and comic stubbornness makes him the engine of the story's middle stretch.

Helen McGill

major

Also known as Miss Helen McGill, Miss McGill

Helen McGill has spent years keeping house at Sabine Farm for her brother Andrew, a writer whose needs have quietly swallowed her life. When the itinerant bookseller Roger Mifflin appears with his wagon, she seizes the chance to buy it and drive off alone, scandalizing everyone she meets. Her dry humor, competence with horses and farm cooking, and growing hunger for a life of her own carry the narrative's early and middle chapters.

Andrew McGill

supporting

Also known as Andrew, Dear Andrew

Andrew McGill is the literary lion of Redfield, a man whose books Roger Mifflin reveres and whose household Helen has quietly run for years. He disapproves of Helen's impulsive journey and is baffled by her defiance, though his bluster hides a willingness to make amends once he's convinced he's wrong. His presence frames what Helen is escaping and raises the question of whether she'll ever return to the life she left.

Bock

supporting

Also known as Bock the terrier

Bock is Roger Mifflin's constant companion aboard Parnassus, a terrier whose wagging tail and eager nose are part of the wagon's daily life. He's left behind when Helen takes over the outfit, and his whining at her departure signals how much the little dog is attached to his people. His presence threads through the journey as both comic relief and a reminder of the affections that bind the wandering bookseller to his wandering life.

Peg

supporting

Peg is the quiet workhorse of the Parnassus outfit, hauling the book wagon through country lanes with a stoicism that Helen comes to rely on. When a loose shoe and sore foot force a stop near a deserted quarry, Peg's practical needs trigger the chain of events that puts the wagon and its cargo in jeopardy. Her steady presence grounds the story's wandering in the ordinary rhythms of animal care and road travel.

Mrs. McNally

minor

A farm woman who provides lodging and meals to Helen during her travels.

The Perfessor

minor

Also known as Perfessor

A traveling lecturer and friend of Mifflin who appears briefly.

The Sage

minor

Also known as Sage

A wise old man who offers philosophical commentary.

Mrs. Pratt

minor

Also known as Ben, Mrs. Ben Pratt, Pratt

A farm wife who buys books from the wagon.

Dick

minor

A young boy who shows interest in the book wagon.

Redbeard

minor

Also known as little Redbeard, the valiant Redbeard

A character from a book within the story, referenced as a heroic figure.

Mr. Pratt

minor

Also known as Pratt

A farmer and husband of Mrs. Pratt.

Pegasus

minor

The mythical winged horse, referenced as a symbol of the book wagon.

Sam Mason

minor

Also known as Sam, Mason

Son of Mr. and Mrs. Mason.

Mrs. Mason

minor

Also known as Mason

A local woman who interacts with Helen and the book wagon.

Mr. Mason

minor

Husband of Mrs. Mason, a farmer encountered on the road.

Mr. Shirley

minor

A local man who helps Helen with the wagon.

Mrs. Roger Mifflin

minor

Also known as Mrs. Mifflin

Roger Mifflin's wife, mentioned but not appearing on page.

Farmer Pratt

minor

Another farmer named Pratt, possibly distinct from Mr. Pratt.

Mr. McGill

minor

Also known as Dear Mr. McGill

Andrew McGill, addressed formally in letters.

Mrs. Hominy

minor

A woman who briefly interacts with the book wagon.

Henry James

minor

Also known as Henry, James

The author, mentioned as a literary reference.

Emma Mason

minor

Also known as Emma

Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mason.

Thoreau

minor

Henry David Thoreau, referenced as a literary figure.

Reverend Kane

minor

A clergyman who appears in a scene with the book wagon.

Mrs. Collins

minor

A woman who buys a book from Helen.

Beulah Pratt

minor

Daughter of the Pratts, mentioned briefly.

Hayseed

minor

A nickname for a rustic character.

Abe Lincoln

minor

Also known as Abe

Abraham Lincoln, referenced as a historical figure.

Splitlip Sam

minor

A local character with a distinctive appearance.

Philip

minor

Also known as Uncle Philip

An uncle mentioned in passing.

Charles Lamb

minor

Also known as Lamb

The essayist, referenced as a literary figure.

George Eliot

minor

Also known as George Borrow

The novelist, referenced as a literary figure.