# Father — Poetry character guide

> Father in Poetry by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Dear Father

**First appearance:** 0000-eliza-harris

## Who they are

A paternal figure, possibly God or a human father.

## Relationships

### [Unknown Narrator](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/characters/unknown_narrator)

_family_

The father figure interacts with the narrator in a familial, possibly paternal or guiding role.

### [Princess Charmian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/characters/princess_charmian)

_social_

Father and Princess Charmian share a connection within the narrative, possibly as acquaintances or symbolic figures.

### [Unknown Narrator](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/characters/unknown_narrator)

_family_

The father figure interacts with the narrator in a familial, possibly paternal or guiding role.

### [Princess Charmian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/characters/princess_charmian)

_social_

Father and Princess Charmian share a connection within the narrative, possibly as acquaintances or symbolic figures.

### [Unknown Narrator](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/characters/unknown_narrator)

_family_

The father figure interacts with the narrator in a familial, possibly paternal or guiding role.

## In the story

### [The Drunkard’s Child](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-drunkard-s-child)

The drunken father who comes to see his dying child, is moved to tears, and promises to meet the child in heaven.

### [The Prodigal's Return](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-prodigal-s-return)

The forgiving father who welcomes his repentant son with open arms and celebration.

### [Eva's Farewell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/eva-s-farewell)

Eva's father, whom she addresses directly, asking him to kiss her cold hand before she is received by angels.

### [The Dying Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-dying-mother)

The husband of the dying mother, who is asked to hold her and to convey her blessings to their children.

### [The Dying Child to Her Blind Father](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-dying-child-to-her-blind-father)

The blind father who is being comforted by his dying child.

### [Wanderer's Return](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/wanderer-s-return)

Referenced as the divine Father whose love for wandering souls mirrors the mother's love.

### [Signing the Pledge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/signing-the-pledge)

The narrator himself, who vows to change for his family.

### [Going East](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/going-east)

The husband who builds a fortune but neglects his wife's emotional needs.

### [A Little Child Shall Lead Them](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/a-little-child-shall-lead-them)

The husband who initially questions placing the badge in the grave but later, moved by the story, kneels in prayer and vows to abstain from drink.

### [The Sparrow's Fall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/the-sparrow-s-fall)

Implied as the divine Father in whose breast the restless heart is encouraged to rest.

### [Dandelions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/dandelions)

Referenced as 'our Father' whose loving care sends flowers as gifts.

### [Renewal of Strength](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/renewal-of-strength)

Referenced as 'my Father's house,' symbolizing divine presence and heavenly comfort.

### [Behold the Lilies!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/chapters/behold-the-lilies)

Addressed as 'our Father and our Friend,' the source of refuge and mercy.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/characters/father
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/poetry_7_se/characters