# Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860–69 — Character guide

> Key figures in Scrambles Amongst the Alps in the Years 1860–69 by Edward Whymper.

- [Edward Whymper](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/edward_whymper.md): Whymper is the book's narrator and driving ambition, a self-taught climber who treats each unconquered summit as a personal summons. He is by turns lyrical and forensic, pausing to argue glacier stratification with Agass
- [Jean-Antoine Carrel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/jean_antoine_carrel.md): Carrel moves through the Alpine world as a man of local authority, the guide other guides defer to and the one Whymper most needs and most resents. When his companions refuse the mountain outright, he alone steps forward
- [Michel Croz](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/michel_croz.md): Croz is the human engine of Whymper's rope, the guide whose fire and dash balance Almer's caution and who works so well with his partners that each confesses to liking the other for it. Left behind at Chamounix, he kicks
- [Christian Almer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/christian_almer.md): Almer is the quiet professional of Whymper's Alpine circle, a guide whose truer heart and surer foot are vouched for by every employer. Where Croz supplies dash, Almer supplies judgment, and the two work together so smoo
- [Mr. Adams-Reilly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/mr_adams_riley.md): Adams-Reilly belongs to the small fraternity of gentleman climbers whose observations Whymper treats as equal to his own. Together they inspect the Aiguille Verte from every direction in 1864, concluding the southern app
- [J. J. Bennen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/j_j_bennen.md): Bennen lingers in the narrative as a benchmark rather than a presence, the man whose stopping point on the final peak becomes the line every later party measures itself against. His fatal avalanche on the Haut de Cry, re
- [Jean Reynaud](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/jean_reynaud.md): A French scientist and philosopher who accompanied Whymper on the ascent of the Pointe des Escandilles.
- [Professor Ramsay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/professor_ramsay.md): A geologist who joined Whymper on the first passage of the Col de Pilatte.
- [Peter Taugwalder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/peter_taugwalder.md): Old Peter Taugwalder belongs to the old guard of Zermatt guides, a man Whymper describes as possessing a truer heart and surer foot than nearly any other in the Alps. He climbs alongside his son, young Peter, creating a 
- [Professor Tyndall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/professor_tyndall.md): Professor John Tyndall moves through Alpine circles as a man of science and serious ambition, his Matterhorn attempts raising the stakes for everyone chasing the same summit. Whymper measures himself against Tyndall's ef
- [Franz Biener](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/franz_biener.md): A Zermatt guide who accompanied Whymper on several climbs including the ascent of the Dent Blanche.
- [Sémiond](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/semiond.md): An elderly guide from the Val Tournanche who assisted Whymper on early Matterhorn attempts.
- [Joseph Brantschen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/joseph_brantschen.md): A guide from Saas who accompanied Whymper on the first ascent of the Grand Cornier.
- [Rev. Charles Hudson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/rev_charles_hudson.md): Rev. Charles Hudson brings to the Matterhorn the credibility of a man who has already stood on Mont Blanc and earned respect across the Alpine community. He joins Whymper's party not as a novice but as an equal, his calm
- [Reginald Macdonald](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/reginald_macdonald.md): A companion on the first passage of the Col de Triolet and other climbs.
- [T. S. Kennedy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/t_s_kennedy.md): A mountaineer who joined Whymper on the first ascent of the Ruinette and the Matterhorn attempt.
- [Luc Meynet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/luc_meynet.md): A cheerful young guide from the Val Tournanche who assisted on several Matterhorn attempts.
- [Jean B. Croz](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/jean_b_croz.md): A guide and relative of Michel Croz who accompanied Whymper on the ascent of the Aiguille Verte.
- [Melchior Anderegg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/melchior_anderegg.md): A celebrated guide from Meiringen who accompanied Whymper on the ascent of Mont Dolent.
- [Alexandre Seiler](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/alexandre_seiler.md): The hotelier in Zermatt who hosted Whymper and other mountaineers.
- [Lord Francis Douglas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/lord_francis_douglas.md): Lord Francis Douglas represents the restless energy of Victorian noblemen drawn to Alpine glory, his youth and enthusiasm making him both an asset and a risk on the Matterhorn. He had already made his mark on the mountai
- [Caesar Carrel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/caesar_carrel.md): A guide from the Val Tournanche who assisted on early Matterhorn attempts.
- [De Saussure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/de_saussure.md): An 18th-century naturalist and early mountaineer whose explorations are referenced in the book.
- [Mr. Hadow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/mr_hadow.md): Mr. Hadow arrives on the Matterhorn with more enthusiasm than Alpine seasoning, a fact that becomes painfully relevant as the party navigates the mountain's difficult upper sections. He is the kind of climber Whymper mig
- [J. J. Carrel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/j_j_carrel.md): A guide related to Jean-Antoine Carrel who accompanied Mr. Hawkins on an earlier Matterhorn attempt.
- [Peter Perrn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/peter_perrn.md): A guide from the Zermatt area who assisted on the first ascent of the Grand Cornier.
- [Signor F. Giordano](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/signor_f_giordano.md): An Italian scientist who accompanied Whymper on the ascent of the Grandes Jorasses.
- [Mr. Craufurd Grove](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/mr_craufurd_grove.md): A mountaineer who joined Whymper on the first passage of the Col Dolent.
- [Mr. Tuckett](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/mr_tuckett.md): A fellow mountaineer who accompanied Whymper on the ascent of the Aiguille Verte.
- [Mr. Moore](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/mr_moore.md): A mountaineer who joined Whymper on the first passage of the Col de Talèfre.
- [Principal J. D. Forbes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/principal_j_d_forbes.md): A pioneering glaciologist and mountaineer whose work is frequently cited in the book.
- [Canon Carrel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/canon_carrel.md): A local clergyman and relative of the Carrel guides, mentioned in the Val Tournanche.
- [F. Rebot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/f_rebot.md): A guide who accompanied Whymper on the first ascent of the Pointe des Escandilles.
- [Johann Kronig](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/johann_kronig.md): A guide from Zermatt who accompanied Whymper on the ascent of the Dent Blanche.
- [Abbé Gorret](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/abbe_gorret.md): A local priest and mountaineer from the Val Tournanche who assisted on several climbs.
- [J. M. Lochmatter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/j_m_lochmatter.md): A guide from Saas who accompanied Whymper on the first ascent of the Grand Cornier.
- [Horace Walker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/horace_walker.md): A mountaineer who joined Whymper on the first ascent of the Grandes Jorasses.
- [Jos. Maquignaz](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/jos_maquignaz.md): A guide from the Val Tournanche who assisted on the first ascent of the Grandes Jorasses.
- [Daniel Maquignaz](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/daniel_maquignaz.md): A guide from the Val Tournanche who assisted on the first ascent of the Grandes Jorasses.
- [Mr. Mathews](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/mr_matthews.md): A fellow mountaineer who accompanied Whymper on the first passage of the Col de Pilatte.
- [Mr. Vaughan Hawkins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/mr_vaughan_hawkins.md): An English mountaineer who made an early attempt on the Matterhorn with J. J. Carrel.
- [Captain Mieulet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/captain_mieulet.md): A French army officer who accompanied Whymper on the ascent of Mont Pelvoux.
- [Leslie Stephen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/leslie_stephen.md): A fellow mountaineer and writer who accompanied Whymper on the ascent of the Schreckhorn.
- [Sir Charles Lyell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/sir_charles_lyell.md): A prominent geologist whose theories on denudation are cited in the appendix.
- [J. B. Bich](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/j_b_bich.md): A guide from the Val Tournanche who assisted on early Matterhorn attempts.
- [Sig. Guido Rey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/sig_guido_rey.md): An Italian mountaineer and author who later wrote about the Matterhorn.
- [M. Elie de Beaumont](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/m_elie_de_beaumont.md): A French geologist whose work on the Alps is referenced in the book.
- [Ulrich Lauener](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/ulrich_lauener.md): A guide from Grindelwald who accompanied Professor Tyndall on Matterhorn attempts.
- [Watson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/watson.md): A companion on the first passage of the Col de Triolet and other climbs.
- [Dr. Fodéré](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/dr_fodere.md): A French doctor whose writings on the Alps are referenced in the book.
- [Sandbach Parker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/sandbach_parker.md): A mountaineer who joined Whymper on the first ascent of the Grandes Jorasses.
- [Mr. Bonney](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/mr_bonney.md): A geologist and mountaineer who accompanied Whymper on the first passage of the Col de Pilatte.
- [Mr. W. E. Davidson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/mr_w_e_davidson.md): A mountaineer who joined Whymper on the first ascent of the Ruinette.
- [Christian Lauener](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters/christian_lauener.md): A guide from Grindelwald who accompanied Whymper on the ascent of the Grand Cornier.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/scrambles_amongst_the_alps_in_the_years_1860_69_se/characters