Stella Cunningham

Michael Fane

Michael is deeply infatuated with Stella, pursuing her with obsessive devotion despite her elusive and often dismissive behavior.

Mother Wadman

Mother Wadman exerts a controlling, manipulative influence over Stella, using her as a tool in her schemes involving Michael.

Michael Fane

Michael is deeply infatuated with Stella, pursuing her with obsessive devotion despite her elusive and often dismissive behavior.

Michael Fane

Michael is deeply infatuated with Stella, pursuing her with obsessive devotion despite her elusive and often dismissive behavior.

Mother Wadman

Mother Wadman exerts a controlling, manipulative influence over Stella, using her as a tool in her schemes involving Michael.

Mother Wadman

Mother Wadman exerts a controlling, manipulative influence over Stella, using her as a tool in her schemes involving Michael.

Sinister Street

Michael's close friend and confidante, representing a link to his childhood.

I: The New World

Michael's sister, asleep in the night-nursery, later wakes crying at train noise.

II: Bittersweet

Michael's sister, described as peevish and beginning to show signs of becoming an intelligent companion.

IV: Unending Childhood

Receives praise and music lessons from long-haired men; Michael envies her sleek appearance and the attention she gets.

The First Fairy Princess

Michael's sister, present during the seaside holiday; Michael arranges her future in his boasts.

VI: The Enchanted Palace

Mentioned as Michael's sister; her mail-cart is borrowed by Rodber; she is predicted to become a great pianist.

VII: Randell House

Mentioned as someone Michael wants to show his new school cap to.

VIII: Siamese Stamps

Seen as affected by Michael; her company is preferred by Mrs. Fane over Michael's.

I: The Jacobean

Stella is Michael's sister, who attends a dance with him and is a potential confidant for his romantic feelings.

II: The Quadruple Intrigue

Goes to Germany to study music; Michael resents her opportunities and affectations.

Incense

Mentioned as someone whose affectations and conceit Michael wishes to avoid when considering church attendance.

X: Stella

Michael's sister, aged fifteen, who has been studying in Germany; reunites with Michael in Compiègne; reveals her belief in her own genius and her mystical connection to music.

Eighteen Years Old

Stella returns home and her piano playing fills the house; she questions Michael about Lily and challenges his concerns about propriety.

Parents

Comforts Michael fiercely, later learns the truth about her parentage and supports her mother.

Music

Eager to begin her concert career; insists on a debut despite mourning; successfully performs Chopin's concerto at King's Hall.

The First Term

Stella writes to Michael about her concert success, her new studio, and her desire to move to Cheyne Walk, expressing excitement about life and art.

IV: Cheyne Walk

Stella supports Michael in choosing the house, plays piano in the studio, and is described as clever and intimidating to Prescott.

VI: Gray and Blue

Discusses Mrs. Fane's transformation with Michael, has taken a studio in Paris with Clarissa Vine, and is fascinated by painter George Ayliffe.

IX: The Lesson of Spain

Writes to Michael from Germany about her Brahms recitals and her desire to escape London and Prescott's attentions.

X: Stella in Oxford

Mentioned as having performed music in Oxford; Michael discusses her behavior and deterioration in playing.

XIII: Plashers Mead

Returns from Vienna changed—restless, bitter, and secretive; mocks their childhood home; refuses to visit Maurice's studio; eventually breaks down in tears.

XV: The Last Term

Invited to Commemoration with Mrs. Fane.

XVI: The Last Week

Confides in Michael about her love for Alan and her wish to marry him, showing a softer, more vulnerable side.

XVII: The Last Day

Waits impatiently at the Randolph; embraces Michael and expresses her affection.

I: Ostia Ditis

Stella is Michael's sister, who arrives home with their mother while Michael is in distress.

III: The Café d’Orange

Engaged to Alan, excitedly describes their future life as squirearchy in Huntingdonshire.

V: The Innermost Circle

Michael wonders how Stella and Alan are getting on at Compiègne, showing his lingering connection to her.

VII: The Gate of Ivory

Michael's sister, who strongly disapproves of Lily and argues with Michael about the marriage, calling Lily 'flabby' and the marriage 'impossible'.

IX: The Gate of Horn

At Hardingham; brings in the first roses of the year; discusses inspiration with Michael; defends Alan against Michael's criticism.