Zenobia

Priscilla

Priscilla and Zenobia are half-sisters, with Zenobia initially unaware of their blood relation, leading to a complex mix of rivalry and protectiveness.

Miles Coverdale

Coverdale is obsessively fascinated by Zenobia, observing her as a detached voyeur rather than a genuine friend or lover.

Old Moodie

Old Moodie is Zenobia's father, though he conceals his identity and watches her from a distance due to his shame and poverty.

Professor Westervelt

Westervelt is Zenobia's former lover and manipulator, exerting a sinister influence over her and exploiting her pride and vulnerability.

Silas Foster

Silas Foster and Zenobia are fellow Blithedale residents, with Foster treating her with a mix of rustic respect and bemusement.

Fauntleroy

Fauntleroy is the earlier identity of Old Moodie, Zenobia's father, whose past disgrace and abandonment shape her tragic fate.

Miles Coverdale

Coverdale is obsessively fascinated by Zenobia, observing her as a detached voyeur rather than a genuine friend or lover.

Priscilla

Priscilla and Zenobia are half-sisters, with Zenobia initially unaware of their blood relation, leading to a complex mix of rivalry and protectiveness.

Priscilla

Priscilla and Zenobia are half-sisters, with Zenobia initially unaware of their blood relation, leading to a complex mix of rivalry and protectiveness.

Old Moodie

Old Moodie is Zenobia's father, though he conceals his identity and watches her from a distance due to his shame and poverty.

Silas Foster

Silas Foster and Zenobia are fellow Blithedale residents, with Foster treating her with a mix of rustic respect and bemusement.

Professor Westervelt

Westervelt is Zenobia's former lover and manipulator, exerting a sinister influence over her and exploiting her pride and vulnerability.

The Blithedale Romance

A striking, intelligent woman who embodies both charm and mystery.

Old Moodie

Mentioned as a resident at Blithedale; Coverdale has not yet met her personally.

Blithedale

Enters the parlor after Coverdale's arrival; described as having an imperial figure and deportment, and using a pseudonym as her magazine signature.

A Knot of Dreamers

Welcomes the newcomers with warmth and wit; her beauty, vitality, and the exotic flower in her hair are described in detail; she speaks of Hollingsworth with admiration.

IV: The Supper-Table

Initially sharp and cautious toward Priscilla, but softens after Hollingsworth's reproach; accepts the girl into the household.

Until Bedtime

Zenobia shows a mix of vexation and kindness toward Priscilla, offering a caress that transforms the girl's demeanor. She speculates about Priscilla's background, suggesting she is a seamstress from the city.

VI: Coverdale’s Sick-Chamber

Brings Coverdale gruel daily, converses vivaciously, wears a fresh exotic flower in her hair, and is perceived as a magnificent woman with a mysterious life.

The Convalescent

Priscilla's primary object of affection; Zenobia sometimes appears annoyed by Priscilla's close attendance.

A Modern Arcadia

Decked Priscilla with wildflowers and a malicious weed; speaks of women's limited fate and praises Hollingsworth's influence.

IX: Hollingsworth, Zenobia, Priscilla

Shows jealousy and a tragic intensity; Coverdale notes her noble traits but fears for her emotional vulnerability.

A Visitor from Town

Seen with Priscilla at a window; Moodie asks about her kindness to Priscilla.

XI: The Wood-Path

Subject of Westervelt's inquiries; described as having an 'uncomfortable surplus of vitality' and being the 'better model of womanhood'; Coverdale directs Westervelt to her favorite walk.

XII: Coverdale's Hermitage

Seen in intense conversation with Westervelt, showing anger and past intimacy.

XIII: Zenobia's Legend

Zenobia is the storyteller, weaving a legend about the Veiled Lady and using a piece of gauze to dramatically veil Priscilla at the story's climax.

Eliot's Pulpit

Passionately argues for women's rights but shows vulnerability and love for Hollingsworth through a secret gesture.

XV: A Crisis

Implied to be the source of Hollingsworth's funding, though her full involvement is left ambiguous.

XVI: Leave-Takings

Bids Coverdale farewell with a pitying look; speaks of women's rights and hints at personal turmoil, declining to confide in him.

XVIII: The Boardinghouse

Seen in the drawing-room of the opposite house, elegantly dressed with a flower in her hair, engaged in conversation with Westervelt.

XIX: Zenobia’s Drawing-Room

Hosts Coverdale in her luxurious drawing-room; defends Hollingsworth passionately; shows distress when Coverdale mentions Hollingsworth's tenderness toward Priscilla.

XX: They Vanish

Hosts Priscilla in her boudoir, warns Coverdale against interference, and departs with Westervelt and Priscilla.

An Old Acquaintance

Mentioned as another person Coverdale hopes to learn about through Moodie.

Fauntleroy

Referred to as the beautiful elder daughter of Fauntleroy, the object of Priscilla's devoted affection.

A Village Hall

Mentioned by Coverdale and Hollingsworth; her whereabouts are uncertain.

The Masqueraders

Appears as a gypsy fortune-teller in the masquerade; later confronts Coverdale at Eliot's Pulpit.

The Three Together

Appears as a dethroned queen, passionate and defiant. She confronts Hollingsworth, accusing him of ruining her and sacrificing Priscilla, and ultimately is left alone.

XXVI: Zenobia and Coverdale

Grief-stricken and defiant after Hollingsworth's rejection; she speaks of her doom, gives away her jeweled flower, and bids farewell to Coverdale.

XXVII: Midnight

Found drowned in the river; her body is described in rigid, defiant posture.

Blithedale Pasture

Buried in the Blithedale pasture; her death is mourned and debated by Coverdale and Westervelt.

Miles Coverdale's Confession

Her death haunts Coverdale, making the Blithedale soil feel like her grave.