Clifford Pyncheon

Hepzibah Pyncheon

Hepzibah is Clifford's devoted sister, caring for him after his long imprisonment with protective and often anxious affection.

Judge Jaffrey Pyncheon

Clifford and Judge Jaffrey are bitter enemies, as the Judge falsely accused Clifford of murder and had him imprisoned for decades.

Phoebe Pyncheon

Clifford is Phoebe's elderly cousin, and her gentle, cheerful presence soothes his traumatized mind.

Matthew Maule

Clifford is haunted by the ghostly presence and curse of Matthew Maule, whose wronged spirit is tied to the Pyncheon family's fate.

Alice Pyncheon

Alice is Clifford's ancestor, and her tragic story of Maule's curse casts a shadow over Clifford's own life.

Holgrave

Clifford is intrigued by Holgrave's youthful energy and modern ideas, though they have limited direct interaction.

Uncle Venner

Clifford enjoys Uncle Venner's gentle, philosophical company as a rare source of calm in his troubled life.

Hepzibah Pyncheon

Hepzibah is Clifford's devoted sister, caring for him after his long imprisonment with protective and often anxious affection.

Judge Jaffrey Pyncheon

Clifford and Judge Jaffrey are bitter enemies, as the Judge falsely accused Clifford of murder and had him imprisoned for decades.

Phoebe Pyncheon

Clifford is Phoebe's elderly cousin, and her gentle, cheerful presence soothes his traumatized mind.

Hepzibah Pyncheon

Hepzibah is Clifford's devoted sister, caring for him after his long imprisonment with protective and often anxious affection.

Matthew Maule

Clifford is haunted by the ghostly presence and curse of Matthew Maule, whose wronged spirit is tied to the Pyncheon family's fate.

The Old Pyncheon Family

Nephew convicted of murdering his uncle; sentenced to perpetual imprisonment, now rumored to be released.

II: The Little Shopwindow

The brother of Hepzibah, represented by a miniature in a secret drawer; his gentle, beautiful face is the object of Hepzibah's undying faith and devotion.

IV: A Day Behind the Counter

Mentioned indirectly by Uncle Venner, who asks when Clifford will come home, stirring Hepzibah's grief.

May and November

Mentioned only through the miniature; Hepzibah suggests he may still be alive and might return to the house.

The Guest

The guest, recently returned, appears frail and disoriented, with a refined but faded beauty; he is sensitive to beauty and struggles to grasp reality.

VIII: The Pyncheon of Today

Clifford's weak, wailing voice is heard from the inner room, begging Hepzibah to entreat the Judge not to enter, revealing his profound fear.

IX: Clifford and Phoebe

Remains withdrawn and unresponsive to Hepzibah's efforts, but becomes animated and youthful in Phoebe's presence, showing a capacity for joy.

The Pyncheon Garden

Clifford is revived by the garden, enjoys flowers and Phoebe's readings, but is troubled by visions in Maule's well and expresses a deep longing for happiness.

XI: The Arched Window

Watches the street from the arched window, expresses a desire to go to church, but feels like a ghost and cannot leave the house. Later, he is almost drawn to leap into a political procession.

XII: The Daguerreotypist

Exhausted by daily life, retires early; his presence drains Phoebe's vitality.

XIV: Phoebe’s Goodbye

Described as a dead and long-buried person who exists only through Phoebe; Phoebe feels a motherly sentiment toward him.

XV: The Scowl and Smile

Becomes bedridden and despondent after Phoebe's departure; briefly plays Alice Pyncheon's harpsichord.

XVI: Clifford's Chamber

Absent from his chamber when Hepzibah finally enters; his fragile nature is contrasted with Judge Pyncheon's hardness.

XVII: The Flight of Two Owls

Exhilarated and possessed by a powerful excitement, he takes control of their flight, leading Hepzibah onto the train. He engages in a philosophical conversation about the railroad replacing home and fireside.

Governor Pyncheon

Mentioned as a potential heir to the Pyncheon property if the Judge's son is dead.

XIX: Alice’s Posies

Imagined by children as making awful gestures from a window in a faded dressing-gown.

XX: The Flower of Eden

Has fled with Hepzibah, likely terrified by the similarity of the Judge's death to the earlier one that led to his imprisonment.

The Departure

Exonerated by new theory; inherits wealth; experiences invigorating effect from the judge's death; plans to move to the country-seat.