Judge Jaffrey Pyncheon

Hepzibah Pyncheon

Hepzibah and Judge Jaffrey are cousins, but she fears and resents him for his role in Clifford's imprisonment and his cold, oppressive nature.

Clifford Pyncheon

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

Phoebe Pyncheon

Judge Jaffrey is Phoebe's wealthy, manipulative uncle who tries to use her to gain control over Clifford and the family secrets.

Holgrave

Holgrave secretly opposes Judge Jaffrey, knowing the Judge's corruption and his role in the Pyncheon family's dark history.

Clifford Pyncheon

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

Hepzibah Pyncheon

Hepzibah and Judge Jaffrey are cousins, but she fears and resents him for his role in Clifford's imprisonment and his cold, oppressive nature.

Hepzibah Pyncheon

Hepzibah and Judge Jaffrey are cousins, but she fears and resents him for his role in Clifford's imprisonment and his cold, oppressive nature.

Phoebe Pyncheon

Judge Jaffrey is Phoebe's wealthy, manipulative uncle who tries to use her to gain control over Clifford and the family secrets.

Phoebe Pyncheon

Judge Jaffrey is Phoebe's wealthy, manipulative uncle who tries to use her to gain control over Clifford and the family secrets.

Holgrave

Holgrave secretly opposes Judge Jaffrey, knowing the Judge's corruption and his role in the Pyncheon family's dark history.

Clifford Pyncheon

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

The Old Pyncheon Family

Current heir and a prominent figure in society; inherited the house after the death of his uncle, the old bachelor.

IV: A Day Behind the Counter

Observes the shop window from the street, smiling ambiguously, and is recognized by Hepzibah as a modern version of the old Colonel.

May and November

Mentioned by Phoebe; Hepzibah angrily says he will hardly cross the threshold while she lives.

Maule's Well

Implied as the subject of Holgrave's daguerreotype, which reveals a sly, hard, imperious character beneath a pleasant exterior.

VIII: The Pyncheon of Today

Judge Pyncheon arrives at the shop, displaying a forced benevolence that masks a fierce and grim purpose. He pressures Hepzibah to let him see Clifford, but retreats after Clifford's terrified plea.

XII: The Daguerreotypist

Referenced as the living image of the old Colonel, perpetuating the family's wretched inheritance.

XIV: Phoebe’s Goodbye

Holgrave mentions that the Judge keeps his eye on Clifford and is a determined, relentless man with an inquisitor's character.

XV: The Scowl and Smile

Visits the house, insists on seeing Clifford, and reveals his role in Clifford's release; his dual nature is explored.

XVI: Clifford's Chamber

Mentioned as the relentless antagonist, whose delusion about a secret drives the crisis; his daguerreotype appears as a menacing omen.

XVII: The Flight of Two Owls

Mentioned by Clifford as 'Cousin Jaffrey' sitting alone in the house, his presence haunts Hepzibah's thoughts during the journey.

Governor Pyncheon

Sits dead in the oaken chair throughout the night; the narrator questions whether he will rise and repent or remain a hypocrite.

XIX: Alice’s Posies

Reported all over town as possibly murdered; his engraved card with penciled memoranda is found and taken to the city marshal.

XX: The Flower of Eden

Found dead in the house, his death mirroring that of his uncle. Holgrave has taken a daguerreotype of him post-mortem.

The Departure

Dies suddenly; posthumous talk reveals his youthful crime of accidentally causing his uncle's death and framing Clifford.