Character guide

Francis Andrews

major

Also known as Andrews, Old Andrews, V Andrews, Mr. Andrews, IX Andrews

A self-loathing young smuggler who betrayed his crew with an anonymous letter, now trapped between cowardice and the faint hope of becoming someone better.

Elizabeth

major

Also known as Miss Elizabeth

A resolute, matter-of-fact young woman in a lonely cottage who shelters a hunted man and quietly demands he stop lying to himself.

Mr. Carlyon

major

Also known as Carlyon, Only Carlyon

The charismatic smuggler leader whose voice and companionship haunt Andrews as the standard of courage he cannot reach.

Sir Henry Merriman

supporting

Also known as Harry, Sir Henry, Henry, Merriman, the small cunning cockney Harry, Cockney Harry

A sleepless, sharp-eyed prosecutor who needs Andrews in the witness box and can offer him safety only at the price of his nerve.

Mr. Farne

supporting

Also known as Farne, this Mr. Farne

A sober churchgoing man whose quiet disapproval and locked doors make him the most quietly dangerous presence in the room.

Mr. Braddock

supporting

Also known as Only Mr. Braddock

A local magistrate whose authority hangs over the smuggling coast, reminding men like Andrews what the law costs when it finally catches up.

Sir Edward Parkin

supporting

Also known as Parkin, Justice, Mr. Justice Parkin

Sir Edward Parkin presides over the assizes where Andrews is brought to testify, a magistrate whose faint sighs and deliberate gestures betray the tedium of routine justice. His courtroom is a theater of judgment, where the accused and the informer alike are stripped bare before a hostile public. Parkin's presence anchors the novel's legal machinery, forcing Andrews to confront the cost of his betrayal in a space where mercy is measured in procedure.

Mr. Jennings

minor

Also known as dead Mr. Jennings, Jennings

A deceased man whose past actions affect the present.

Mrs. Butler

minor

A local woman who provides lodging and care.

Lucy

minor

A young woman with a connection to the main characters.

Mr. Thomas Hilliard

minor

Also known as Mr. Hilliard

A gentleman involved in the legal and social circles.

Joe Collier

minor

Also known as the elephantine Joe, Joe

A large, strong man working for the smugglers.

Hake

minor

A minor character associated with the smugglers.

Sir Thomas Browne

minor

A historical figure referenced but not a direct character.

Richard Tims

minor

Also known as Tims, the mad youth Richard Tims

A volatile young man caught up in the smuggling world.

Edward Rexall

minor

Also known as Rexall

A man with a role in the smuggling operation.

Gretel

minor

A minor character with limited appearance.

Lewes

minor

A minor character mentioned in passing.

Mr. Petty

minor

A minor character with a brief role.

Absolom

minor

Also known as Mr. Absolom

A minor character, possibly a servant or local.