Geoffrey Crayon

Old Tom

Geoffrey shares many convivial moments and stories with Old Tom, a fellow traveler and companion in the sketchbook's narratives.

Sir Walter Scott

Geoffrey holds Sir Walter Scott in high esteem as a literary friend and host, enjoying his hospitality and conversation.

The Angler

Geoffrey enjoys the peaceful company and philosophical musings of the Angler during their shared outdoor excursions.

Mr. Bracebridge

Geoffrey is a guest at Bracebridge Hall and observes Mr. Bracebridge as a genial, old-fashioned English gentleman.

The Wife

Geoffrey portrays the Wife with tender admiration, reflecting on her domestic virtues and loving nature.

John Murray

John Murray is Geoffrey's publisher, handling the business of bringing the Sketchbook to print.

Shakespeare

Geoffrey has a deep, almost reverent obsession with Shakespeare, frequently referencing and visiting his haunts.

John Bull

Geoffrey observes John Bull as a personification of the sturdy, honest Englishman and enjoys his company.

Dame Van Winkle

Geoffrey recounts the story of Dame Van Winkle as a character from the tale, not directly interacting with her.

Falstaff

Geoffrey is fascinated by Falstaff as a literary figure, often reflecting on his character and exploits from Shakespeare.

James I

Geoffrey references King James I in historical anecdotes, portraying him as a notable figure from the past.

Bright

Bright is a cheerful companion of Geoffrey, likely a fellow traveler or acquaintance met during his journeys.

Epigraph

The narrator is introduced as a mere spectator of others' fortunes and adventures, without wife or children.

Preface to the Revised Edition

The narrator and author, who describes his own experiences in publishing The Sketch Book.

The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.

The narrator and author of the sketchbook, a traveler and observer.

The Author’s Account of Himself

The narrator and author, who recounts his own roving passion and travels.

The Voyage

The narrator and protagonist, reflecting on his voyage from America to Europe.

Roscoe

The narrator who visits Liverpool and reflects on Roscoe's life and character.

The Wife

The narrator who observes and recounts the story of Leslie and his wife.

English Writers on America

The narrator and observer, expressing regret over literary animosity and advocating for impartiality.

Rural Life in England

The narrator and observer, advocating for the study of English rural life to understand the national character.

The Broken Heart

The narrator who reflects on love and broken hearts, and recounts the story of young E—— and his beloved.

The Art of Book-Making

The narrator who explores the British Museum and observes the book-making process.

A Royal Poet

The narrator who visits Windsor Castle and reflects on the history and poetry of James I.

The Country Church

The narrator, a stranger in England, observes the congregation and contrasts the behavior of the noble family with that of the wealthy citizen family.

The Widow and Her Son

The narrator who observes the Sunday church service, the funeral, and later learns the widow's story.

A Sunday in London

The narrator who observes and reflects on the Sunday tranquility in London.

The Boar’s Head Tavern, Eastcheap

Narrator who makes a pilgrimage to Eastcheap to find the Boar's Head Tavern.

The Mutability of Literature

Narrator who visits Westminster Abbey library, muses on literary immortality, and converses with a talking quarto.

Rural Funerals

The narrator who observes and reflects on rural funeral customs.

The Inn Kitchen

The narrator who seeks refuge in the inn kitchen from a tedious evening.

Westminster Abbey

The narrator who rambles through Westminster Abbey, musing on mortality and the passage of time.

Christmas

The narrator and observer of English Christmas traditions, reflecting as a stranger and sojourner.

The Stage Coach

Narrator traveling by stagecoach on Christmas Eve, invited to the Bracebridge country-seat.

Christmas Eve

The narrator, traveling with Frank Bracebridge to the family estate on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Day

The narrator who wakes in the ancient chamber, observes the Christmas festivities, and accompanies the family to church.

The Christmas Dinner

Narrator observing the Christmas dinner and reflecting on the customs and atmosphere.

London Antiques

The narrator and antiquity-hunter who explores London's hidden relics.

Little Britain

The narrator who has lived in Little Britain for several quiet years and observes the neighborhood's customs and inhabitants.

Stratford-on-Avon

The narrator and pilgrim visiting Stratford-on-Avon.

Traits of Indian Character

Narrator and authorial voice, reflecting on the character and mistreatment of Native Americans.

John Bull

The narrator, who observes and describes John Bull's character and situation with a mix of humor and sympathy, offering a sketch of the English national character.

The Pride of the Village

The narrator who visits the remote village, observes the funeral, and learns the story of the deceased.

The Angler

The narrator, who accompanies the old angler for a day, listens to his stories, and reflects on the art of angling and his own past failed attempts.

L’Envoy

The author, reflecting on his work and the reception of his first volume, and explaining his approach to the second volume.