# The Sundering Flood — Character guide

> Key figures in The Sundering Flood by William Morris.

- [Osberne Wulfgrimsson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/osberne_wulfgrimsson.md): When the Dalesmen choose Osberne as their captain, he answers with a speech so wise and kind that hardened men are near weeping even as they laugh. He is a natural leader learning the lore of war from Sir Medard, yet his
- [Elfhild](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/elfhild.md): Elfhild meets Osberne secretly through autumn, winter, and spring, asking him for small boons—to see the spoils of Deepdale, to watch him stride the bank like glittering ice at Candlemas. She is tender and quick to comfo
- [Sir Godrick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/sir_godrick.md): Sir Godrick of Longshaw is a knight whose hundred men fight like five hundred, and whose house lies near the Sundering Flood beyond a great waste and forest. He accepts Osberne into his following knowing the work will be
- [Sir Medard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/sir_medard.md): Sir Medard receives Osberne in Eastcheaping with a hard, measuring look and a dry joke about beginning early, but when the lad reddens he takes his hand and speaks kindly, noting that many a man lies hid within himself. 
- [Stephen the Eater](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/stephen_the_eater.md): Stephen the Eater is the loyal companion who sends Osberne down to the waterside on a free day with a wink and a hint to wear the scarlet coat, and who later slips past a Baron's warder by whistling a merry tune and call
- [The Carline](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/the_carline.md): The Carline is the keeper of old knowledge in the dale, the figure whose rede and tales give shape to the days of those around her. She belongs to the household world of Wethermel, where her voice carries the weight of l
- [The Blue Knight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/the_blue_knight.md): Sir Mark holds lands and a place in the Barons' League, sworn to gather his force against the Knight of Longshaw. He speaks frankly to the maiden he protects, confessing that he expects to be lucky to bring back a whole 
- [Hardcastle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/hardcastle.md): An antagonist who tries to seize Wethermel.
- [Steelhead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/steelhead.md): Steelhead meets Osberne in a dale and, seeing the lad cannot yet wield Boardcleaver, promises him might within the hour. He bathes with the boy, lays hands on his head, shoulders, limbs, and breast, and blesses him as fa
- [Surly John](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/surly_john.md): A hired man at Wethermel who causes trouble.
- [The Red Lad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/the_red_lad.md): The Red Lad is Osberne's alias in his wanderings, the self he wears when he leaves the river-country and its familiar faces behind. Under that name he travels among merchants, knights, and city-folk, carrying the strengt
- [Master Nicholas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/master_nicholas.md): A master craftsman or merchant who employs Osberne.
- [Dame Anna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/dame_anna.md): A woman of Wethermel, likely Osberne's mother or aunt.
- [Boardcleaver](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/boardcleaver.md): The name of Osberne's magical sword.
- [Sir Degore](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/sir_degore.md): A knight encountered during Osberne's travels.
- [The Baron of Deepdale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/the_baron_of_deepdale.md): A baron who leads forces against the dalesmen.
- [Bridget](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/bridget.md): A woman mentioned in the dales.
- [Goodman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/goodman.md): The head of the household at Wethermel.
- [Wulfstan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/wulfstan.md): A dalesman and companion.
- [Edward the Brown](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/edward_the_brown.md): A warrior or knight in the story.
- [Roland](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/roland.md): A legendary figure mentioned in the tale.
- [James](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters/james.md): A lord or knight in the story.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sundering_flood_se/characters