Goodman

Osberne Wulfgrimsson

Goodman is Osberne's grandfather and guardian, raising him with care and authority in their village home.

Stephen the Eater

Goodman and Stephen the Eater know each other as fellow villagers and occasional companions in Osberne's circle.

Surly John

Goodman and Surly John are fellow villagers with a casual, somewhat grumpy acquaintance.

Hardcastle

Goodman and Hardcastle are adversaries, with Hardcastle representing a threat to Goodman's family and home.

Osberne Wulfgrimsson

Goodman is Osberne's grandfather and guardian, raising him with care and authority in their village home.

Osberne Wulfgrimsson

Goodman is Osberne's grandfather and guardian, raising him with care and authority in their village home.

Stephen the Eater

Goodman and Stephen the Eater know each other as fellow villagers and occasional companions in Osberne's circle.

Hardcastle

Goodman and Hardcastle are adversaries, with Hardcastle representing a threat to Goodman's family and home.

Surly John

Goodman and Surly John are fellow villagers with a casual, somewhat grumpy acquaintance.

Hardcastle

Goodman and Hardcastle are adversaries, with Hardcastle representing a threat to Goodman's family and home.

Stephen the Eater

Goodman and Stephen the Eater know each other as fellow villagers and occasional companions in Osberne's circle.

Of Wethermel and the Child Osberne

Osberne's grandfather, a hale man of fifty winters, who scolds and threatens to beat Osberne for his dangerous wanderings.

Wolves Harry the Flock

Osberne's grandfather, who berates John for cowardice but also flees from the wolves, then strikes John in anger.

Surly John Falls Out with the Goodman

Pays Surly John, is attacked but defended by Osberne, then deliberately absents himself to let Osberne prove himself.

Osberne Slays the Wolves

Osberne's grandfather, who initially threatens punishment but praises him after seeing the wolves' heads.

VI: They Fare to the Cloven Mote

Osberne's grandsire; accompanies him to the Mote, lies about the route to avoid a perilous place, and explains about Hartshaw Knolls.

VIII: The Goodman Gets a New Hired Man

Hires Stephen the Eater, eyes Osberne's bow with suspicion but is pleased with the game Osberne brings home.

IX: The Bight of the Cloven Knoll

Osberne's grandfather, who is away on a trip to Bullmeads and Eastcheaping.

XII: Of a Guest Called Waywearer

Initially hostile to the stranger but is overruled by Osberne's authority; later softens when Waywearer eats moderately.

XIII: Steelhead Gives Osberne the Sword Boardcleaver

The carle-master who ruefully agrees to the gift of a horse to Steelhead.

XIV: The Gifts of Steelhead

Returns home to learn of the horse's return and is glad, declaring luck has come to Wethermel.

XV: Surly John Brings a Guest to Wethermel

Trembles before Hardcastle but tries to appear at ease; later sleeps poorly, troubled by dreams of violence.

XVI: Hardcastle Would Seize Wethermel

Kneels before Hardcastle, pleads for mercy, and weeps.

XVII: The Slaying of Hardcastle

Receives back his house and lands from Osberne after Hardcastle's death.

XIX: The Winter Passes and Elfhild Tells of the Death of Her Kinswoman

Heeds Osberne and Stephen's advice, improves household management, hires six folk, and rides down the Dale to acquire them.

Strangers Come to Wethermel

Present at Wethermel, described as more chieftain-like than before.