Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy

The poor boy invited to the garden

Also known as poor boy

A poor boy who admires a beautiful garden and is invited into it by a little girl friend.

The little girl friend

Also known as little girl

A girl who invites the poor boy into the beautiful garden she admires.

Marjorie

Also known as young heroine

A girl whose fairy tale comes true, bringing Industry, Cheerfulness, and Love into her life.

Industry

A good fairy who enters Marjorie’s life when her fairy tale comes true.

Cheerfulness

A good fairy who enters Marjorie’s life when her fairy tale comes true.

Love

A good fairy who enters Marjorie’s life when her fairy tale comes true.

Ethel

Also known as frivolous Ethel

One of two girls traveling through Europe. She learns the value of culture and simple dignity from her companion.

Ethel’s companion

Also known as her companion

A girl traveling through Europe with Ethel, whose culture and simple dignity influence her.

The spoiled child at Christmas

Also known as spoiled child

A rather spoiled child who discovers real enjoyment of Christmas by making others happy.

The young heroine of The Candy Country

Also known as young heroine

A girl who visits Candy-land and eventually becomes content to return to Bread-land.

Little Button Rose

Also known as bright, vivacious child

A lively child who visits her maiden aunts and positively influences the narrow-minded people around her.

The New Hampshire farmer’s daughter

Also known as farmer's daughter

A daughter of a New Hampshire farmer who enjoys writing verses.

The first doll

Also known as one of the two dolls

One of two dolls whose travels are recounted in The Dolls’ Journey.

The second doll

Also known as one of the two dolls

One of two dolls whose travels are recounted in The Dolls’ Journey.

Aunt Wee

Also known as Aunt Wee

A woman who helps Daisy become cheerful by teaching her to appreciate the natural world.

Daisy

Also known as girl changed by Aunt Wee

A previously unlisted girl who is changed from petulant to cheerful by Aunt Wee’s lessons about nature. She is distinct from Meg and John Brooke’s daughter, who is also called Daisy.

The little women and little men in the plays

Also known as eight or ten little people

Unnamed child performers for whom the two adapted plays are written; the text does not identify individual roles.

Laurie Laurence

Also known as Laurie · Theodore Laurence · the Laurence boy · Teddy · that young giant · young Laurence · Lazy Laurence · Telemachus

Amy’s husband and Mr. Laurence’s grandson, Laurie plans to enter business and use his wealth to help people in need, especially struggling young artists and ambitious girls. He supports Jo and Professor Bhaer’s future marriage and remains deeply close to Amy and his grandfather.

Amy March

Also known as Amy · Little Raphael · My lady · Raphaella · Diana · Mrs. Laurence · Madame Récamier

The youngest March sister and Laurie’s wife, Amy hopes to use their wealth to help others, particularly girls pursuing artistic ambitions. She is devoted to Laurie and is anxious about the health of their frail young daughter.

Mrs. March

Also known as Marmee · mother · grandma

The March sisters’ warm, generous mother, who supports Jo’s plan to open a school and delights in her family’s happiness. She is a devoted grandmother to Meg’s children and Jo’s children.

Josephine March

Also known as Jo · Miss Josephine · Miss Jo · Doctor Jo · Sister Jo · Dodo · Mrs. Bhaer · Mother Bhaer · Professorin

The second March sister, now married to Professor Bhaer, with whom she opens a loving, homelike school for boys at Plumfield. She is a devoted mother and teacher, and finds contentment in family life while retaining hopes of writing a good book.

Mr. March

Also known as father · papa · grandpa · dranpa

The March sisters’ father, a minister and former army chaplain. He teaches his grandson Demi and later helps Professor Bhaer at Plumfield.

Professor Bhaer

Also known as Mr. Bhaer · Old Fritz · Lager Beer · Ursa Major · Friedrich Bhaer · Fritz · Father Bhaer · the Professor · the bear-man

A learned, kind German teacher who marries Jo after they confess their love. He teaches at their school at Plumfield, helps raise and educate his nephews Franz and Emil, and is a warm presence in the lives of the March family’s children.

Meg March

Also known as Meg · Miss March · Miss Margaret · Daisy · Mrs. John Brooke · Mrs. Brooke

The eldest March sister, John Brooke’s wife, and mother of twins Demi and Daisy. She takes part in family life at Plumfield and cherishes her children.

Demi

Also known as John Laurence · Jack · young Brooke · the boy · John Brooke and Meg's son

Meg and John’s son and Daisy’s twin brother, an inquisitive, mechanically minded child who enjoys philosophical conversations with his grandfather. He is playful and protective of Daisy.

Laurie's grandfather

Also known as Mr. Laurence · old Mr. Laurence · Laurie's grandfather · James Laurence · grandpa · Mr. Laurence

Laurie’s wealthy grandfather, who supports the Bhaers’ school by helping them take in boys in need. He is a close and affectionate member of Laurie and Amy’s family.

Franz

Also known as Franz

Professor Bhaer’s orphaned nephew, whom he raises and educates in accordance with his late sister’s wishes. Franz grows into a tall young man and sings with the Plumfield boys.

Emil

Also known as Emil

Professor Bhaer’s orphaned nephew, whom he raises and educates in accordance with his late sister’s wishes. Emil sings with the Plumfield boys.

Tina

Also known as Tina

Professor Bhaer’s little pupil, the daughter of a French laundry worker. Bhaer buys her a dress and cares for her and her family.

The laundry woman

Also known as Frenchwoman in the laundry · Tina's mother

A Frenchwoman who works in the laundry and is Tina’s mother. Professor Bhaer buys her a warm shawl because she is poor and sick and her husband is a burden to her.

Aunt March

Also known as Aunt March

The March sisters’ sharp-tongued elderly relative, who dies and leaves Plumfield to Jo. Jo adopts her poodle in her memory.

Aunt March's poodle

Also known as fat poodle · Mop · the lap-dog · the dog

Aunt March’s fat lap dog, whom Jo adopts after Aunt March’s death.

Laurie's parents’ child

Also known as Laurie

Laurie was born in Italy to Mr. Laurence’s son and an Italian musician; both his parents died when he was a little child, and his grandfather took him in. As an adult he becomes a steady, generous businessman and a devoted husband and father.

Professor Bhaer's sister

Also known as his sister · Professor Bhaer's nephews' mother

Professor Bhaer’s late sister, who married an American and entrusted him with raising and educating her orphaned sons, Franz and Emil. Bhaer remains committed to helping the boys before making a home with Jo.

Minna

Also known as Minna

Professor Bhaer’s late sister, whose promise to raise her sons Franz and Emil keeps him from leaving them until he can provide for their future.

John Brooke

Also known as Mr. Brooke · Brooke · Mr. Greatheart · John · that Cook · this Rook · Mr. Book · Laurie's tutor

Meg’s husband and father of Demi and Daisy. He joins the family’s celebrations and plays cricket with the boys at Plumfield.

Rob Bhaer

Also known as Rob · grandpa

Jo and Professor Bhaer’s son, named for his grandfather Mr. March. He enjoys the Plumfield apple-picking and makes a footstool for his grandmother.

Teddy Bhaer

Also known as Teddy · Ted · little Ted

Jo and Professor Bhaer’s younger son, a happy-go-lucky child who grows up amid the Plumfield boys. His father’s sunny temper and his mother’s lively spirit are said to show in him.

Amy and Laurie’s daughter

Also known as one well-beloved daughter · little angel

Amy and Laurie’s frail young daughter, whose health worries her parents. Amy models a figure of her and treasures her image.

Tommy Bangs

Also known as Tommy

A Plumfield boy whose habit of smoking sweet-fern cigars under the bedclothes has set him on fire several times.

The boys at Plumfield

Also known as Jo's boys · the lads · the boys

The pupils at Jo and Professor Bhaer’s homelike school, including poor and rich boys, several with disabilities, and a merry little quadroon. They love their teachers and sing a song written by Jo and set to music by Laurie.

The merry little quadroon

Also known as little quadroon

A boy with a mixed-race background who could not be accepted elsewhere but is welcomed at Plumfield. He has the sweetest voice among the boys.

The pale boy with a crutch

Also known as pale lad

A Plumfield boy with a crutch who sits admiring Amy as she sketches at the apple-picking.

The little girls at Plumfield

Also known as little girls

Unnamed girls at Plumfield who hold a private tea party during the apple-picking.

The Plumfield guinea-pig

Also known as astonished guinea-pig

A guinea-pig at Plumfield that strays from its proper sphere in search of its young master and receives a toast at the apple-picking.

The Plumfield boys' pets

Also known as pet animals · menagerie

The individual animals kept as pets in the Plumfield barn and shed; the passage refers to them collectively without identifying any particular animal.

The old cow at Plumfield

Also known as cow with a crumpled horn

A cow at Plumfield whose habit of inviting boys to come near and be tossed is recalled when the school’s pupils enjoy the grounds.

The first affianced March sister

Also known as the first one who is affianced

An unnamed March sister whom Aunt March had intended to give her pearls when she became engaged; the passage later identifies that sister as Jo through the family’s history.

The narrator

Also known as I · humble historian

A narrator who calls themself the humble historian of the March family and recounts the later lives of the sisters and their children.

Beth March

Also known as Beth · Elizabeth March · Little Tranquillity · Mouse

The gentle third March sister, who dies peacefully after a long illness. Before her death, she asks Jo to take her place in caring for their parents and assures Jo that love endures.

Margaret March

Also known as Meg · Miss March · Miss Margaret · Daisy · Mrs. John Brooke · Mrs. Brooke

The eldest March sister, John Brooke’s wife, and mother of twins Demi and Daisy. She offers Jo her perspective on marriage and family life.

Fred Vaughn

Also known as Fred · riotous twin · old Fred

One of the Vaughn twins and Laurie’s English friend. He returns and proposes to Amy, but she kindly refuses him.

Frank Vaughn

Also known as Frank · the lame one

Fred’s twin brother. His serious illness had earlier called Fred home.

Mrs. Carrol

Also known as Florence's mother · cousin's mamma · Mrs. Carrol, Florence's mamma · Aunt Carrol

Amy’s aunt and Flo’s mother, traveling with them in Europe. She welcomes Laurie when he arrives to comfort Amy in Vevay and agrees to their marriage.

Flo

Also known as Florence

Amy’s cousin and Aunt Carrol’s daughter, traveling with Amy in Europe. She is with her family in Vevay when Laurie arrives.

The March sisters

Also known as Meg · Jo · Beth · Amy

The four March sisters. Beth’s death leaves Jo to carry forward the family’s care and affection.

Hannah

Also known as old Hannah · Hannah Brown

The March family’s longtime housekeeper and friend. She notices Jo’s efforts to preserve Beth’s thoughtful care of the home.

Mrs. Laurence's portrait

Also known as the severe and rigid young lady

A portrait in Professor Bhaer’s room, showing a severe-looking young woman. He kisses the picture in private; the passage does not identify the woman.

Mr. Scott

Also known as Scott · Jack Scott

John Brooke’s friend and neighbor, who is now married and keeps house nearby. John spends evenings with him when Meg is occupied with the twins.

Mrs. Scott

A lively, pretty young woman married to Mr. Scott. She welcomes John during his evening visits with conversation, music, chess, and supper.

Sallie

Also known as Sallie Gardiner · Mrs. Ned Moffat · Sallie Moffat

Meg’s friend, married to Ned Moffat. She enjoys visiting the Brookes’ cheerful home, while her own grand house feels lonely to her.

Ned Moffat

Also known as Ned · my Ned

Sallie’s husband. The passage describes him as living in a world of his own, leaving Sallie lonely in their large home.

Kitty, the cook

Also known as Kitty

An Irish woman who works as cook for the Brookes. She takes life easily and keeps John on short rations.

The Russian prince

Also known as Russian prince

An unnamed Russian prince at the Christmas ball in Nice, who sits in a corner and talks with a heavily dressed woman.

The massive lady in black velvet

Also known as massive lady · Hamlet's mother

An unnamed woman at the Christmas ball, dressed in black velvet with a pearl bridle under her chin. She talks with the Russian prince.

The Polish count

Also known as Count · little Vladimir · the nice little boy

An eighteen-year-old Polish count at the Christmas ball who dances enthusiastically with Amy after Laurie fails to claim her for the next dance.

The German Serene Something

Also known as Serene Teuton · German Serene Something

An unnamed German titled guest at the Christmas ball, who comes mainly for supper and eats steadily.

Baron Rothschild's private secretary

Also known as the golden secretary · large-nosed Jew

An unnamed private secretary to Baron Rothschild at the Christmas ball. He beams affably at the guests and dances energetically with a Frenchwoman.

Baron Rothschild

Also known as Baron Rothschild

A person mentioned as the employer of the private secretary attending the Christmas ball; he does not appear directly.

The stout Frenchman who knows the Emperor

Also known as Emperor's friend · stout Frenchman

An unnamed French guest at the Christmas ball who knows the Emperor and dances exuberantly, improvising steps when he loses track of the figures.

Lady de Jones

Also known as Lady de Jones

A British matron at the Christmas ball, accompanied by her family of eight.

The four Misses Davis

Also known as four plain Misses Davis

Four unnamed young women at the Christmas ball, described as plain; Laurie escorts Amy rather than them.

The Davis girls

Also known as Davis girls

The awkward, plain young women at the Christmas ball, accompanied by their father and three maiden aunts. Amy pities them and greets them kindly.

The grim papa of the Davis girls

Also known as grim papa

An unnamed father who escorts the Davis girls at the Christmas ball.

The three maiden aunts of the Davis girls

Also known as three grimmer maiden aunts

Three unnamed maiden aunts accompanying the Davis girls at the Christmas ball.

The dashing Frenchwoman

Also known as Frenchwoman

An unnamed Frenchwoman who dances with Baron Rothschild’s private secretary, her long pink satin train trailing across the floor.

The Davis family

Also known as Davises

The Davis family at the Christmas ball, including the awkward young women, their father, and three maiden aunts.

The Jones family

Also known as Joneses · little family of eight

Lady de Jones’s family, a group of eight at the Christmas ball.

Baptiste

Also known as little Baptiste

An unnamed young carriage attendant who accompanies Amy and Laurie on their drive to Valrosa. Laurie takes the reins, leaving Baptiste to sit and doze.

The shepherd

Also known as bare-legged shepherd

An unnamed shepherd encountered on the drive to Valrosa, who sits piping on a stone while his goats graze nearby.

The shepherd's goats

Also known as goats

The goats accompanying the shepherd on the road to Valrosa; they skip among the rocks or rest at his feet.

The girl riding on the donkey

Also known as pretty girl in a capaline

An unnamed girl seen riding between panniers of freshly cut grass on a donkey along the road to Valrosa.

The old woman spinning on the donkey

Also known as old woman

An unnamed old woman seen spinning with a distaff while riding on a donkey along the road to Valrosa.

The children offering flowers and oranges

Also known as brown, soft-eyed children

Unnamed children who run out from stone houses along the road to Valrosa to offer nosegays and oranges.

The monks

Also known as monks

Unnamed monks at a monastery along the road to Valrosa, whose chanting reaches Amy and Laurie.

Puck

Also known as the horse

A horse Laurie once tamed in front of the March sisters. Amy recalls the incident and shows Laurie a sketch she made of it.

Meg and Beth

Also known as Meg · Beth

Amy recalls that both sisters were frightened when Laurie tamed Puck.

The schoolchildren who pass Beth's window

Also known as school-children

Unnamed children who pass Beth’s window on their way to school. Beth makes small gifts for them, and they respond with smiles and grateful notes.

Beth's cats

Also known as beloved pussies

Beth’s cherished cats, kept near her in her sickroom.

Jo's two little pupils

Also known as the two little girls · the children

The two young girls Jo teaches and sews for at Mrs. Kirke’s boarding house; they are Kitty and Minnie Kirke. They are inconsolable when Jo leaves in June.

Miss Norton

Also known as Miss Norton

A wealthy, cultivated, kind unmarried woman at Mrs. Kirke’s boarding house. She lends Jo lace and feathers for a masquerade and introduces Jo and Professor Bhaer to literary society.

Mrs. Kirke

Also known as Mrs. K.

A friend of Mrs. March who runs a boarding house in New York. She employs Jo and remembers some old brocades so Jo can attend the New Year’s masquerade.

Kitty Kirke

Also known as Kitty

One of Mrs. Kirke’s young daughters, who befriends Jo and is affectionate toward Professor Bhaer. She is among the children saddened when Jo leaves.

Minnie Kirke

Also known as Minnie

One of Mrs. Kirke’s young daughters, who is affectionate toward Professor Bhaer and joins the children’s Saturday playtimes. She is among the children saddened when Jo leaves.

Laurie's black-eyed observer

Also known as black-eyed young gentleman · Laurie

The young man who watched Jo approach a building and offered help; he is Laurie. He graduates with honors and, after Jo refuses him, travels abroad with his grandfather; in Nice he reunites with Amy.

Mrs. March's mother

Also known as my good mother

Mrs. March’s mother, who helped her daughter struggle with and control her temper. She died when Mrs. March was a little older than Jo.

Beth's bird

Also known as sand-bird · little gray-coated sand-bird · peep

A small shore bird that approaches Beth on the beach and sits nearby. Its tame, contented presence comforts her.

The gull

Also known as gull

A gull Beth sees flying over the beach. Beth compares Jo to it, calling her strong, wild, and happy alone.

Laurie's English friend

Also known as Laurie's friend

An unnamed friend of Laurie’s in London and Paris, whom Mr. Laurence mentions as someone he can visit while Laurie travels more freely.

Mr. Dashwood

Also known as editor of the Weekly Volcano

Editor of the Weekly Volcano, who buys Jo’s sensation stories after requiring her to cut their moral reflections. He pays her low rates and keeps her authorship secret.

Mrs. Northbury

Also known as Mrs. S. L. A. N. G. Northbury

A writer of sensational stories whose work Jo reads in a newspaper. Mr. Dashwood tells Jo to use her as a model.

Jo's college acquaintance who writes melodramatic stories

Also known as studious-looking lad · the boy · Laurie's college friend who writes melodramatic stories

An unnamed lad Jo meets at a lecture, who shares a sensational story from a newspaper and says its writer earns a good living. His story helps prompt Jo to try sensational writing.

The three gentlemen in Mr. Dashwood's office

Also known as three gentlemen

Unnamed men in Mr. Dashwood’s office when Jo first brings him a story. They exchange knowing glances and laugh at Jo’s claim that she is delivering it for a friend.

The gentleman who offers to buy Jo's children's story

Also known as worthy gentleman

An unnamed man who offers to buy a story Jo writes for children, provided it promotes his particular religious belief. Jo refuses to portray children according to his demands.

The philosophers at the symposium

Also known as philosophers · wise gentlemen

Unnamed guests at a literary gathering who argue that reason and intellect should replace traditional religious beliefs. Professor Bhaer challenges their views in Jo’s hearing.

The poet at the symposium

Also known as poet

An unnamed celebrated poet at the literary gathering Miss Norton takes Jo and Professor Bhaer to. Jo sees him eating heartily and feels her romantic image of genius falter.

The great novelist at the symposium

Also known as great novelist

An unnamed celebrated novelist at the literary gathering, observed by Jo moving repeatedly between two decanters.

The famous divine at the symposium

Also known as famous divine

An unnamed celebrated religious speaker at the literary gathering, whom Jo sees openly flirting.

The Madame de Staël at the symposium

Also known as Madame de Staëls of the age

An unnamed celebrated woman at the literary gathering, flirting with the famous divine and glaring at another woman who satirizes her.

The Corinne at the symposium

Also known as another Corinne

An unnamed celebrated woman at the literary gathering, who amiably satirizes the woman Jo compares to a Madame de Staël.

The philosopher at the symposium

Also known as profound philosopher

An unnamed celebrated philosopher at the literary gathering, whom the women compete to engage; he drinks tea and appears to doze.

The scientific celebrities at the symposium

Also known as scientific celebrities

Unnamed celebrated scientists at the literary gathering, who gossip about art while eating oysters and ices.

The young musician at the symposium

Also known as young musician · second Orpheus

An unnamed young musician who is charming the city with his music. At the literary gathering he talks about horses.

The British nobleman at the symposium

Also known as specimen of the British nobility

An unnamed British nobleman at the literary gathering, described as the most ordinary man present.

Amy's Aunt Carrol

Also known as Aunt Carrol

A relative of the March sisters who invites Amy to travel abroad. She travels with Amy and Flo and welcomes Laurie to their Christmas party in Nice.

Meg and John Brooke's children

Also known as the babies · Daisy and Demi

Meg and John Brooke’s twin children. Their grandmother stays home with them rather than leaving for the seashore.

The French mother on the promenade

Also known as French mamma

An unnamed French woman who hurries her daughter away after seeing Amy greet Laurie freely in the street, fearing the encounter will corrupt the girl.

The French mother's daughter

Also known as her daughter

An unnamed girl whose mother hurries her away after she might see Amy greet Laurie on the promenade.

The celebrity poet at the symposium

Also known as poet

An unnamed celebrated poet at the literary gathering Miss Norton takes Jo and Professor Bhaer to. Jo sees him eating heartily and feels her romantic image of genius falter.

May Chester

Also known as May

Mrs. Chester’s daughter, who was jealous of Amy’s popularity and work at the fair. After learning that Amy generously gave up her place, May makes sure Amy’s artwork is shown to suitable buyers and apologizes with an affectionate kiss.

The Chester sisters

Also known as Misses Chester · the Chester girls · her girls

Mrs. Chester’s daughters, who take over the prominent art table at the fair after Amy is asked to give it up.

Little Parker

Also known as Parker · the little Parker

An unnamed young man infatuated with Amy, who speaks in verse at the fair. Laurie teasingly calls him a small boy and escorts him away.

Uncle Carrol

Also known as Uncle Carrol · uncle

A relative who travels abroad with Aunt Carrol and Amy. In Amy’s letters he is described as practical and not fluent in French.

Grace Vaughn

Also known as Grace

The young Vaughn sister and a friend of Amy’s. Amy hopes to meet her again in Rome.

Kate Vaughn

Also known as Miss Kate · Kate

A Vaughn sister and a friend of Amy’s. She once said Fred ought to marry soon.

The little servant girl

Also known as little servant

An unnamed young servant at Mrs. Kirke’s boarding house, seen carrying a heavy hod of coal up the stairs before Professor Bhaer kindly takes it from her.

The inquisitive deaf old gentleman

Also known as deaf old gentleman

An unnamed, inquisitive diner at Mrs. Kirke’s boarding house who asks Professor Bhaer questions.

The Frenchman at dinner

Also known as Frenchman

An unnamed diner at Mrs. Kirke’s boarding house who talks philosophy with Professor Bhaer.

The two young ladies studying German

Also known as two young ladies

Unnamed students of Professor Bhaer who visit for German lessons; one behaves coquettishly and the other speaks with an awkward accent.

The inquisitive gentleman's fellow diner

Also known as the other

An unnamed diner at Mrs. Kirke’s table, seated beside the inquisitive deaf old gentleman and Professor Bhaer.

The young men at Mrs. Kirke's boarding house

Also known as young men

Unnamed boarders who make jokes about Professor Bhaer and dismiss Jo as a governess when they see her at dinner.

The young couple at Mrs. Kirke's boarding house

Also known as young couples

Unnamed boarders at Mrs. Kirke’s house, described by Jo as absorbed in one another.

The Irish mother on Jo's train

Also known as Irish lady

An unnamed Irish woman traveling with four small children on Jo’s train; their noisy crying distracts Jo from her sadness at leaving home.

The Irish mother's children

Also known as four small children

Four unnamed children traveling with their mother on Jo’s train. They cry loudly, and Jo distracts herself by dropping gingerbread nuts when they open their mouths.

The little servant girl's mother

Also known as his mother

Professor Bhaer’s mother, whom an unnamed servant once nursed; he now supports the nurse. Laurie mentions this as an example of his quiet generosity.

The Prince of Wales

Also known as Duke of Devonshire

Amy mentions the Duke of Devonshire as living near Hyde Park.

Duke of Wellington

Also known as Duke of Wellington

Amy mentions his house as being near Hyde Park.

Robert Lennox

Also known as Mr. Lennox · Lennox

A young man Amy meets aboard ship who leaves at Queenstown. He arranges a bouquet for Amy through his friend Ward and gives her his compliments.

Ward

Also known as his friend Ward

Robert Lennox’s friend, who travels aboard ship and orders a bouquet for Amy at Lennox’s request.

The cab driver

Also known as hansom-cab driver · the man

An unnamed driver who takes Amy and Flo through London in a hansom cab. He responds to Amy’s instructions through a small roof door.

Fred and Frank's father

Also known as the old gentleman · Fred's father

The father of the Vaughn twins, who has reportedly asked Fred to return home when Frank becomes very ill. Amy believes he had asked Fred to postpone proposing to her because he feared a foreign daughter-in-law.

The Austrian officer

Also known as Austrian officer

An unnamed officer who stares at Amy and makes a remark about her beauty to a companion, provoking Fred’s jealousy.

The rakish-looking baron

Also known as baron

An unnamed baron dining with an Austrian officer when they remark on Amy’s appearance.

Mrs. Kirke's French guest

Also known as Frenchman

An unnamed French diner at Mrs. Kirke’s boarding house who talks philosophy with Professor Bhaer.

Professor Bhaer's cat

Also known as the cat

A cat in Professor Bhaer’s room that greets him like an old friend.

Professor Bhaer's tailless bird

Also known as ragged bird

A small, ragged bird without a tail that chirps in Professor Bhaer’s room.

Professor Bhaer's white mice

Also known as white mice

White mice kept in a box in Professor Bhaer’s room.

Professor Bhaer's little pupils

Also known as two small boys

Franz and Emil, Professor Bhaer’s orphan nephews, who play with him and Tina on Saturday afternoons.

Amy's European travel companions

Also known as Aunt and Flo

Aunt Carrol and her daughter Flo, who travel with Amy through Europe.

The students from Bonn

Also known as students from Bonn

Unnamed German students Fred meets aboard the Rhine boat. They serenade Amy and Flo at Coblentz.

The Duke of Devonshire

Also known as Duke of Devonshire

Amy mentions him as living near Hyde Park.

The Duke of Wellington

Also known as Duke of Wellington

Amy mentions that his house is not far from Hyde Park.

The Emperor of the French

Also known as the emperor

Amy sees him in Paris and describes him as ugly and hard-looking.

The Empress of the French

Also known as the empress

Amy sees her in Paris and describes her as pale and pretty, though dressed in colors Amy dislikes.

Little Nap.

Also known as the emperor's son

The emperor’s handsome young son, whom Amy sees riding in a four-horse carriage and greeting onlookers.

Mr. Bhaer's young scholar

Also known as new scholar · the girl

An unnamed girl taking German lessons from Professor Bhaer. Jo overhears a lesson and describes the girl as very slow to understand.

The man who carries coal

Also known as gentleman with a foreign accent

Professor Bhaer, who takes a heavy coal hod from a young servant girl and carries it upstairs for her.

Mr. Allen

Also known as the publisher

The publisher who offers to buy Jo’s novel on condition that she shorten it and remove parts she particularly admires.

Mrs. Cornelius

Also known as Mrs. Cornelius

A woman whose receipt book Meg consults while learning to cook; Meg also asks her for advice about making currant jelly.

Lotty

Also known as Lottchen · Mrs. Brooke's assistant

Mrs. Hummel’s daughter, who helps Meg in her household. She carries Meg’s failed cooking to the Hummels and reports what John and his guest did while Meg was away.

Mrs. Hummel

Also known as Poor woman · poor mother · poor woman

An impoverished mother whose family the Marches help. Her children receive Meg’s failed cooking.

Mrs. Moffat

Also known as Mrs. Moffat

Sallie’s mother, who willingly buys back the violet silk dress Meg regrets purchasing and does so without making it a gift.

Mrs. Chester

Also known as Mrs. Chester

A society woman organizing an elegant fair. She removes Amy from the art table after a rumor that the March girls mocked her daughter May.

Mr. Tudor

Also known as Tudor

A young man who calls at the same house as Amy during her visits and later dances with her. Jo dislikes him, saying he is conceited, disrespectful to his family, and a poor acquaintance.

Mr. Tudor's uncle

Also known as Mr. Tudor's uncle

An unnamed relative of Mr. Tudor who married an English lady related to a British lord.

Mr. Tudor's uncle's English wife

Also known as English lady

Mr. Tudor’s uncle’s wife, whose family connection to a British lord leads Amy to regard the Tudors with respect.

Mrs. Lamb

Also known as mamma

The mother of the Lamb family. She occupies Amy during a call while Jo entertains the young people, and smiles at Jo’s affectionate rapport with her children.

Miss Lamb

Also known as elder Miss Lamb

A young woman in the Lamb family who compliments Jo’s writing during a call.

Young Mr. Lamb

Also known as Mr. Lamb

A young man in the Lamb family who admires Amy’s riding after hearing Jo tell the story.

Tommy Chamberlain

Also known as Tommy

A poor, shy, clever young man whose father keeps a grocery store. Jo likes and respects him, and treats him warmly.

Polly

Also known as Aunt March's parrot · the parrot

Aunt March’s talkative parrot, who teases Jo during a visit and helps bring it to an end.

Laurie's mother

Also known as Italian lady · musician

Laurie’s Italian mother, a good, lovely, accomplished musician whom Mr. Laurence disapproved of. She died when Laurie was a little child.

Annie Moffat

Also known as Annie

A friend of Sallie who hosted Meg for a fortnight. She is now married to Ned Moffat.

Laurie's housemaid

Also known as housemaid

An unnamed maid at the Laurence house who told Jo that Laurie and his grandfather had quarrelled.

Aunt March's daughter

Also known as her one little daughter

Aunt March’s little daughter, who died young; her baby bracelets are kept among Aunt March’s possessions.

Amy's cousin Florence

Also known as Florence

Amy’s cousin, whose clothes Amy has to wear. Aunt March arranges for Florence’s mother to buy and send linen as a wedding gift for Meg.

Laurie's stable-man

Also known as stable-man

An unnamed stable worker whom Laurie once quarrelled with over the care of Laurie’s horse.

Laurie's dogs

Also known as one of his dogs

Laurie’s dogs, mentioned when he once told the household that one might be going mad.

Laurie's horse

Also known as his horse

Laurie’s horse, whose care once prompted an argument between Laurie and the stable-man.

Mrs. March's servant

Also known as the cook

An unnamed cook employed by the March household, who leaves bread to rise during the girls’ household experiment.

Sallie's six servants

Also known as four servants · four maids

Unnamed servants in Sallie and Ned Moffat’s household; the text says their fine establishment employs several maids.

Mrs. Gummidge's sweetheart

Also known as her sweetheart

An unnamed man in a figure of speech Laurie uses about Jo, who supposedly had cold water thrown on him by Mrs. Gummidge.

Laurie's friend Henshaw

Also known as Henshaw

A friend of Laurie’s whom Laurie helped financially so he would not have to work himself to death.

Miss Randal

Also known as the lovely Miss Randal

A young woman Laurie jokingly says is cruel to him; he claims to be pining for her.

Miss Eliott

Also known as the one young lady · Amy's guest

The only one of Amy’s drawing classmates who comes to the rescheduled outing. She enjoys the lunch, studio, garden, and drive.

Amy's drawing classmates

Also known as the girls in Amy's drawing class

A group of twelve or fourteen young women invited by Amy to an artistic outing; all but Miss Eliott fail to attend.

Hannah's admirer

Also known as Laurence gardener

Mr. Laurence’s unnamed gardener, who is attracted to Hannah and once sent a love letter through the girls’ post-office.

Meg's dance partner

Also known as red-headed youth · big red-headed youth

A jovial young man at Mrs. Gardiner’s party who danced with Meg; the text later identifies him as Ned Moffat.

Meg and Laurie's forged-letter heroine

Also known as Caroline Percy

A fictional heroine Meg was compared with after she replied prudently to what she believed was Mr. Brooke’s love letter.

Sick son in Washington hospital

Also known as last son · other son

The elderly man’s surviving son, who was ill in a Washington hospital and whom his father was traveling to visit.

Mr. March's parishioners

Also known as the small parish

The people of the small parish served by Mr. March after the war; they have in him a minister by nature and grace.

Miss Crocker

Also known as Croaker · the old lady

A poor, elderly, inquisitive woman with few friends, whom Jo escorts to a lecture. Jo receives a new idea for writing in return.

Twelve or fourteen young ladies in the lecture audience

Also known as two matrons · humble lovers · sombre spinster

Unnamed audience members sitting near Jo and Miss Crocker at a lecture: two matrons, a pair of lovers, and a spinster eating peppermints.

Old gentleman at the lecture

Also known as old gentleman

An unnamed audience member who naps behind a yellow bandanna at the lecture Jo attends.

The sleepy old lady

Also known as old lady on the omnibus

An unnamed passenger on the omnibus who gets out shortly before Amy’s basket spills and reveals her lobster.

Mr. Laurence's little granddaughter

Also known as little girl

Mr. Laurence’s granddaughter, who died young and whom he loved dearly. He gave Beth the piano that belonged to her.

Laurie’s parents’ child

Also known as Laurie

Laurie was born in Italy to Mr. Laurence’s son and an Italian musician; he was a little child when both parents died and was then taken in by his grandfather.

Mr. March's father

Also known as Mrs. March's father

Mrs. March’s father, mentioned as an old friend of Mr. Laurence; he does not appear directly.

Esther

Also known as Estelle · Estelle Valnor · old Esther · the maid

A Frenchwoman and longtime maid to Aunt March, whose original name is Estelle. She befriends Amy, helps her make a will, and encourages her to pray; she is one of its witnesses.

Aunt March's cook

Also known as the cook

An unnamed, bad-tempered cook employed in Aunt March’s household.

Aunt March's coachman

Also known as the old coachman

An unnamed, deaf coachman employed by Aunt March.

Aunt March's father

Also known as her father

Aunt March’s father, who gave her pearls on her wedding day.

Aunt March's lover

Also known as her lover

An unnamed former lover of Aunt March, whose diamonds she keeps among her jewelry.

Aunt March's former mistress

Also known as the good mistress whom Esther served before Madame

An unnamed woman Esther served before joining Aunt March’s household. She had a chapel where she went to pray and find comfort.

The divine mother and child

Also known as the Madonna and Child · the smiling Christ-child

The sacred figures shown in the valuable picture Esther borrows for Amy’s prayer corner. Amy treasures the image of the Christ-child on his mother’s knee.

Meg's imagined husband

Also known as splendid, wise, good husband

An unnamed future husband Meg imagines as part of her ideal family life; he is only mentioned as part of Jo’s teasing description of Meg’s dream.

The young man in the portrait

Also known as Laurie's father

Laurie’s father, shown in a portrait above Mr. Laurence’s desk. He ran away in his youth and married against Mr. Laurence’s wishes.

Kitty Bryant

Also known as Kitty

Amy’s friend and favorite playmate, whom Amy names in her will and compares with the turquoise ring Aunt March gives her.

Heinrich

One of Mrs. Hummel’s children, who has a sore throat when the doctor examines the family.

Mrs. Hummel's baby

Also known as the baby

The youngest child of Mrs. Hummel, who dies in Beth’s arms while Beth is visiting the family.

S. Hale

Also known as S. Hale

The sender of a telegram from Blank Hospital in Washington informing Mrs. March that her husband is very ill and asking her to come at once.

Dr. Bangs

Also known as the doctor

The doctor who treats Beth during her scarlet fever. He advises the family to send for Mrs. March when Beth becomes dangerously ill, and later reports that she is likely to recover.

Barber

Also known as Thomas

A barber who buys Jo’s hair for twenty-five dollars after hearing that she wants to help her father. His wife persuades him to accept the sale.

Barber's wife

Also known as Thomas's wife

The barber’s kind wife, who urges him to buy Jo’s hair after hearing that Jo needs money for her father. Her son Jimmy is serving in the army.

Jimmy

Also known as the barber's son

The barber’s wife’s son, who is serving in the army; Jo’s story about her father’s illness prompts his mother to sympathize with her.

Hattie King

Also known as Hattie

A King family member whom Amy mentions as someone who says French greetings such as “Merci” and “Bon jour.”

Pip

Also known as the canary · little Pip

Beth’s pet canary, who dies after she forgets to feed him. The March sisters bury him in the garden.

Mrs. Barker

Also known as Mrs. Barker

A woman at the Laurence household who prepares the lunch hamper for the Camp Laurence picnic.

Ellen Tree

Also known as apple-tree horse

An apple tree in the Marches’ garden that Jo and Amy pretend is a horse by fitting it with an old saddle and makeshift reins.

Scrabble's oldest son

Also known as fine young fellow

The eldest son of Jo’s pet rat Scrabble, who accompanies him across the garret beams.

Jo's black-eyed observer

Also known as black-eyed young gentleman

An unnamed young man who watches Jo repeatedly approach a building in town and follows her outside, offering help. He is Laurie.

Portuguese pirate captain

Also known as pirate captain · sly dog

An unnamed fictional pirate captain in Fred’s contribution to the picnic’s improvised story. He is captured by a British ship, escapes by diving underwater, and sinks it.

Mermaid in the improvised story

Also known as mermaid

An unnamed mermaid in the picnic’s improvised story who welcomes the shipwrecked sailors and tries to restore the headless knights.

Little goose-girl

Also known as little girl

An unnamed girl in Amy’s contribution to the picnic’s improvised story. She follows an old woman’s advice and uses cabbages to give the headless knights new heads.

The old woman in the improvised story

Also known as old woman

An unnamed old woman in Amy’s contribution to the picnic’s improvised story, who tells the goose-girl that the geese know what to do.

Count Gustave

Also known as the knight · Sir What's-his-name

A fictional knight in the picnic’s improvised story, assembled from the players’ inventions. He seeks a captive princess and ends up in a series of absurd adventures.

Captive princess

Also known as ravishingly lovely lady · queen of his affections · pretty princess

An unnamed princess in the picnic’s improvised story whom the knight tries to rescue. She is eventually said to be picking flowers behind a hedge.

Tyrant in the mauve salon

Also known as villain · old fellow in a black gown

An unnamed fictional tyrant in Kate’s continuation of the picnic story, who strikes the knight with a Greek lexicon.

Old king in the improvised story

Also known as good old king

An unnamed king in Mr. Brooke’s contribution to the picnic’s improvised story, who offers a reward for training his spirited colt.

The March sisters’ mother’s old nurse

Also known as old woman who nursed his mother

An unnamed woman who nursed Mr. Brooke’s mother and whom he now supports. Laurie mentions his quiet generosity to Meg.

Man with the tent

Also known as tent carrier

An unnamed man seen carrying the tent to the Camp Laurence picnic site.

Hired carriage driver

Also known as carriage driver

An unnamed driver of the carriage bringing Kate, Grace, Fred, and Frank Vaughn to Camp Laurence.

Old horse at the picnic

Also known as venerable horse

A horse grazing near the Camp Laurence picnic, startled by the party’s laughter.

Three children at the fence

Also known as three white-headed children

Three unnamed children who watch the Camp Laurence picnic over a fence.

Objectionable dog

Also known as dog across the river

An unnamed dog across the river that barks loudly at the picnic children.

The squirrel

Also known as squirrel

A squirrel in the pine grove that startles Beth and gives away Laurie’s presence, then gathers food as the girls work.

Oldest son of Scrabble

Also known as Scrabble's oldest son

The eldest son of Jo’s pet rat Scrabble, who appears with his father in the garret. (This is the same rat identified above as Scrabble’s oldest son.)

Mrs. Gardiner

Also known as Mrs. Gardiner

A stately older woman who invites Meg and Jo to her New Year’s Eve dance. She is the mother of six daughters.

Mr. Gardiner

Also known as old Mr. Gardiner

An older man at the Gardiners’ party, whom Jo accidentally encounters while looking for the dining room.

Hired waiter

Also known as waiter

A hired waiter at the Gardiners’ party whom Jo asks to find a carriage; he does not know the neighborhood.

Mr. Moffat

Also known as Mr. Moffat

A fat, jolly gentleman who knows Meg’s father and hosts Meg during her visit to his family. He dances with Meg and boasts to guests about her family and connection to the Laurences.

Miss Belle Moffat

Also known as Belle · Miss Belle

An older Moffat daughter who is engaged. She lends Meg a blue silk dress and helps dress her for a party.

Miss Clara Moffat

Also known as Clara

An older Moffat daughter who praises Meg’s arms and helps prepare her for a party.

Nan Moffat

Also known as Nan

One of the Moffat sisters, who advises Meg on managing her skirt and high-heeled shoes.

Fisher

Also known as Fisher

A young man at the Moffats’ party who accompanies Ned and behaves foolishly, in Laurie’s opinion.

Major Lincoln

Also known as Major Lincoln

A guest at the Moffats’ party who admires Meg’s eyes and later remarks to his mother that the others have made her look like a doll.

Major Lincoln's mother

Also known as his mother

An unnamed woman at the Moffats’ party, addressed by her son Major Lincoln when he comments on Meg’s appearance.

Hortense

Also known as Hortense

The Moffats’ maid, who helps Belle dress Meg for a party, adding jewelry and makeup.

Moffat family maid

Also known as maid

An unnamed maid in the Moffat household who brings flowers for Meg and announces that they are for Miss March.

Jo's pet rat

Also known as Scrabble

Jo’s pet rat, who lives in the Marches’ garret and keeps her company.

Joanna

Also known as Joanna

Beth’s cherished doll, whom Beth tends as if she were a child. During the idle-week experiment, Beth shakes her and calls her a fright.

Meg's partner

Also known as partner

An unnamed guest at the Moffats’ party who dances with Meg and later brings her an ice.

Young gentleman at the Moffats' party

Also known as young gentleman who tried to be witty

An unnamed guest who makes feeble jokes to Meg at the Moffats’ party.

Old lady at the Moffats' party

Also known as old lady

An unnamed guest who asks Mrs. Moffat about Meg after seeing her dressed for the party.

Aunt Cockle-top

Also known as Aunt Cockle-top

A hen whose family of chicks Jo plans to feed with sunflower seeds from her garden.

Daddy-long-legs

Also known as inquisitive daddy-long-legs

A spider that inspects Amy’s drawing while she sits in her garden; it is mentioned as the only visitor who appears.

Flora McFlimsey

Also known as Flora McFlimsey

A person invoked by Amy as a comic comparison when she laments having nothing suitable to wear.

Sairy Gamp

Also known as Sairy Gamp

A character Jo cites while proposing a toast about fun and avoiding work.

Pickwick Club members

Also known as Meg as Samuel Pickwick · Jo as Augustus Snodgrass · Beth as Tracy Tupman · Amy as Nathaniel Winkle

The four March sisters form the Pickwick Club and write its weekly paper, the Pickwick Portfolio. Meg presides as Pickwick, Jo edits as Snodgrass, Beth is Tupman, and Amy is Winkle.

Count de Adelon

Also known as the count

A fictional character in Jo’s story “The Masked Marriage,” who arranges his daughter Viola’s marriage to Count Antonio and is surprised when she marries Ferdinand Devereux instead.

Lady Viola

Also known as Viola · the bride

A fictional character in Jo’s story “The Masked Marriage,” Count de Adelon’s daughter. She loves Ferdinand Devereux and marries him in secret rather than Count Antonio.

Count Antonio

Also known as the old count

A fictional character in Jo’s story “The Masked Marriage,” the count whom Viola’s father arranges for her to marry, though she hates him.

Ferdinand Devereux

Also known as Ferdinand Devereux and De Vere · the young English artist

A fictional artist and Viola’s lover in Jo’s story “The Masked Marriage.” He reveals that he is the Earl of Devereux and De Vere and marries Viola.

The priest

Also known as priest

An unnamed priest in Jo’s story “The Masked Marriage,” who conducts the masked wedding of Viola and Ferdinand.

Mrs. Snowball Pat Paw

Also known as S. B. Pat Paw · Snowball Pat Paw

A cat whose supposed disappearance is mourned in a playful Pickwick Portfolio notice and poem. The sisters speculate that she may have been stolen.

Aunt Cockle-top's chicks

Also known as family of chicks

The chicks belonging to Aunt Cockle-top, whom Jo plans to feed with sunflower seeds.

The grocer-man

Also known as grocer-man

An unnamed grocer in the Pickwick Portfolio’s comic account of a squash, who buys it from a farmer and sells it to a little girl.

The farmer

Also known as farmer

An unnamed farmer in the Pickwick Portfolio’s comic account of a squash, who plants the seed, grows the squash, and sells it at market.

Little girl who buys the squash

Also known as little girl in a brown hat and blue dress

An unnamed girl in the Pickwick Portfolio’s comic account of a squash. She buys it for her mother, prepares it, and the March family later eats it.

Count de Adelon's guests

Also known as knights and ladies · gallant friends

The assembled guests at the masked ball in Jo’s story “The Masked Marriage,” who witness Viola and Ferdinand’s wedding.

The fairy queen and troubadour

Also known as fairy queen · gallant troubadour

Two unnamed characters in Jo’s story “The Masked Marriage,” who discuss Viola and Count Antonio at the masquerade.

Uncle March

Also known as Uncle March

A kind gentleman who died before the story’s present events. He was fond of Jo, told her stories, gave her gingerbread, and left his library to Aunt March.

Aunt March's suitor

Also known as prim old gentleman who came to woo Aunt March

An unnamed gentleman who once tried to court Aunt March; her parrot pulled off his wig during his speech.

Beth's dolls

Also known as six dolls · invalid dolls

Beth’s six cherished dolls, which she dresses and cares for as if they were real children. One is a badly damaged doll that once belonged to Jo.

Jo's damaged doll

Also known as forlorn fragment of dollanity · chronic invalid

A badly damaged doll that once belonged to Jo and was rescued from the rag-bag by Beth, who nurses it tenderly.

Maria Parks

Also known as Maria Parks

A schoolgirl whose mother punishes her by shortening her dresses when she misbehaves; Amy mentions her as an example.

Susie Perkins

Also known as Susie

Amy’s schoolmate, who wears a carnelian ring and is publicly punished by Mr. Davis after drawing a caricature of him.

Mr. Davis

Also known as old Davis

Amy’s schoolteacher, who enforces a strict ban on pickled limes and punishes Amy with blows and public humiliation. Mrs. March disapproves of his teaching methods.

Jenny Snow

Also known as that Snow girl

A sharp-tongued schoolmate of Amy’s who reports Amy’s pickled limes to Mr. Davis after Amy refuses to share them.

Katy Brown

Also known as Katy

One of Amy’s schoolmates, who invites her to a party after hearing Amy has brought limes to share.

Mary Kingsley

Also known as Mary

One of Amy’s schoolmates, who offers to lend her a watch after learning Amy has brought limes.

Mr. King

Also known as papa

The father of the King children, for whom Meg works as a nursery governess. He sends his oldest son away after the boy does something disgraceful.

Mrs. King

Also known as Mrs. King

The mother of the King children and Meg’s employer. Meg hears her crying after the family’s oldest son is sent away.

Grace King

Also known as Grace

One of the King daughters, who has red eyes after her older brother is sent away.

Ellen King

Also known as Ellen

One of the King daughters, who has red eyes after her older brother is sent away.

Oldest King son

Also known as oldest brother

The eldest son of the King family, mentioned as having done something dreadful and being sent away by his father.

Poor woman’s children

Also known as her children

The children of the poor woman who asks for food; they are mentioned in Beth’s account of Mr. Laurence giving their mother a fish.

Mr. Cutter

Also known as the fish-man

The fish seller in whose shop Beth sees Mr. Laurence give a fish to a poor woman.

Old man with sons in the army

Also known as old man

An unnamed elderly man who tells Mrs. March that four of his sons have served in the army: two were killed, one is a prisoner, and the last is ill in a Washington hospital.

Old man's four sons

Also known as four sons

The sons of the elderly man who speaks with Mrs. March. Two have been killed, one is a prisoner, and the fourth is sick in a Washington hospital.

Irish children

Also known as little Irish children

Children in the street who cheer when Amy throws her confiscated limes out of the school window.

School guest

Also known as distinguished personage

An unnamed visitor to Amy’s school who praises her maps before leaving.

Aunt March's caller

Also known as young lady

An unnamed visitor who calls at Aunt March’s house and is announced by a surprised servant while Jo is there.

Laurence servant

Also known as servant · maid

A servant at the Laurence house who announces Jo’s arrival and later calls Laurie to see the doctor.

Doctor

Also known as the doctor

An unnamed doctor who comes to see Laurie while Jo is visiting.

Newborn baby

Also known as little baby

The baby of the poor woman helped by the March family on Christmas morning.

Oldest Hummel boy

Also known as oldest boy

The oldest of the poor woman’s children, who comes to ask Mrs. March for help for his hungry, cold family.

Hummel children

Also known as hungry little children · Hummels

The six children of the poor woman helped by the March family. They huddle together for warmth and receive the girls’ Christmas breakfast.