The Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom — Complete

Renaldo

Also known as the young Hungarian · Count Melvil’s son · Young Count de Melvil · the young Count · Melvil’s son · the Count’s son · Ferdinand’s young master · the young gentleman · Count Melvil · Melvil · the Count · the young Countess’s husband

Son of Count Melvil and husband of Serafina, whom he loves and marries. He forgives Ferdinand and welcomes him with an offer of future support, then travels to Brussels to meet his sister and Major Farrel.

Ferdinand Count Fathom

Also known as Fathom · Count Fathom · the adventurer · our hero · our adventurer · Fadini · the Polish Count · the Count · Mr. Fathom · Doctor Fathom · the doctor · unhappy Ferdinand

A self-serving impostor whose frauds brought suffering to Renaldo, Serafina, and Don Diego. He repents, accepts Renaldo and Serafina’s forgiveness, and departs with Elenor to live a sober, penitent life.

Renaldo’s beloved

Also known as Monimia · Serafina · the young lady · the orphan · the mistress of his soul · the fair mourner · the fair orphan · the amiable stranger · the hapless stranger · the divine Serafina · the Countess de Melvil · the young Countess · the bride

Daughter of Don Diego and Antonia, and Renaldo’s wife. She forgives Ferdinand and offers him protection alongside Renaldo.

Elenor

Also known as the young woman · the country curate’s daughter · his Amanda · his beauteous Helen · his lover · the fair Elenor · Mrs. Fathom · Fathom’s wife · the sorrowing female

A country curate’s daughter whom Ferdinand seduced and abandoned, leaving her destitute and temporarily without her reason. She later marries him and remains with him through hardship; they travel together to his place of retreat.

Major Farrel

Also known as the Irish officer · the generous Hibernian · the Major · Renaldo’s friend

An Irish officer in Austrian service who recognizes Renaldo in Brussels, helps him pursue his family’s rights, and marries Renaldo’s sister. He and his wife travel to Brussels to reunite with Renaldo and Serafina.

Mrs. Farrel

Also known as Major Farrel’s wife · Renaldo’s sister

Renaldo’s sister, who marries Major Farrel. She and her husband travel to Brussels to meet Renaldo and Serafina.

Countess Melvil

Also known as the Countess · the old lady · his lady · Renaldo’s mother

Count Melvil’s widow and Renaldo’s mother. She joins Renaldo in forgiving Ferdinand and offers him protection.

Don Diego de Zelos

Also known as Ali Beker · the noble Castilian · the Spaniard · Don Diego · the Castilian · Signior Don Diego · Zelos

A Castilian nobleman living in Paris under the name Ali Beker, disguised as a Persian. Reunited with his daughter Serafina and cleared of treason, he travels toward Spain, intending to return to the Low Countries afterward.

Madam Clement

Also known as the merchant’s widow · the good lady · the humane gentlewoman · the benefactress · the new hostess · the generous hostess · the French lady

A wealthy merchant’s widow who sheltered and protected Serafina and helped reunite her with Renaldo. She is Don Diego’s beloved and accompanies the travelers to Deal, where he gives her a diamond ring as a pledge of love.

Clergyman comforting Monimia

Also known as a worthy clergyman · the good clergyman · the reverend clergyman · the holy man · the pious clergyman

An unnamed clergyman who comforted Serafina during her illness and helped arrange her reunion with Renaldo. He married Renaldo and Serafina and receives a valuable gift from them and Don Diego before their departure.

Physician attending Monimia

Also known as the physician · the doctor · the foreign physician · the humane man · the friendly physician · the physician attending Fathom

An unnamed physician who treated Serafina during her fever and helped arrange her reunion with Renaldo. He attended Ferdinand during his illness and receives a valuable gift from Renaldo, Serafina, and Don Diego before their departure.

Rich Jewish merchant

Also known as the rich Jew · the Israelite · the Hebrew · the merchant · his excellency · Joshua · the Jew · Joshua Manesseh · the honest Hebrew

A wealthy Jewish merchant who lent Renaldo money and helped advance Don Diego’s cause in Spain. He supports Don Diego financially, arranges introductions, and helps provide for Ferdinand and Elenor.

Don Manuel de Mendoza

Also known as Don Manuel · Mendoza

A nobleman once betrothed to Serafina, who becomes Renaldo’s rival. He falsely accuses Don Diego of treason to seize his estate, is confined by royal order, and later poisons himself to avoid conviction.

Antonia

Also known as the fair Antonia · Don Orgullo’s daughter and heiress · my Antonia

Don Gonzales Orgullo and Donna Estifania’s daughter, Don Diego’s wife, and Serafina’s mother. She helped Serafina pursue her love for Orlando; after the family’s ruin and exile, she dies and entrusts Serafina to Renaldo’s care.

Orlando

Also known as the German · the traitor · the vile German · the favoured Orlando · the plebeian

A German drawing instructor who also teaches music and wins Serafina’s love. He plans to help her escape, but Don Diego mistakenly kills another man believing him to be Orlando; Orlando survives and later recounts his history.

Antonia’s waiting-maid

Also known as the waiting-maid · the maid · the wretched messenger

An unnamed attendant to Antonia who receives a letter from an old woman at church and conveys it to Antonia. Don Diego threatens her until she reveals the letter and Antonia’s role in the plan.

Old woman who carries Orlando’s letter

Also known as an old woman

An unnamed woman who secretly delivers Orlando’s letter to Antonia’s waiting-maid at church.

Apothecary

Also known as the apothecary · an apothecary in the neighbourhood

An unnamed apothecary devoted to Don Diego, who supplies him with poison after Don Diego swears him to secrecy. In Orlando’s account, a neighborhood apothecary examines Serafina and Antonia after they lose consciousness and finds their lives are not in danger.

Don Gonzales Orgullo

Also known as Don Gonzales · Orgullo · the colonel · my colonel · the brigadier · the father-in-law

A Spanish officer and Don Diego de Zelos’s colonel, whose family had long feuded with Diego’s. He reconciled with Diego, arranged his marriage to Antonia, and later died as a major-general while suppressing the Catalans.

Spanish king

Also known as the King · his Catholic Majesty

The Spanish monarch who orders Don Manuel de Mendoza confined pending Don Diego’s appearance, then accepts Don Diego’s innocence and restores his honors and estate after Mendoza’s death.

Spanish Ambassador at London

Also known as the Spanish ambassador · his Excellency · the ambassador

An unnamed Spanish ambassador in London who has been persuaded of Don Diego’s innocence. He arranges for Don Diego to meet him and conveys the court’s decision restoring Don Diego’s standing.

Secretary of the Spanish ambassador

Also known as the secretary · the stranger

An unnamed secretary who brings Don Diego a letter from the court of Madrid confirming his innocence and right to return to Spain.

Person of consequence at Madrid

Also known as a person of consequence at Madrid · a nobleman of Diego’s acquaintance

An unnamed nobleman in Madrid who represents Don Diego’s case to the Spanish king, leading to Don Diego’s confinement order against Mendoza and eventual restoration.

Orlando’s English consul friend

Also known as the English consul · our worthy landlord · the consul

An unnamed English consul in Seville and Orlando’s friend, who shelters Serafina and Antonia during their escape. He later dies, and his widow’s death deepens Antonia’s grief.

English consul’s widow

Also known as the consul’s widow

The unnamed widow of the English consul in Seville, with whom Antonia lived in close friendship. Her death worsens Antonia’s declining health.

Orlando’s father

Also known as an indulgent father · my father

Orlando’s unnamed father, whose wishes he disobeys when he leaves home to travel in Italy.

Orlando’s mother

Also known as his mother

Orlando’s unnamed mother, who joins him and Antonia in asking his opinion about religious scruples.

Don Diego’s house major-domo

Also known as the major-domo

An unnamed senior household servant who waits for Don Diego to return after the poisoning and sends a messenger to Don Manuel de Mendoza when he does not appear.

Dead man mistaken for Orlando

Also known as the body of a man · the thief

An unnamed armed man found dead in Don Diego’s courtyard. Orlando arrives after Don Diego has killed him, apparently mistaking him for Orlando.

Don Diego’s household servants

Also known as the servants · the domestics · their women

Unnamed members of Don Diego’s household who help after Serafina and Antonia are found unconscious. They do not question Orlando’s presence, assuming another servant let him in.

Don Diego’s mother-in-law

Also known as her mother

Antonia’s unnamed mother, who joins her in seeking Orlando’s opinion on religious scruples.

Elenor’s relation

Also known as a relation

An unnamed relative in London on whom Elenor depends and to whom she carries a letter of recommendation.

Elenor’s nurse

Also known as a nurse

An unnamed nurse Ferdinand hires to attend Elenor during her fever in London.

Country curate

Also known as a country curate

An unnamed clergyman and Elenor’s father; he is mentioned as the parent of the young woman traveling to London.

Ferdinand’s former wife

Also known as his wife · the Count’s wife

An unnamed woman whom Ferdinand married before marrying Elenor. Elenor says she had died by the time Ferdinand and Elenor married in prison.

Fellow-prisoner who marries Ferdinand and Elenor

Also known as a fellow-prisoner who was in orders

An unnamed ordained prisoner who performs Ferdinand and Elenor’s marriage ceremony in prison.

Ferdinand’s creditor in the Marshalsea

Also known as his hard-hearted creditor

An unnamed creditor who refuses to release Ferdinand from prison despite supplications from Ferdinand and Elenor, even though doing so might have allowed him to repay the debt.

Elenor’s landlord

Also known as her landlord

An unnamed landlord who seizes Elenor’s goods after she falls into debt while trying to support herself with a haberdashery shop.

Hosier who imprisons Elenor

Also known as an hosier

An unnamed hosier who had supplied Elenor goods on credit and obtains a writ that leads to her imprisonment in the Marshalsea.

Elderly gentleman who shelters Elenor

Also known as an elderly gentleman · her keeper

An unnamed gentleman who notices Elenor’s distress in a London park and takes her into his protection for a year. After he dies of an apoplectic fit, his relations turn her out.

Elderly gentleman’s relations

Also known as his relations

Unnamed relatives of the elderly gentleman who shelter Elenor. After his death, they turn her out, though they leave her the clothes and possessions he had given her.

Ferdinand’s wife’s unnamed husband

Removed: this was an erroneous earlier entry; Elenor is identified in this passage as Ferdinand’s wife.

Ferdinand’s unnamed wife in the letter

Removed: the prior entry identified Monimia as Ferdinand’s supposed wife, but this passage establishes Elenor as his actual wife.

Fathom’s former jailer

Also known as the prison keeper

An unnamed keeper of the Marshalsea, where Ferdinand and Elenor were imprisoned; Elenor says they were later discharged under an act relieving insolvent debtors.

Apothecary’s assistant

Also known as an assistant · the apothecary’s servant

An unnamed assistant from a neighborhood apothecary who applies a blister to the unconscious Ferdinand and helps with his care.

Sexton at Monimia’s church

Also known as the sexton

An unnamed sexton who opens the church at night and shows Renaldo the grave believed to be Serafina’s. He later helps make the church available for the planned reunion.

Charlotte

Also known as the young lady · Mademoiselle · the merchant’s daughter · the only child

The beautiful daughter of a wealthy London merchant, who refuses a wealthy suitor because she loves Valentine, her father’s former clerk. Her father consents to their marriage after Renaldo and Joshua intervene.

Valentine

Also known as the pseudo-parson · the clergyman · the merchant’s former clerk · the young gentleman

A gentleman by birth and former clerk to Charlotte’s father, whom Charlotte loves. Disguised as a clergyman, he conducts her escape in a hearse and is eventually freed to marry her with her father’s consent.

Charlotte’s father

Also known as the old gentleman · the merchant · the citizen · her papa · a considerable trader in the city of London

A wealthy London merchant who dismisses Valentine and tries to marry his only daughter Charlotte to a rich suitor. After Joshua and Renaldo persuade him, he consents to Charlotte’s marriage to Valentine.

Charlotte’s rejected suitor

Also known as the citizen · the plaintiff · the honest citizen · the thirty thousand pound man

An unnamed wealthy citizen whom Charlotte’s father hopes she will marry. He pursues the eloping couple, claims Valentine injured his eye, and demands Charlotte and a large dowry as compensation.

Charlotte’s mother

Also known as her mother

The unnamed wife of Charlotte’s father, whose good reputation he cites while angrily questioning whether Charlotte is his child.

Constable who arrests Valentine

Also known as a constable

An unnamed constable who attends on a warrant from a local justice and takes Valentine into custody at Charlotte’s rejected suitor’s demand.

Justice who issues Valentine’s warrant

Also known as a justice of the peace · the magistrate

An unnamed local justice who issues the warrant used to arrest Valentine; Don Diego, Joshua, and Renaldo later accompany the prisoner to his house, where he is admitted to bail.

Charlotte’s family servant

Also known as a servant of the family

An unnamed servant who recognizes Valentine in disguise and alerts Charlotte’s father, enabling the pursuit of the hearse.

Publican’s family

Also known as the publican’s family · the whole family

Unnamed members of a public-house keeper’s family who witness the struggle over the hearse and mistake Charlotte for the dead person’s ghost when she emerges.

Four mounted men who stop the hearse

Also known as four men on horseback · those who maltreated the driver

Unnamed men who surround the hearse and pull its driver from the seat. One is struck down by the disguised Valentine.

Second troop pursuing the hearse

Also known as another troop

Unnamed pursuers who cut the hearse’s harness and overpower Valentine when he fights them.

Charlotte’s father’s friends

Also known as his friends

Unnamed associates who join Charlotte’s father in pursuing the escaping couple.

Charlotte’s father’s dismissed clerk

Also known as his clerk

Valentine, Charlotte’s beloved, whom her father dismisses after learning of their mutual passion.

Charlotte’s father’s servant who reports the escape

Also known as a servant of the family

An unnamed family servant who recognizes Valentine and alerts Charlotte’s father.

Charlotte’s father’s hired suitor

Also known as the honest citizen

The unnamed wealthy citizen whom Charlotte’s father had selected as a suitable husband for her.

The young lady who is Fathom’s wife

Removed: this was an erroneous earlier identity for Elenor.

The dead body in the hearse

Also known as the deceased person

An unnamed corpse carried in the hearse that Valentine uses to help Charlotte escape. The public-house family mistakes Charlotte for the dead person’s ghost when she emerges.

The letter carrier for Orlando and Antonia

Also known as a third person

An unnamed intermediary who conveys letters between Orlando and Antonia while Don Diego tries to keep them apart.

Don Diego’s Spanish secretary

Removed: the secretary is the Spanish ambassador’s secretary, an unnamed messenger who brings Don Diego news from Madrid.

The King of Spain’s secretary of state

Also known as the secretary of state

An unnamed Spanish official to whom Don Manuel de Mendoza falsely accuses Don Diego and Orlando of treason.

Don Diego’s future son-in-law

Also known as Valentine

Valentine, a gentleman by birth and former clerk to Charlotte’s father, whom Charlotte loves. Disguised as a clergyman, he conducts her escape in a hearse and is eventually freed to marry her.

Don Diego’s children

Also known as my children

Don Diego’s daughter Serafina and his late son, whom he mentions with joy after recovering his honor and estate.

Don Diego’s son

Also known as their son

The infant son of Don Diego de Zelos and Antonia, who dies in infancy.

The mob at the wedding

Also known as a crowd of people · the multitude

An unnamed crowd gathered outside the church for Renaldo and Serafina’s wedding. Their crush endangers some lives as they follow the couple to the coach.

The owner of the country house

Also known as the owner

An unnamed person who lends Joshua a country house by the Thames for Renaldo and Serafina’s wedding celebration.

The Spanish Ambassador’s gout-stricken Excellency

Also known as his Excellency

The Spanish ambassador in London, who is confined by gout and sends his secretary to Don Diego. This is the ambassador Joshua introduces Don Diego to.

Don Diego’s future wife

Also known as the mistress of his heart

Madam Clement, whom Don Diego loves and plans to marry after settling his affairs in Spain.

Elenor’s mother

No such person is identified; Elenor’s father is the country curate, and the passage gives no details about her mother.

Physician attending Renaldo

Also known as the physician

An unnamed physician who treats Renaldo’s delirium and fever. He discovers signs of life when Renaldo appears dead, then accompanies him in England and helps arrange his visits to Monimia’s grave.

Ratchcali

Also known as the Tyrolese · Ferdinand’s ally · the stranger · his confederate · his associate · his helpmate · his fellow-traveller · the understrapper · Signior Ratchcali

A Tyrolean confidence trickster and Ferdinand’s former business partner. Captured after cheating at cards in Brussels, he is sentenced to hard labor for life; he tells Renaldo of his and Ferdinand’s frauds and receives some charity, though Renaldo refuses to seek his release.

Maurice

Also known as the extra postillion · the helper · the faithful Maurice · Fathom’s lacquey · Count Maurice

Ferdinand’s servant and accomplice, who helped stage the supernatural music used to frighten Celinda. Ratchcali says Maurice helped him escape to the Austrian Netherlands, then betrayed him to the authorities and was publicly flogged.

Fathom’s landlord’s daughter

Also known as his landlord’s daughter

An unnamed woman whom Ferdinand seduces with a promise of marriage and leaves pregnant when he flees Paris. Don Diego recounts that Fadini deflowered her and robbed the house.

Don Diego’s former French colonel

Also known as the general officer · the general

An unnamed French general who enlists Don Diego as a volunteer after hearing his story and promotes him to subaltern. He entrusts Don Diego with serving as equerry to his teenage son, a colonel.

French colonel, son of Don Diego’s former commander

Also known as the son · the colonel

An unnamed eighteen-year-old colonel, son of the French general who employs Don Diego. Proud and ill-mannered, he strikes Don Diego, who disarms and spares him before fleeing to Austria.

Don Diego’s former commander’s household servants

Also known as his servants · the domestics

Unnamed servants in the French colonel’s household who witness the young colonel’s duel with Don Diego and let Don Diego leave once their master is safe.

Renaldo’s coachman

Also known as the coachman · Renaldo’s driver

An unnamed driver who helps carry Renaldo and the wounded Don Diego to a village for medical assistance, and later drives Renaldo to the church where he visits Monimia’s grave.

Surgeon treating Don Diego

Also known as a surgeon · the surgeon

An unnamed surgeon who treats Don Diego’s neck and side wounds after Renaldo rescues him from bandits, and later declares him out of danger.

Old gentlewoman who lets lodgings

Also known as the widow · the landlady · the old gentlewoman

An affluent widow who lets rooms and compulsively steals small metal objects. Ferdinand and his inamorata bait her into taking a watch, then use a constable and search warrant to extort one hundred guineas from her in exchange for dropping the prosecution.

Constable called to search the widow

Also known as the constable

An unnamed constable who accompanies Ferdinand’s inamorata to the widow’s lodgings with a warrant to search her. Ferdinand tells him the watch has been found after the widow pays to avoid prosecution.

Young widow who marries Ferdinand

Also known as Mrs. Fathom · Sarah Muddy · the widow · the injured wife · the prosecutrix

A wealthy but inexperienced young widow whom Ferdinand marries after being introduced to her by a tradesman. Her fortune is largely protected by trustees, and when she learns Ferdinand is an impostor who may already have a wife, she leaves him and brings a bigamy indictment.

Tradesman who introduces Ferdinand to the widow

Also known as the tradesman · the creditor · the writer

An unnamed tradesman to whom Ferdinand owes money. He introduces Ferdinand to the young widow in hopes of recovering the debt and witnesses their marriage with his wife.

Tradesman’s wife

Also known as the wife · the female orator

An unnamed woman who witnesses Ferdinand’s marriage to the widow alongside her husband. She refuses to provide Ferdinand a certificate of the ceremony after hearing of his alleged bigamy and his debts to the couple.

Young widow’s brother

Also known as the counsellor · the lawyer · the barrister · Ferdinand’s brother-in-law

An unnamed Temple counsellor who informs Ferdinand that his new wife’s fortune is restricted by trustees. After investigating Ferdinand and hearing evidence from his former mistress, he helps his sister obtain a release from the marriage and arranges an exchange of releases with Ferdinand in prison.

Young widow’s deceased father

Also known as her own father

The deceased father of Ferdinand’s young widow, who left her £1,500 for her use during widowhood, with the capital protected for her heirs.

Ferdinand’s former mistress who claims to be his first wife

Also known as his mistress · the person who had lived with our hero before marriage · his true and lawful wife

An unnamed woman Ferdinand dismisses when he marries Sarah Muddy. She tells Sarah’s brother that she is Ferdinand’s lawful wife and says a clergyman can attest to their marriage; the text does not establish that the marriage occurred.

Attorney acting for Doctor Buffalo

Also known as a certain attorney

An unnamed attorney who writes to Ferdinand on Doctor Buffalo’s instructions, threatening suit over unpaid notes unless Ferdinand pays within three days.

Bailiff who arrests Ferdinand for Doctor Buffalo

Also known as the bailiff

An unnamed bailiff who arrests Ferdinand again after his release from the King’s Bench, this time at the suit of Doctor Buffalo.

Wealthy quack

Also known as the quack · the empiric · Ferdinand’s benefactor · Doctor Buffalo

A wealthy medical empiric who lends Ferdinand money and holds his notes. When Ferdinand’s new marriage makes him a potential rival and gives him reason to expose the quack’s earlier treachery, Doctor Buffalo demands repayment and has him arrested.

Count Trebasi

Also known as Trebasi · Renaldo’s father-in-law · the Count

The Countess Melvil’s second husband, who seizes Renaldo’s inheritance and confines the Countess and her daughter. Renaldo wounds him in a duel; after recovering, Trebasi repents, relinquishes the stolen estate, frees Mademoiselle, and reconciles with his family.

Trebasi’s attendant, a former hussar officer

Also known as the attendant · the hussar officer

An unnamed former hussar officer serving Count Trebasi. He fires at Major Farrel during Renaldo’s duel with Trebasi, but Farrel disarms and overpowers him.

Surgeon attending Count Trebasi

Also known as the surgeon

An unnamed surgeon who examines Trebasi’s wound and declares it mortal, prompting Trebasi to seek religious counsel and make restitution.

Priest who counsels Count Trebasi

Also known as a good priest · the charitable clergyman

An unnamed priest who tells the wounded Trebasi to make amends for his cruelty before expecting mercy. He mediates Trebasi’s request for Renaldo’s forgiveness.

Judge at Trebasi’s restitution

Also known as the judge

An unnamed judge present when Trebasi renounces his claim to the Melvil estate and reveals where Mademoiselle has been confined.

Prince who sponsors Renaldo at court

Also known as a certain prince of distinction · his highness · the prince · Renaldo’s particular patron

An unnamed prince at the Imperial court who receives Renaldo, promises protection, and introduces him to the empress-queen.

Empress-Queen

Also known as her imperial majesty · the empress-queen

The ruler of Austria whom Renaldo’s patron introduces him to. She welcomes him back, offers her protection, and promotes him to command a troop of horse.

Abbess of Mademoiselle’s convent

Also known as the abbess · that good lady

An unnamed abbess who treats Renaldo’s sister humanely and reunites her with him after learning Trebasi’s control over the family has ended.

Young woman receiving the veil

Also known as a young woman

An unnamed convent resident who has completed her probation and receives the veil during Renaldo’s visit.

Renaldo’s valet

Also known as the deserter · Renaldo’s servant · his valet

An unnamed servant attending Renaldo. He summons help when Renaldo collapses after reading Monimia’s letter and tries to revive him; Renaldo later attacks him in his delirium.

Messenger summoned for Renaldo

Also known as a messenger

An unnamed messenger whom Renaldo’s valet sends to fetch assistance after Renaldo falls unconscious.

Major Farrel’s ragged attendant

Also known as his domestic · the attendant

An unnamed servant who accompanies Farrel while he is disguised as a traveling Savoyard. He carries a cheap viol and is thrown out of Trebasi’s castle with Farrel.

Trebasi’s suspicious servant

Also known as one of the domestics · the valet

An unnamed servant at Trebasi’s castle who suspects Farrel is a spy and threatens to search him. Farrel provokes him into throwing the disguised officer out of the castle.

Trebasi’s messenger

Also known as a messenger

An unnamed messenger sent by Trebasi’s servants to report Renaldo’s visit to the castle.

Trebasi’s companion on horseback

Also known as another person on horseback

An unnamed rider accompanying Trebasi when he confronts Renaldo and Farrel near the castle.

Trebasi’s castle servants

Also known as the servants · the domestics · the whole house

Unnamed household servants who help keep the Countess and her daughter confined. They suspect Farrel is spying and report Renaldo’s visits to Trebasi.

Renaldo’s maternal relations

Also known as her own relations · his mother’s relations

Unnamed relatives of the Countess who oppose Trebasi’s seizure of the Melvil inheritance and help support Renaldo’s legal claim.

Count Melvil’s friends

Also known as the friends of the Count de Melvil · his father’s friends

Unnamed friends of Renaldo’s father who support his claim to the family inheritance and assist the effort against Trebasi.

Noble kinsman of the Countess

Also known as a gentleman in the neighbourhood · a kinsman to the Countess

An unnamed relative of the Countess who provides Renaldo and Farrel a safe retreat after their confrontation with Trebasi.

Wilhelmina

Also known as Mademoiselle Wilhelmina · the jeweller’s daughter · the daughter · his Dulcinea · his mistress · the nun

The jeweller’s daughter and Ferdinand’s former lover, whose account of his deceit reaches Renaldo through his sister. After Ferdinand abandons her, she enters a convent, where she becomes Mademoiselle de Melvil’s confidante.

Teresa

Also known as the maid · the attendant · Ferdinand’s associate · his accomplice · his helpmate · his associate · the confederate

Mademoiselle de Melvil’s longtime maid and Ferdinand’s conspirator. After being caught stealing, she confesses how she and Ferdinand defrauded the Melvil family and is allowed to go into voluntary exile.

Jeweller’s wife

Also known as the mother-in-law · the dame · Wilhelmina’s stepmother · the wife · the jeweller’s wife · the mother

The jeweller’s vain and pleasure-loving wife, who is Wilhelmina’s stepmother. Ferdinand deceives her and obtains money from her; after learning of his affair with Wilhelmina, she helps expose him and later separates from her husband.

Rich jeweller

Also known as the wealthy bourgeois · the German · the father · Wilhelmina’s father · her husband · the jeweller

A wealthy German jeweller and Wilhelmina’s father. After learning of her affair with Ferdinand and the missing heirloom chain, he confines her; she eventually enters a convent.

Gossip who hosts the jeweller’s wife

Also known as the gossip · that incensed confidante

An unnamed woman who hosts the jeweller’s wife’s secret meetings with admirers. After quarreling with her, she reveals the wife’s affairs, including her meetings with Ferdinand.

Countess Melvil’s daughter’s waiting-maid

Also known as the inferior servants

Unnamed household servants who watch Teresa after she falls out with them and catch her stealing a piece of plate.

Renaldo’s fellow passengers

Also known as his fellow-passengers

Unnamed passengers on the Canterbury stagecoach who are moved to tears by Ferdinand’s pleas when he is arrested.

Clergyman at the Fleet

Also known as the clergyman who joined them · the worthy ecclesiastic

An unnamed clergyman whom Ferdinand says married him to his former mistress. He cannot remember Ferdinand or find his name in the register, and threatens to summon help when Ferdinand presses him for evidence.

Madam la Mer

Also known as the old woman · the landlady · the discreet hostess · the assiduous landlady · the discreet matron · Mrs. la Mer

A poor widow of a French refugee who lodged Monimia. She later informs Ferdinand of Monimia’s death and its burial arrangements, then joins him in secretly watching the funeral.

Ferdinand’s fashionable friends

Also known as his old fashionable friends · persons of consequence · his old friends

Unnamed people of fashion who once cultivated Ferdinand. At court they mostly ignore him, but gamblers welcome him at a gaming-house while he has money to stake.

Two British knights who fleeced Ferdinand

Also known as the two British knights

Sir Giles Squirrel and Sir Stentor Stile, who won Ferdinand’s money and valuables at play in Paris.

Gaming-house waiter

Also known as one of the waiters · a trusty servant · the fellow

An unnamed waiter who collapses in an apoplectic fit while gamblers are betting. A noble peer wagers that he will die and objects to having a surgeon attend him.

Noble peer who wagers on the waiter

Also known as a certain noble peer · his lordship

An unnamed nobleman who bets that a gaming-house waiter will die, then insists the waiter be left without a surgeon so his wager remains valid.

Gaming-house landlord

Also known as the landlord · the master of the house

An unnamed gaming-house proprietor who sends for a surgeon when one of his waiters collapses; a noble gambler tries to stop the treatment.

Surgeon attending the gaming-house waiter

Also known as a surgeon

An unnamed surgeon summoned to treat the gaming-house waiter who has suffered an apoplectic fit.

Apothecary at Tunbridge

Also known as the apothecary · the master

An unnamed Tunbridge apothecary who mistakes Ferdinand’s plausible talk for evidence of medical learning and spreads the news that he is a physician. He recommends Ferdinand for a young patient, helps him gain practice, and later becomes his London landlord and medical partner.

Lady who was Ferdinand’s patient at Bristol

Also known as a lady

An unnamed woman who had been Ferdinand’s patient at Bristol. At Tunbridge she gives him only a distant greeting and does not seek his services again.

Daughter of Ferdinand’s Bristol patient

Also known as her daughter · the young lady

An unnamed young woman who had been Ferdinand’s patient at Bristol. When illness later prompts her mother to seek a physician at Tunbridge, the mother refuses to call Ferdinand because she remembers him as a count.

Young woman performing on stage as Monimia

Also known as a young gentlewoman

An unnamed young woman who is to play Monimia in a theatrical performance of The Orphan.

Young woman with headache and palpitations

Also known as Miss Biddy · Biddy · the patient · the forsaken nymph · the abandoned Phillis · Phillis · the young lady · the daughter

The daughter of a wealthy older gentlewoman, with a £10,000 inheritance contingent on her marrying with her mother’s consent. After a suitor abandons her for another woman, she falls ill; Ferdinand exploits her distress, wins her affection, then turns his attention to her mother. When her mother dies, Biddy inherits everything, cuts ties with Ferdinand, and damages his reputation.

Miss Biddy’s mother

Also known as the old gentlewoman · the old lady · the good lady · the affectionate parent · the careful matron · the mother

A wealthy older woman who seeks treatment for her daughter and initially keeps Doctor Looby as the family physician despite Ferdinand’s success. She falls in love with Ferdinand, hints that she might marry him and give him her fortune, but dies delirious before making a will; Biddy inherits her estate.

Doctor Looby

Also known as the rival · the other physician · the offended member of the faculty · her physician

An unnamed-by-first-name physician who has long attended Miss Biddy and her mother and resents Ferdinand’s competing practice. He refuses to consult with Ferdinand, later relents when Biddy’s condition worsens, but Ferdinand rejects his offer and forces him to leave.

Miss Biddy’s mother’s apothecary

Also known as the apothecary

An unnamed apothecary summoned during Miss Biddy’s hysterical fit. Unable or unwilling to manage the case himself, he recommends Ferdinand.

Squire Stub

Also known as the squire · Miss Biddy’s quondam admirer

A young squire who courts Miss Biddy, then leaves her for a newly arrived young woman. He later intends to marry that woman, but she returns to a former lover and abandons him; he resumes his advances to Biddy, who now rejects him.

Squire Stub’s new mistress

Also known as another young lady · his new mistress · his bride

An unnamed young woman who supplants Miss Biddy in Squire Stub’s affections. On the way to marry him, she meets a former lover, leaves Stub, and later marries that former lover.

Squire Stub’s former lover

Also known as a gentleman to whom she had been formerly engaged · her former lover

An unnamed gentleman who meets Squire Stub’s new mistress at an inn while she is traveling to marry Stub. He appeases her displeasure and persuades her to leave Stub and return to him.

Footman in Miss Biddy’s household

Also known as the footman · the messenger

An unnamed footman whom Ferdinand sends to fetch a new order from the apothecary while treating Miss Biddy.

Young lady whose mother is a country justice

Also known as the young woman · the niece · Fathom’s mistress · the heiress

An unnamed, homely young woman whose late father, a London soap-boiler, left her £4,000. Her country-justice uncle guards her and plans her marriage to his son; Ferdinand courts her and arranges an elopement, but her uncle intervenes, and she later marries her cousin under pressure.

Country justice who is the heiress’s uncle

Also known as the uncle · her guardian · his worship

An unnamed country justice and guardian of a young heiress. He intends her to marry his son and, after receiving a warning from Ferdinand’s creditor, meets Ferdinand at the inn and tells him his niece has gone away.

Country justice’s son

Also known as his own son · the cousin · her cousin

An unnamed young man whom his father intends to marry to the heiress. She eventually marries him after Ferdinand’s elopement scheme is exposed and she describes the match as the result of coercion.

Heiress’s mother

Also known as her own mother

The unnamed mother of the heiress, who has remarried and lives in London. The heiress travels there to visit her.

Heiress’s stepfather

Also known as a second husband

The unnamed man whom the heiress’s mother married after her father’s death.

Clergyman’s wife

Also known as the clergyman’s wife · the patient · the unhappy patient · Fathom’s patient

An unnamed, educated and lively woman married to a clergyman. Ferdinand seduces her while treating her illness; near death she confesses the adultery to her returning husband, who forgives her, but then separates from her and brings a prosecution against Ferdinand.

Clergyman, husband of Fathom’s patient

Also known as her husband · the good man · the virtuous husband

An unnamed clergyman who returns from a neighbouring kingdom after his wife’s illness worsens. He forgives her confession of adultery, then separates from her, secures evidence from her maid, and prosecutes Ferdinand.

Clergyman’s wife’s maid

Also known as her maid · the confidant

An unnamed maid who knew of her mistress’s affair with Ferdinand. The husband secures her evidence for his prosecution.

Merchant whose wife Ferdinand treats

Also known as the husband · the good-natured husband · her husband

An unnamed merchant who hires Ferdinand to treat his chronically ill wife. Though Ferdinand’s harsh medicine ultimately helps her recover, the merchant is horrified by her suffering and refuses to see him again.

Merchant’s wife treated by Ferdinand

Also known as the patient · the good lady · the wife of his bosom

An unnamed woman with several long-standing ailments whom Ferdinand treats with a harsh medicine that brings her to the brink of death before she recovers. She and her friends spread word of the recovery, helping Ferdinand’s reputation despite her husband’s anger.

Gentlewoman who recommends Ferdinand

Also known as the good lady

An unnamed woman who, after hearing Miss Biddy criticize Ferdinand, hopes his medical success will prove Biddy wrong. She seeks his care for her ill wife.

Gentlewoman’s wife

Also known as the patient · the wife

An unnamed woman suffering from several ailments whom Ferdinand treats with a harsh medicine. She recovers after severe distress and helps publicize the cure.

Gentlewoman’s gossips

Also known as her gossips · the patient’s friends

Unnamed acquaintances who spread and embellish the story of Ferdinand’s successful treatment of the gentlewoman’s wife.

Gentleman who dies during phlebotomy

Also known as a gentleman of some rank

An unnamed gentleman who dies while Ferdinand is bleeding him, further damaging Ferdinand’s medical reputation.

Ferdinand’s London landlord and apothecary

Also known as the landlord · the apothecary

An unnamed apothecary near Charing Cross who gives Ferdinand lodging and initially helps promote his medical practice. He later quarrels with Ferdinand and tells him to find another place to stay.

Ferdinand’s London footman

Also known as the footman

An unnamed servant whom Ferdinand hires in livery to accompany his chariot, then claims to have dismissed for drunkenness.

Ferdinand’s hired housekeeper

Also known as his housekeeper · his inamorata

An unnamed woman from Drury whom Ferdinand keeps as a housekeeper and allows to use his name to avoid scandal.

Ferdinand’s inamorata in the widow’s lodging

Also known as his inamorata · his Dulcinea · his helpmate · Mrs. Fathom · the mistress

An unnamed woman Ferdinand takes to the lodging of a miserly widow. She helps stage the apparent theft of her watch so they can have the widow searched.

Ferdinand’s friend at the coffee-house

Also known as his acquaintance · his friend

An unnamed acquaintance who tells Ferdinand about an avaricious widow who lets lodgings, prompting him to rent a room in her house.

Renaldo’s dog

Also known as the dog · the poor animal

Renaldo’s dog, long a favourite of Monimia. It greets her as she leaves the house; Ferdinand falsely tells Renaldo that she kicked it.

Young usurer

Also known as the lender · this petit-maitre · the minister of Plutus · the person to whom our adventurer had been directed

A fashionable young moneylender and former first lieutenant of marines who lends only on strict security and refuses Renaldo because he plans to leave Britain. He explains that he entered lending after selling his half-pay and makes a business of charging high premiums.

Young gentleman indebted to the usurer

Also known as the young gentleman · the young man

An unnamed young gentleman who has just arranged a loan with the young usurer. The usurer says his loan will let him equip himself for a promised position abroad.

Young officer who borrowed from the usurer

Also known as a young officer of the same regiment · the borrower

An unnamed officer who borrowed money from the future usurer, insured his life, then committed highway robbery and cut his own throat after conviction; the insurance paid off his bond.

Second usurer

Also known as another member of his profession · the second usurer

An unnamed moneylender to whom a young gentleman directs Renaldo and Ferdinand. He refuses their loan request rudely.

Imperial army purveyor

Also known as one of the clerks · the clerk

An unnamed clerk in the Jewish merchant’s counting-house who had served as a purveyor in the Imperial army. He recognizes Renaldo and confirms his family and identity.

Emperor’s minister

Also known as the minister

An unnamed Imperial representative in England whom Renaldo says can attest to his identity and whom the Jewish merchant proposes to visit with him.

French refugee at the coffee-house

Also known as the old French refugee · the refugee · the Huguenot

An unnamed French refugee who plays chess with Renaldo at a coffee-house. Alarmed by Renaldo’s increasingly agitated behaviour, he mistakes him for mad and flees.

Madam Clement’s physician visitor

Also known as the physician

The physician attending Monimia, who is present when Ferdinand visits Madam Clement and later exposes contradictions in his account.

Two young gentlemen at the coffee-house

Also known as two young gentlemen

Two unnamed young men overheard by Renaldo discussing a theatrical performance of The Orphan and its actress playing Monimia.

Young gentlewoman appearing on stage

Also known as a young gentlewoman

An unnamed young woman who has never appeared on stage and is to play Monimia in a performance of The Orphan.

Monimia’s father

Also known as her father · the once happy Monimia’s father

Monimia’s unnamed father, whose small portrait set with diamonds is her last family keepsake. She entrusts it to Ferdinand to pawn for her subsistence.

Monimia’s mother

Also known as her mother

Monimia’s unnamed mother, who preserved her husband’s portrait set with diamonds through hardship and gave it to her daughter.

Monimia’s parents

Also known as her indulgent parents · natural parents

Monimia’s unnamed parents, remembered as having raised her amid comfort and affection. Their portrait is her last keepsake, and she is now orphaned.

Madam la Mer’s French refugee husband

Also known as the French refugee

Madam la Mer’s deceased husband, identified as a French refugee.

Ferdinand’s wealthy French acquaintance

Also known as a worthy nobleman

An unnamed nobleman in France whose supposed final will Ferdinand claims has made him financially independent; the passage does not establish the truth of the claim.

Ferdinand’s supposed wife

Also known as his wife

Monimia, whom Ferdinand falsely claims to have married at the Fleet when he tries to discredit her with Madam Clement.

First creditor rescued by the usurer

Also known as a worthy man

An unnamed man whom the usurer says he saved from jail by lending him money to cover a debt incurred as surety for a friend.

First creditor’s friend

Also known as a friend

An unnamed man who left the person he had asked to stand surety in the lurch, prompting the usurer’s loan.

Great official in a neighbouring kingdom

Also known as a great man · his lordship

An unnamed powerful official who has promised to provide for the young gentleman indebted to the usurer.

Young Tarquin

Also known as Tarquin

A historical figure invoked in a comparison to Ferdinand’s attempted assault on Monimia.

Solicitor

Also known as the attorney · Fathom’s solicitor · the conscientious attorney · the caitiff · the pettifogger

An unnamed solicitor who arranged Ferdinand’s bail and legal defense and later disappeared with Ferdinand’s valuables, according to his own account. Ferdinand accuses him of robbery and strikes him with a poker; the solicitor feigns a grave injury, then agrees to exchange releases with Ferdinand.

Bailiff

Also known as the bailiff

An unnamed bailiff who, along with the solicitor and surgeon, hopes to extract money from Ferdinand. He leads Ferdinand to another room after the assault and later conveys him to prison.

Surgeon

Also known as a surgeon in the neighbourhood

An unnamed surgeon who examines the wound Ferdinand inflicted on the solicitor and declares it dangerous.

Bailiff’s family

Also known as his whole family

The unnamed family of the bailiff, who join the commotion when Ferdinand threatens to leave with the solicitor.

Landlord and mediator

Also known as the landlord · the catchpole · the mediator

An unnamed landlord who, at the solicitor’s prompting, tries to persuade Ferdinand to settle the assault and robbery accusations. He brokers their exchange of releases and receives authority from Ferdinand to dismiss his servants and sell his effects.

Captain Minikin

Also known as the captain · GOLIAH MINIKIN · the representative · the ambassador · the guide · the conductor

A formal, eccentric prisoner who represents his fellow inmates and welcomes Ferdinand into their society. He is a former British army officer, a devoted borrower of poetic quotations, and husband of Mrs. Minikin; he challenges Major Macleaver after the major introduces disreputable women to his wife, but the duel is settled by a contest involving assafœtida.

The king of the jail society

Also known as the king · his majesty · Theodore king of Corsica · Theodore · the Baron · the sovereign prince · the prince

The imprisoned Theodore, formerly king of Corsica, who chairs the jail society. He believes he may be restored to power and conducts mock military campaigns with Major Macleaver.

Major Macleaver

Also known as Major Macleaver · the major · General Macleaver · the general · the Irish gentleman · the soldier of fortune · the Hibernian

An Irish soldier of fortune and the jail society’s second-ranking member, whom Theodore appoints commander-in-chief. He is experienced, boastful, and physically imposing; he quarrels with Captain Minikin over the women introduced to Minikin’s wife, then settles their dispute in an assafœtida duel.

Sir Mungo Barebones

Also known as Sir Mungo · the knight

An impoverished, learned prisoner from an old northern family who hopes to convert Jews and Gentiles through an eccentric interpretation of Hebrew scripture. He attacks the French chevalier with an ancient sword after the chevalier condemns his scheme.

French chevalier in the jail

Also known as the French chevalier · the mad Frenchman with the beard · the chevalier · the Frenchman

A French prisoner and self-styled poet with a long beard, whose schemes for France were rejected by Cardinal Fleury. He challenges Theodore after being denied credit, and later quarrels with Sir Mungo over religion before the dispute is stopped.

Mrs. Minikin

Also known as Minikin’s wife · his wife

Captain Minikin’s wife, whom Major Macleaver introduces to his cousin and her daughters as ladies of character. Minikin suspects she has been misled and challenges the major over the introduction.

Major Macleaver’s cousin

Also known as the major’s cousin · a first cousin of good fortune

An unnamed woman related to Major Macleaver who visits the jail with her daughters. Ferdinand recognizes them; Minikin believes they are women of disreputable reputation.

Major Macleaver’s cousin’s daughters

Also known as her daughters · the young ladies · those ladies

The unnamed daughters who visit the jail with Major Macleaver’s cousin. Their reputation prompts Captain Minikin’s challenge to the major.

Helen Melvil

Also known as Renaldo’s unfortunate cousin · the pretended relation

A fictional identity in a letter sent to Renaldo, purporting to be his poor female cousin imprisoned with two sick children after her husband’s death. The jail keeper identifies the letter as a con devised by a set of sharpers; the text does not establish whether Helen Melvil is a real person.

Helen Melvil’s supposed husband

Also known as her husband · the merchant of London

The deceased London merchant described in the fraudulent letter attributed to Helen Melvil. The letter claims that trade losses left him indigent and that he died in prison.

Helen Melvil’s supposed children

Also known as two young children

The two children described in the fraudulent letter attributed to Helen Melvil as suffering from smallpox.

Messenger for the supposed Helen Melvil

Also known as the messenger · a trusty servant

An unnamed man who delivers the letter attributed to Helen Melvil and carries two guineas from Renaldo. The jail keeper says Renaldo was deceived by a common sharpers’ trick.

Jail keeper

Also known as the keeper · stern janitor · governor of an English county jail · the jailor

An unnamed prison keeper who informs Renaldo that the supposed Helen Melvil is not in the jail and explains that the letter is a familiar fraud. He also refuses the French chevalier credit for necessities.

Renaldo’s beloved’s mother

Also known as the mother of his mistress

An unnamed woman who recently died of sorrow and chagrin. Renaldo had delayed his departure from England to attend her.

Renaldo’s former companions

Also known as his private friends · a few intimates · his companions

Unnamed acquaintances who had lent Renaldo money and kept him company, but gradually withdrew their support and criticized his generosity toward Ferdinand and his attachment to Monimia.

Renaldo’s benefactor

Also known as the gentleman · his friend · his benefactor

An unnamed gentleman who had repeatedly lent Renaldo money and sends him five guineas with a letter saying he will end their inconvenient correspondence. Renaldo returns the money, and the gentleman mistakes the reply for bitter irony.

Money-broker Ferret

Also known as Mr. Ferret · the broker · the money-broker

A money-broker who introduces Renaldo to a club of lenders after making them believe he is a wealthy heir. He delays with schemes and fails to obtain a loan for Renaldo.

Lenders’ club chairman

Also known as the chairman

An unnamed chairman of a club of moneylenders who publicly condemns a member for lending forty pounds on what he considers inadequate security.

Lenders’ club members

Also known as the monied men · the society · the assembly

Unnamed moneylenders who welcome Renaldo while believing he is a wealthy heir, but refuse his requests for credit when they learn his security is inadequate.

First lender approached by Renaldo

Also known as the merchant · the person accused

An unnamed merchant who objects to Renaldo’s request for a loan and claims he has no available cash. He has just secretly pocketed his own silver tobacco box while Renaldo explained his need.

The first lender’s partner

Also known as his partner

An unnamed business partner who is away in an American plantation; another club member cites his absence as a reason for refusing Renaldo a loan.

Scullion

Also known as a scullion

An unnamed kitchen servant who interrupts the jail society’s political deliberations to ask for their dinner orders.

Bess Beetle

Also known as Bess Beetle

An unnamed jail kitchen worker addressed by the jail governor, who orders her to provide food and stop extending credit to the king.

Ragged-head

Also known as Ragged-head

An unnamed jail resident or worker whom the governor orders to deliver potatoes for Major Macleaver’s supper.

Fat widow from Pimlico

Also known as the fat widow gentlewoman from Pimlico

An unnamed widow who has promised to pay Major Macleaver’s food bill.

Sir Mungo’s deceased benefactor

Also known as the executor of a Dutch seaman

A deceased Dutch seaman whose executor sold an old pair of breeches to the jail keeper for Sir Mungo Barebones.

Murphy Macmorris

Also known as Murphy

An unnamed man who was enslaved with Major Macleaver in Algiers. He once lost a contest with Macleaver to see who could endure smoking sulphur longest.

Cardinal Fleury

Also known as Cardinal Fleury

A French cardinal who rejected the French chevalier’s proposals for France and had him imprisoned.

The Queen of Hungary

Also known as the Queen

The queen whose dispute with the late Emperor the French chevalier proposed should be settled by a single combat.

The late Emperor

Also known as the Emperor

The deceased emperor whose claims the French chevalier proposed to settle against those of the Queen of Hungary through single combat.

Celinda

Also known as the beautiful young creature · the fair bastard · the gentleman’s niece · the gentleman’s natural daughter

A fifteen-year-old young woman who is actually the country gentleman’s illegitimate daughter, though she is presented as his niece. Ferdinand exploits her innocence and superstitious fears to seduce her; he then encourages her drinking, and she is eventually abandoned by her husband, a footman.

Country gentleman

Also known as the gentleman · Celinda’s father

A wealthy host who befriends Ferdinand and invites him to stay with his family. He loves Celinda, his illegitimate daughter, but yields to his wife’s hostility toward her; her later ruin grieves him.

Country gentleman’s wife

Also known as his lady · the supposed aunt · the father’s wife · the stepdame · the prying matron

The country gentleman’s wife, who knows Celinda is her husband’s illegitimate daughter and has approved her education, but resents her and treats her cruelly. She rejoices when Celinda falls into disgrace.

Country gentleman’s legitimate children

Also known as her own children

The unnamed children of the country gentleman and his wife, whom their mother believes Celinda eclipses.

Celinda’s footman husband

Also known as one of the footmen · her husband

An unnamed footman who marries Celinda hoping to obtain a settlement from her father. When that hope fails, he takes her to London and abandons her.

Old physician at Bristol Well

Also known as the old physician · the doctor · the physician

An unnamed physician who lectures on the warmth of Bristol’s waters. Ferdinand publicly contradicts him with a fanciful theory and wins the audience’s favor, drawing patients away from him.

Mrs. Trapwell

Also known as the young wife · his spouse · the lady · the inamorata

A young woman married to the elderly London citizen Trapwell, who had kept her as a concubine before marrying her after she falsely claimed to be pregnant. She becomes Ferdinand’s lover, then helps her husband entrap him so they can extort money and secure a divorce.

Trapwell

Also known as the old citizen of London · the husband · the citizen · the plaintiff

An elderly London citizen who married Mrs. Trapwell after she deceived him into believing she was pregnant. He arranges to catch her with Ferdinand, brings a criminal-conversation suit against him, and later has him arrested for the unpaid damages.

Trapwell’s sister

Also known as his own sister · the maiden of fifty years · the duenna

An unmarried sister of Trapwell who accompanies Mrs. Trapwell to Bristol to supervise her, unaware of the true purpose of the journey.

Mrs. Trapwell’s brother

Also known as her brother

An unnamed army officer whom Mrs. Trapwell claims would kill her and Ferdinand if he learned of their affair; this threat helps persuade Trapwell to marry her.

Trapwell’s friend

Also known as a particular friend · one of the assistants

An unnamed associate who helps Trapwell surprise Ferdinand at the assignation and hold him.

Trapwell’s journeyman

Also known as his journeyman · the witness · the material evidence

An unnamed employee of Trapwell who helps seize Ferdinand and is expected to testify for the plaintiff. Ferdinand’s solicitor claims to have won him over, but he testifies against Ferdinand at trial.

Constable at the bagnio

Also known as the constable · one of the assistants

An unnamed constable who accompanies Trapwell and his associates to the assignation and helps arrest Ferdinand.

Trapwell’s chairmen

Also known as the chairmen

Unnamed chairmen who carry Mrs. Trapwell home after the ambush.

Solicitor’s acquaintance

Also known as a certain solicitor of his acquaintance

An unnamed lawyer consulted by Ratchcali, who assures him that legal tactics, possible witness bribery, and available evidence can protect Ferdinand in the case.

Judge in Trapwell’s suit

Also known as the judge · a judge

An unnamed judge who issues a warrant securing Ferdinand until trial; the jury later finds for Trapwell.

Sheriff’s officer

Also known as the sheriff’s officer · the bailiff · the officer

An unnamed officer who executes a writ against Ferdinand after the trial and takes him into custody. He refuses Ferdinand’s offer of money to visit his lodgings.

Fathom’s valet-de-chambre

Also known as his valet-de-chambre · the valet · his lacquey · his servant

An unnamed valet who, with Ratchcali and the solicitor present, takes charge of Ferdinand’s valuables and then disappears with Ratchcali. Ferdinand had already judged him a likely accomplice.

English nobleman who bought the false diamond

Also known as an English nobleman · his lordship

An unnamed nobleman to whom Ratchcali sells a pebble as a genuine diamond through Ferdinand’s recommendation. He discovers the fraud and accepts Ferdinand’s offer to repay the loss.

Ferdinand’s quality friend Grizzlegrin

Also known as Grizzlegrin · one quality friend

An unnamed nobleman whom Ferdinand asks for a loan after his conviction. He sends a mocking letter refusing help while pretending to sympathize.

Lord Trompington

Also known as Trompington · the other noble peer

A nobleman whom Ferdinand asks for a loan after his conviction. He refuses, saying Ferdinand’s conviction releases him from any earlier professions of friendship.

Ferdinand’s former surety

Also known as the person who had been bail for his appearance · that gentleman

An unnamed gentleman who had guaranteed Ferdinand’s appearance in court and would renew that guarantee, but refuses to secure payment of the damages.

Second jewel dealer

Also known as another person of credit with whom he largely dealt in jewels

An unnamed associate of Ratchcali who joins him in guaranteeing Ferdinand’s appearance in court.

The Swiss chevalier

Also known as the Swiss · the chevalier · the self-created chevalier · the challenger · the unfortunate gamester · the wounded knight

A former Dutch foot soldier, dismissed for theft, who styles himself a chevalier and is selected by fellow adventurers to confront Ferdinand. Ferdinand frightens him with a staged duel and wounds him in a real one, after which the Swiss’s account of Ferdinand’s supposed valor deters further challenges.

Ferdinand’s staged-duel opponent

Also known as the stranger · the visitant · the impetuous rival · the vanquished party

An unnamed young man who claims Ferdinand is courting his mistress and challenges him to a duel. He is Ratchcali’s accomplice in a staged fight, allowing Ferdinand to terrorize the Swiss chevalier.

Ferdinand’s staged-duel opponent’s father

Also known as a gentleman whom he honoured

An unnamed gentleman, respected by Ferdinand, whose son is the young man used in the staged duel.

Ferdinand’s staged-duel opponent’s mistress

Also known as that young lady · my mistress

An unnamed young woman whose house Ferdinand visits and whom the young man claims as his mistress.

Minor English adventurers

Also known as the brethren of his own order · his adversaries · the community

Unnamed foreign adventurers in England who resent Ferdinand’s success and investigate his origins. They plot to frighten him out of the kingdom by arranging a public confrontation with the Swiss chevalier.

Lady of quality who buys the ring

Also known as a certain lady of quality · her ladyship

An unnamed aristocratic woman who buys Ferdinand’s supposedly valuable diamond ring for 150 guineas after he presents it as a bargain.

Ferdinand’s lodging’s two gaming cheats

Also known as two of the pack · the pack

Two unnamed professional gamblers who live in the upper apartments of Ferdinand’s hotel and follow a strict routine to stay alert for play.

Bristol hot-well proprietor

Also known as the proprietor of the hot well

An unnamed proprietor who welcomes Ferdinand’s arrival at Bristol as a promising draw for visitors.

Bristol master of ceremonies

Also known as the master of the ceremonies

An unnamed official who will not begin the ball until Ferdinand is seated.

Bristol patients

Also known as the valetudinarian · the patients

Unnamed visitors to Bristol Well who consult Ferdinand for medical advice after his public dispute with the physician.

Ferdinand’s criminal-conversation jury

Also known as the jury

The unnamed jury that finds Ferdinand guilty of criminal conversation with Mrs. Trapwell and awards Trapwell £1,500 in damages.

Ferdinand’s defense counsel

Also known as his counsel · the counsel

Unnamed lawyers retained by Ferdinand who try to confuse the evidence and mislead the court, but fail to prevent his conviction.

Ferdinand’s fashionable acquaintance

Also known as a certain nobleman’s house · a certain great man

An unnamed influential host whose house provides Ferdinand an opportunity to display a false diamond to fashionable guests; elsewhere Ferdinand meets the country gentleman at a great man’s table.

Ferdinand’s fashionable admirers

Also known as the fair sex · the ladies · the audience · the company

Unnamed women and fashionable guests who admire Ferdinand and buy the jewels, instruments, and art he promotes.

The coquette at the drum

Also known as a certain pert, little, forward coquette · the young lady

An unnamed young woman who mocks Ferdinand’s fabricated Polish pedigree at a fashionable gathering. He retorts by insinuating that her own ancestry is doubtful.

Old duenna

Also known as the old woman · the duenna

An unnamed longtime household attendant who was Don Diego’s nurse. She warns him of Orlando’s influence over Serafina and helps uncover the planned elopement.

Dutch shipmaster

Also known as the master · the Dutch navigator

An unnamed Dutch shipmaster who takes Don Diego aboard and later sells him a Persian disguise and helps him obtain a certificate from the magistracy.

Master of the English ship

Also known as the master

An unnamed English shipmaster who tells Don Diego that Spanish authorities are searching for him on suspicion of treason.

Don Diego’s landlord in Amsterdam

Also known as my landlord

An unnamed Amsterdam landlord who conceals Don Diego and helps him obtain a magistracy certificate before he leaves for Rotterdam.

Spanish courier

Also known as a courier

An unnamed courier from Madrid who brings the order to prevent Don Diego’s escape by sea and have him apprehended.

Corregidore

Also known as the corregidore

An unnamed Spanish local magistrate who receives orders to prevent Don Diego from escaping by sea.

Wapping landlady

Also known as the jolly dame · mine hostess · the plump gentlewoman · the fat gentlewoman · the Amazon · the fat Wapping landlady · Kate Brawn

A robust, sharp-tongued landlady from Wapping, formerly an oyster and fish seller known as Kate Brawn. She travels in the coach with Ferdinand and trades insults with the wine merchant.

Obadiah

Also known as the quaker · the corpulent quaker · the London merchant

A London Quaker merchant who shares the coach with Ferdinand after inspecting repairs to a ship at Deal. He trades comic barbs with the Wapping landlady and later proposes a truce during her quarrel with the wine merchant.

Wine merchant and smuggler

Also known as the wine merchant · the smuggler · the male disputant · the competitor in fame · the accuser · the impeacher

An unnamed wine dealer, French-lace smuggler, and petty gamester traveling from Paris. He mistakes Ferdinand for the Young Pretender and has him arrested, but Maurice exposes his contraband.

English barber

Also known as the barber · the perruquier · the smuggler’s understrapper

An unnamed English barber traveling with the wine merchant. He is caught carrying concealed French lace and embroidery.

Young woman traveling to London

Also known as the young woman · the agreeable young creature · the modest young woman

An unnamed young woman with a modest manner who is traveling to London to become a milliner’s apprentice. She is frightened by the coach passengers’ quarrel and is comforted by the sixth passenger.

Sixth coach passenger

Also known as the sixth passenger · the foreigner

An unnamed passenger who remains silent during the coach journey and comforts the young woman when the other passengers quarrel. Ferdinand occupies the seat designated for this passenger.

Coachman

Also known as the driver

An unnamed coachman who drives Ferdinand and the other passengers toward London and helps search the coach when Elenor’s purse disappears.

Young nobleman who helps Fathom

Also known as his lordship · the young nobleman · the peer

An unnamed young nobleman who recognizes that Ferdinand is not the Young Pretender and helps secure his release from the local justice. He later receives Ferdinand in London and introduces him to fashionable society.

Country justice

Also known as the justice · the magistrate · the squire · his worship · the justice of the peace

An unnamed local justice who presides over Ferdinand’s examination after the smuggler accuses him of being the Young Pretender. He accepts a forged letter as proof of Ferdinand’s invented identity and releases him.

Justice’s clerk

Also known as the clerk

An unnamed clerk who assists the local justice during Ferdinand’s examination.

Justice’s hunting companions

Also known as his fellows of the chase · the squires

Unnamed squires at the inn with the local justice after a hare hunt when Ferdinand is brought in for questioning.

Inn landlord

Also known as the landlord

An unnamed innkeeper who helps restrain Ferdinand when the wine merchant calls for assistance.

Inn waiter

Also known as one of his waiters

An unnamed waiter who helps escort Ferdinand to the local justice.

Customs officer

Also known as an officer of the customs · the experienced spoiler

An unnamed customs officer who searches the English barber and wine merchant and discovers their concealed French contraband.

Fathom’s coach driver

Also known as the postillion

An unnamed postillion whom Ferdinand hires to drive him from Paris to Boulogne.

Deal boatman

Also known as the master of a small bark

An unnamed boatmaster who agrees to carry Ferdinand from Boulogne to Deal.

Elenor’s two coach companions

Also known as the corpulent couple · the two fat turtles

The unnamed Quaker merchant and Wapping landlady, who leave the coach near Gravesend. Ferdinand and the coachman falsely encourage Elenor to suspect they stole her purse.

Old cottage woman

Also known as the old woman · the old cottager · the old beldame · the beldame · the hoary hag · the landlady · the withered Hecate · the old hag · his conductress

An unnamed woman who shelters Ferdinand in a forest cottage and is an accomplice of the robbers who murder and rob travelers. He forces her to guide him to a village at gunpoint, then dismisses her; she vows to reform but intends to alert her fellow robbers to accuse him.

Tyrolese’s victim

Also known as the deceased · the dead body · the second guest · the murdered stranger

An unnamed man murdered and hidden beneath straw in a forest cottage. Ferdinand takes his purse, watch, and ring, then avoids reporting the crime so he can keep the stolen goods.

Ferdinand’s temporary domestic

Also known as an occasional domestic

An unnamed servant Ferdinand hires after arriving in Paris.

Westphalian count

Also known as the German count · the count · the Teutonian

An unnamed count Ferdinand meets at a Paris dining-house. He quarrels with Sir Giles Squirrel over a woman, then is reconciled through Ferdinand’s mediation and gives him a fine sword; he and his companions later fleece Ferdinand at dice.

Bolognian marquis

Also known as the Italian · the Bolognian

An unnamed marquis from Bologna who dines beside Ferdinand in Paris. Ferdinand converses with him about music; later the marquis is jostled when Sir Stentor greets Ferdinand.

French abbé

Also known as the abbe · Monsieur le Compte

An unnamed French abbé and self-styled wit and critic who joins Ferdinand’s dining companions. He is struck on the nose while trying to stop the brawl between Sir Giles and the Westphalian count, then receives their apologies.

Dutch officer

Also known as the Hollander · the Dutchman

An unnamed Dutch officer who meets Ferdinand at a Paris dining-house and drinks to the prosperity of his homeland. He declines to join the others’ nighttime excursion.

Sir Giles Squirrel

Also known as the knight · the English knight · the baronet · the chevalier · the Englishman

A wealthy, suspicious English baronet whom Ferdinand meets in Paris. He and Sir Stentor Stile are notorious sharpers who prey on strangers; he wins a nighttime brawl with the Westphalian count, is reconciled with him, and helps fleece Ferdinand at dice.

Madame la Maquerelle

Also known as the venerable priestess · the gouvernante · the old lady · the old gentlewoman · the madam

An unnamed elderly woman who runs a Paris brothel and leads the women and her armed attendants when a brawl breaks out. She scolds the abbé, recounting that she once sheltered and supported him when his mother abandoned him.

The brothel’s young women

Also known as the fair nymphs · the ladies · the damsels · the fair damsels

A group of unnamed women employed at Madame la Maquerelle’s establishment. One is chosen by Ferdinand, and another rejects the Westphalian count in favor of Sir Giles Squirrel.

The cordelier

Also known as a worthy cordelier

An unnamed friar who is hearing the brothel’s young women’s confessions and giving them absolution before they attend the guests.

Westphalian count’s valet

Also known as the German’s valet

An unnamed servant struck in the head by a candlestick thrown during his master’s quarrel with Sir Giles Squirrel.

Sir Stentor Stile

Also known as Sir Stentor · the English jockey · the Briton · the stranger · the new-comer · the brother knight

An eccentric, wealthy English baronet who arrives in Paris dressed as a jockey and wins Ferdinand’s confidence. He and Sir Giles Squirrel are sharpers who work together to fleece strangers; Sir Stentor takes Ferdinand’s money, jewels, and valuables at dice.

Sir Stentor’s spaniel

Also known as Sweetlips · the bitch · the creature

Sir Stentor Stile’s spaniel, which accompanies him to the Paris dining-house and fails to recognize Sir Giles beneath his fashionable dress and perfumes.

Squire Snaffle

Also known as the Squire

An unnamed squire who wagers a thousand pounds that Sir Stentor Stile will not travel alone to Paris and appear in public each day for a month in his jockey’s clothes.

Sir Giles Squirrel’s valet

Also known as his valet

An unnamed servant who carries Sir Giles Squirrel to bed after he passes out from drinking.

Sir Giles Squirrel’s mother

Also known as his own mother

Sir Giles Squirrel’s mother, mentioned when Sir Stentor jokes that his friend could rob her without being recognized.

Sir Stentor’s mother

Also known as mother

Sir Stentor Stile’s mother, mentioned as one of his family’s regular card-game companions.

Sister Nan

Also known as sister Nan

Sir Stentor Stile’s sister, mentioned as a participant in the family’s games.

Brother Numps

Also known as brother Numps

Sir Stentor Stile’s brother, mentioned as a participant in the family’s games.

Polish noble family

Also known as a noble family of Poland

The unnamed family Ferdinand falsely claims to head, saying he has left Poland because of an unresolved affair of honor.

Ambassador

Also known as the ambassador from a certain court

An unnamed ambassador who entertains Sir Giles, Sir Stentor, and the French abbé at a private assembly, where they boast of cheating Ferdinand.

Don Alonzo de Zelos

Also known as Don Alonzo

Don Diego’s late father, whose family feud with Don Gonzales Orgullo’s house shaped their relationship. Don Gonzales says Diego’s conduct would have reconciled him with Don Alonzo had he still been alive.

Donna Estifania

Also known as Madame d’Orgullo · Estifania · Don Gonzales’s lady · the virtuous Estifania

Don Gonzales Orgullo’s wife and Antonia’s mother. She welcomes Don Diego after he saves her husband and supports his marriage to Antonia; she dies not long after Don Gonzales.

Don Gonzales Orgullo’s uncle

Also known as an uncle of Don Gonzales

An unnamed uncle of Don Gonzales who is staying at the Orgullo house and speaks with Don Diego while Donna Estifania writes to her husband.

Don Diego and Antonia’s son

Also known as their son

The infant son of Don Diego de Zelos and Antonia, who dies in infancy.

English-speaking Imperial officer

Also known as the unfortunate stranger · the colonel of a regiment of horse

An unnamed wounded officer mentioned earlier in the book; Ferdinand’s mother finds him on a battlefield and helps him reach his tent.

Portuguese dragoon

Also known as the ruffian

An unnamed Portuguese cavalryman who is about to strike Don Gonzales Orgullo after his horse throws him during a retreat. Don Diego shoots him.

Portuguese horsemen

Also known as the Portuguese horse

An unnamed group of Portuguese cavalry who cut off Don Diego and Don Gonzales Orgullo from the retreating Spanish forces.

Saragossa battlefield messenger

Also known as the messenger

An unnamed messenger who informs Don Gonzales Orgullo that his regiment is being routed at the Battle of Saragossa.

Antonia’s suitors

Also known as Spanish cavaliers · young gentlemen of rank and distinction

Unnamed Spanish noblemen who court Antonia and seek her hand in marriage.

Don Manuel’s rivals

Also known as other object

Unnamed men whom Don Diego considers as possible romantic attachments of Serafina when he investigates whether her heart is already engaged.

Tyrolean gamester

Also known as the Tyrolese · Ferdinand’s ally · the stranger · his confederate · his associate · the Tyrolese associate · his fellow-traveller · the understrapper

An unnamed native of Tyrol who lives by cheating at play and allies with Ferdinand. He serves with Ferdinand in garrison, deserts with him to the French camp, then steals Ferdinand’s valuables while he sleeps and leaves him with a parcel of nails.

Officers in Renaldo’s camp

Also known as the officers · the whole neighbourhood

Unnamed officers who rush to Renaldo’s tent when Ferdinand raises an alarm about the theft. They accept his performance and attribute the loss to the deserter.

French sentinel

Also known as the sentinel · the soldier

An unnamed French soldier on an advanced post who questions Ferdinand and the Tyrolese after they accidentally reach the French camp, then directs them to the next post.

French serjeant

Also known as the serjeant’s party

An unnamed French serjeant who receives Ferdinand and the Tyrolese at the next post and forwards them to the grand guard.

Officer of the grand guard

Also known as the officer

An unnamed French officer who receives the two deserters and introduces them to Count Coigny the next morning.

Count Coigny

Also known as Count Coigny

A French count who politely receives Ferdinand and the Tyrolese as volunteers in the French army.

French officers of rank

Also known as many French officers · his new patrons

Unnamed French officers who regard Ferdinand favorably and offer recommendations to nobles at Versailles, believing his claimed background and motives.

Hussar

Also known as an hussar

An unnamed hussar who wounds Ferdinand in the face with his sword during the affair of Halleh.

Peasant guide

Also known as his guide · the conductor

An unnamed peasant hired by Ferdinand near Bar-le-duc to guide him toward Chalons. He disappears during a storm in a forest, leaving Ferdinand to suspect that he is connected to robbers.

Two assassins

Also known as the assassins · the ruffians · the robbers · the banditti

Two unnamed robbers who enter the cottage at night and stab the corpse Ferdinand has placed in the bed, believing it to be their sleeping victim. They leave to seek more prey after ordering the old woman to keep the door locked.

Old cottage woman’s husband

Also known as the faggot-maker

An unnamed faggot-maker who is away selling his wares when Ferdinand arrives at the cottage; the woman says he will probably return the following morning.

Mademoiselle’s maid

Also known as her maid

An unnamed maid present when Ferdinand pretends to faint; Mademoiselle orders her to support his head.

Physician

Also known as the doctor

An unnamed physician summoned when Ferdinand pretends to be ill; his treatment makes Ferdinand’s feigned illness real.

Two chambermaids

Also known as the chambermaids · the domestics

Two unnamed servants whose rooms Mademoiselle orders searched after her purse disappears. One is Teresa’s rival and steals the purse; she confesses and is pardoned.

Guilty chambermaid

Also known as the Hungarian chambermaid · the guilty Abigail · the offender · the accuser

A Hungarian chambermaid who steals Mademoiselle’s purse after Ferdinand plants it as a trap. She confesses, returns it, and is pardoned, but later is imprisoned and dismissed after the diamond earrings disappear.

Renaldo’s governor

Also known as the governor

An unnamed guardian who accompanies Renaldo and Ferdinand to Vienna and is charged with overseeing Renaldo’s conduct.

Lacquey

Also known as the lackey

An unnamed servant attending Renaldo who circulates a report damaging Ferdinand’s reputation by exposing the obscurity of his birth.

Wilhelmina’s mother

Also known as the jeweller’s wife

The unnamed woman married to the jeweller and Wilhelmina’s mother; Ferdinand deceives her by cultivating jealousy between her and her daughter.

Jewellers’ meeting companion

Also known as another tradesman

An unnamed tradesman who quarrels with the jeweller over drinks and strikes him on the forehead with a candlestick.

Lying-in hostess

Also known as a third person of her own sex

An unnamed woman whom the jeweller’s wife is visiting to assist at a lying-in; the wife proposes her house as a discreet meeting place.

Academy pupils

Also known as Ferdinand’s fellow-students · Renaldo’s fellow-pupils

Unnamed students at the Vienna academy who attend a merry-making with Renaldo. One such gathering leaves Renaldo drunk and vulnerable to the Tyrolean gamester.

Count Melvil’s friends at court

Also known as the Count’s friends belonging to the Imperial court

Unnamed acquaintances of Count Melvil who receive letters of recommendation for Renaldo and Ferdinand in Vienna.

Needy author

Also known as the bard · the poet

An unnamed author whose manuscript is first scorned and then praised by two rival critics; the narrator tells his story as an example of how contradiction can change someone’s judgment.

First critic

Also known as the first condemner · the patron

An unnamed patron and critic who initially treats a needy author’s manuscript with contempt, then champions it after another critic mocks his patronage.

Second critic

Also known as the appellant’s critic · the rival

An unnamed critic who feigns contempt for a needy author’s manuscript to provoke the first critic into defending and praising it.

Literati member

Also known as another member

An unnamed member of the literary circle who brings the manuscript into discussion at the second critic’s request.

Count Melvil’s son’s inamorata

Also known as a certain inamorata

An unnamed woman said to have captivated Renaldo; Count Melvil suspects his son may have stolen Mademoiselle’s jewels for her.

Young lady of fashion

Also known as a certain young lady

An unnamed fashionable young woman said to be enamoured of Ferdinand, according to Teresa’s insinuations to Mademoiselle.

T. Smollett

Also known as Tobias Smollett · the Author

The author of the novel; the introduction identifies him as the writer of the dedication and discusses his work.

Doctor ———

The unnamed addressee of the dedication, identified by the introduction as Smollett himself.

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu

Also known as Lady Mary

A writer mentioned in the introduction; she wrote to her daughter, the Countess of Bute, about Smollett’s talent and latest work.

Countess of Bute

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu’s daughter and the recipient of her letter about Smollett.

G. H. Maynadier

The scholar who wrote the introduction to this edition.

Ferdinand’s mother

Also known as the Count’s mother · our Amazon · the English Penthesilea · the mother of our hero

An English camp-follower who follows the allied army, remarries a German trooper, and gives her son the name Ferdinand de Fadom. She saves Colonel Melvil’s life, later dies on a battlefield while attempting to loot a wounded soldier, and cannot identify Ferdinand’s father.

Ferdinand’s biological father

Also known as Ferdinand’s sire · his sire

An unidentified man among Ferdinand’s mother’s many admirers; she cannot determine which of them fathered him.

German trooper

Also known as Ferdinand’s stepfather · his father-in-law

The German soldier who marries Ferdinand’s mother and lends Ferdinand his surname. He dies after being shot in the trenches before Temiswaer.

Cardinal de Retz

A historian cited by the narrator for his observation that historians may misjudge the motives behind people’s actions.

Homer

An ancient poet mentioned in a comparison about the uncertain place of Ferdinand’s birth.

Prince Eugene

Also known as the renowned Prince Eugene · the Imperial general

The Austrian commander whose army wins victories in Hungary and at Belgrade.

Wounded Imperial colonel

Also known as Colonel Melvil · Count Melvil · the Count · the colonel · the patron

A Scottish cavalry colonel whom Ferdinand’s mother rescues from the battlefield. He rewards her, takes charge of Ferdinand’s education, and later brings him into his household as a companion and attendant to his son.

Wounded English-speaking Imperial officer

Also known as the unfortunate stranger · the colonel of a regiment of horse

An unnamed officer whom Ferdinand’s mother finds wounded on a battlefield; he speaks English and asks her to help him reach his tent.

Turkish aga

Also known as the Turkish leader · the chief

A Turkish cavalry leader whose horse falls on him during battle. Ferdinand’s mother kills him while trying to take his horse’s trappings.

Wounded hussar officer

Also known as the officer of hussars

An unnamed officer who lies wounded on the battlefield with a captured Turkish standard wrapped around him. He shoots and kills Ferdinand’s mother as she tries to strip him.

Two foot soldiers

Also known as the sentries

Two unnamed soldiers who plot to rob Count Melvil’s tent and desert to the enemy; they are caught and executed.

Schoolmaster

Also known as the pedagogue · the pedant

The boys’ schoolmaster, who misjudges a copied translation and wrongly accuses the young Count of plagiarism.

Tutor

An unnamed tutor employed in Count Melvil’s household to oversee the education of the heir.

Dancing-master

An unnamed instructor under whose direction Ferdinand learns polished manners and dancing.

Music-master

An unnamed instructor whom Count Melvil hires to teach Ferdinand the principles of music.

Ferdinand’s biological father candidates

Also known as his mother’s admirers

The unnamed men who courted Ferdinand’s mother; the text says she had so many lovers that she could not identify Ferdinand’s father.

Marlborough

Also known as the renowned Marlborough

A commander whose final year in command dates the period when Ferdinand’s mother accompanied the allied army.

Thomson

Also known as the Author of the “Seasons”

An unnamed-by-first-name poet referred to as the author of The Seasons; the dedication recalls that he planned to retract praise of an unworthy patron.

Richard

A theatrical villain mentioned in the dedication as an example of a wicked character whose schemes are exposed.

Maskwell

A theatrical villain mentioned in the dedication as an example of perfidy brought to light.

Bevil

A theatrical character mentioned in the dedication as an example of a virtuous person rewarded with happiness.

Edward

A theatrical character mentioned in the dedication as an example of a virtuous person who triumphs.

Petronius Arbiter

An ancient author cited by the narrator as an example of writing that polite readers accept despite its coarse subjects.

Ovid

An ancient poet whose amorous writing is mentioned by the narrator.

Lucian

An ancient author whose story of an ass is cited by the narrator.

Guzman d’Alfarache

The protagonist of a work mentioned by the narrator for its account of a life of poverty.

Don Quixote

A literary character mentioned with his squire as an example of humble adventures.

Don Quixote’s squire

An unnamed literary character mentioned alongside Don Quixote.

Scarron

An author whose ragged troop of strollers is mentioned by the narrator.

Gil Blas

A literary character whose lowly circumstances are cited by the narrator.

Swift

An author mentioned for depicting a coxcomb’s profane speech.

Pope

An author mentioned alongside Swift for depicting a coxcomb’s profane speech.

Rabelais

An author mentioned for the comic and coarse material in his writing.

Dean

An unnamed dean whose description of a lady’s dressing-room is mentioned by the narrator.

Catullus

An ancient satirist cited by the narrator.

Juvenal

An ancient satirist cited by the narrator.

Persius

An ancient satirist cited by the narrator.

Lucan

An ancient author cited by the narrator.

Semiramis

An ancient queen invoked in a comparison to Ferdinand’s mother’s courage.

Tomyris

An ancient queen invoked in a comparison to Ferdinand’s mother’s courage.

Zenobia

An ancient queen invoked in a comparison to Ferdinand’s mother’s courage.

Thalestris

A legendary queen invoked in a comparison to Ferdinand’s mother’s courage.

W. L. Phelps

Also known as Professor W. L. Phelps

A professor cited in the introduction for his comment on Young’s Night Thoughts.

Young

Also known as the author of Night Thoughts

The poet whose Night Thoughts is cited in the introduction as an example of graveyard poetry.

Walpole

The author of Castle of Otranto, mentioned in the introduction as a later example of romantic fiction.

Dickens

A nineteenth-century novelist mentioned in the introduction as Smollett’s literary disciple.

Thackeray

A later writer mentioned for his recurring observations about English social habits.

Matthew Bramble

Also known as Matthew Bramble, Esq.

A character from Humphry Clinker mentioned in the introduction as evidence that Fathom’s repentance may not be lasting.