Agnes Gray characters

Appears from the start

The younger daughter of a country clergyman. Quiet, conscientious, and eager to help her financially troubled family, she decides to work as a governess despite having little experience of the world beyond home.

Appears from the start

Agnes's father, a clergyman of modest means. A failed investment greatly reduces the family's income, leaving him ashamed and increasingly burdened by worry.

Appears from the start

Agnes's capable and devoted mother, born into greater wealth than her husband but content to share his quieter life. She manages the parsonage carefully after the family's financial loss.

Appears from the start

Agnes's older sister, talented and practical. She contributes to the household through her drawing while Agnes seeks a position away from home.

First appears in chapter 2

Agnes's first employer and the mother of the Bloomfield children. She expects rapid improvement from the new governess but gives Agnes little real authority over her unruly pupils.

First appears in chapter 2

The eldest Bloomfield child and Agnes's most alarming first pupil. Wilful and cruel to small animals, he has learned that adults will excuse his behavior and resist a governess's discipline.

First appears in chapter 4

Mrs. Bloomfield's mother, an indulgent and interfering presence in the household. She undermines Agnes's efforts to discipline the children while readily blaming the governess for their faults.

First appears in chapter 7

A wealthy woman who employs Agnes at Horton Lodge to guide her two daughters. She is concerned with status and appearances and treats the governess as socially subordinate to the family.

First appears in chapter 7

The beautiful elder daughter at Horton Lodge. Charming, confident, and accustomed to admiration, she treats courtship as a contest and shares selected confidences with Agnes without regarding her as an equal.

First appears in chapter 7

Rosalie's younger sister, an energetic girl more interested in horses, dogs, and outdoor pursuits than fashionable accomplishments. Her blunt self-absorption gives Agnes a different challenge from Rosalie's social maneuvering.

First appears in chapter 10

The rector near Horton Lodge, a confident clergyman attentive to wealth and social position. He is one of Rosalie Murray's admirers and readily assumes that his office deserves deference.

First appears in chapter 10

The new curate in the Horton parish. Serious, reserved, and considerate toward poor parishioners, he attracts Agnes's notice through quiet acts of pastoral kindness rather than social display.

First appears in chapter 11

An elderly, impoverished parishioner whom Agnes visits. Her gratitude and religious concerns give Agnes an opportunity for companionship beyond the Murray household.

Also known as Sir Thomas Ashby

First appears in chapter 18

A wealthy baronet and prominent suitor for Rosalie Murray. His fortune and rank make him an attractive match to her family, regardless of what his character may promise in marriage.