B. J. Harrison Reads The Canterville Ghost characters

Also known as Mr. Otis

Appears from the start

The American minister who buys Canterville Chase despite being plainly warned that it is haunted. Practical and confident, he assumes that anything included with the property can be managed by modern household methods.

Also known as Mrs. Otis

Appears from the start

Mr. Otis's composed wife, a celebrated New York beauty who approaches the disturbances at Canterville Chase with the same unflustered practicality as the rest of her family.

Appears from the start

The Otises' eldest son, named for George Washington. He repeatedly removes the old bloodstain in the library with a commercial cleaner and treats its unexplained return as a maintenance problem.

Appears from the start

The Otises' fifteen-year-old daughter, a spirited and compassionate rider. Unlike her brothers, she does not turn the haunting into a contest and is embarrassed when the ghost is humiliated.

Also known as The Stars and Stripes

Appears from the start

The Otises' mischievous twin boys. Their names are not given; they delight in traps, missiles, and relentless practical jokes directed at the household ghost.

Appears from the start

The former owner of Canterville Chase, who conscientiously tells Mr. Otis that the house has been haunted for centuries before agreeing to sell it.

Also known as The Canterville Ghost

Appears from the start

The ancient resident ghost of Canterville Chase, accustomed to terrifying generations of the English aristocracy. He expects chains, dreadful costumes, and carefully staged appearances to overwhelm the new owners.

Appears from the start

The elderly housekeeper at Canterville Chase. She solemnly confirms the history of the library bloodstain and faints when a storm follows its removal.

Also known as The Duke of Cheshire

First appears in chapter 5

A young English duke who is devoted to Virginia and seeks opportunities to spend time with her during the family's stay at Canterville Chase.