B. J. Harrison Reads Uncle Silas characters

Appears from the start

The sheltered young heiress who narrates the story. Raised at Knowl by her reclusive father, she is intelligent and observant but inexperienced, and the mysteries surrounding her disgraced uncle Silas exert a powerful hold on her imagination.

Appears from the start

Maud's wealthy, austere father, a student of Swedenborgian religion who lives in seclusion at Knowl. He is determined to restore the reputation of his brother Silas and expects Maud to trust his judgment despite refusing to explain all his plans.

First appears in chapter 2

Austin's younger brother and Maud's mysterious uncle. Once admired for his looks and promise, he has become associated with gambling, debt, and the unresolved death of a man at his estate, though Austin insists that he was falsely suspected.

Also known as Madame

First appears in chapter 4

A Frenchwoman engaged as Maud's governess. Large, theatrical, and intrusive, she alternates between flattery and intimidation, and her unexplained movements around Knowl make Maud increasingly afraid of her.

First appears in chapter 9

Austin's forthright cousin and one of Maud's few protective adult friends. She distrusts Madame de la Rougierre, questions Austin's faith in Silas, and urges Maud to pay attention to danger rather than family pride.

First appears in chapter 16

A businesslike physician and Swedenborgian associate of Austin Ruthyn. He acts as a trustee under Austin's arrangements and views the family finances and Silas's conduct with a skepticism Maud's father does not welcome.

First appears in chapter 31

Silas's daughter and Maud's cousin, raised in isolation at Bartram-Haugh. Milly is rough in speech and manners but candid, affectionate, and eager for Maud's companionship.

First appears in chapter 34

Silas's son and Maud's cousin. Coarse, volatile, and accustomed to getting his way, he moves between awkward attentiveness toward Maud and threatening displays of temper.

First appears in chapter 45

A brutal, secretive associate of Dudley who lives near Bartram-Haugh. His presence links Dudley to people and dealings Maud has good reason to fear.

First appears in chapter 52

A young woman connected to Dudley's concealed life outside Bartram-Haugh. Her claim upon him undermines the marriage plans being pressed on Maud and exposes how much has been hidden from the household.