Beauty characters

Also known as Beauty, Honour

Appears from the start

The merchant's youngest daughter, born Honour but known as Beauty after a childhood nickname outlasts her confidence in her looks. She is bookish, practical, and more comfortable with horses than society. Deeply loyal to her father and sisters, she measures herself by the work she can do for the family.

Appears from the start

Beauty's eldest sister, admired for her poise and beauty. Grace is devoted to Robert Tucker, a young sea captain, and waits for him while his long voyage leaves his fate uncertain.

Appears from the start

Beauty's warmhearted elder sister. Hope adapts readily when the family's prosperity disappears and brings steadiness and domestic confidence to their new rural life.

Also known as Father

Appears from the start

A prosperous merchant and widowed father whose business supports Beauty, Grace, and Hope. Affectionate and conscientious, he is devastated when storms and financial reverses destroy the family's fortune, but accepts the need to begin again.

Also known as Robbie

Appears from the start

A young sea captain and Grace's betrothed. His ship is among those whose long absence contributes to the merchant's ruin, leaving Grace without reliable news of either her fiancé or the family investment entrusted to his voyage.

Also known as Ger

First appears in chapter 3

A capable country blacksmith who offers the ruined family a home near his own forge. His practical kindness gives them a path out of the city, and his affection for Hope makes him part of the close household they build there.

First appears in chapter 4

A huge, spirited horse whom Beauty chooses despite warnings that he is too difficult for her. Patient work earns his trust, and he becomes her closest animal companion in the family's new country life.

Also known as The Beast

First appears in chapter 6

The immense, animal-featured master of an enchanted castle hidden in the forest. Frightening in appearance and formal in manner, he demands that the merchant return or send a daughter in his place after the merchant takes a rose, but promises that any daughter who comes will not be harmed.