Gaudy Night characters

Appears from the start

A detective novelist and former murder defendant who returns to her Oxford college for its reunion celebrations. Independent, intellectually serious, and wary of emotional dependence, she is drawn into investigating a campaign of anonymous hostility within the college.

Appears from the start

Harriet's Oxford-educated friend and persistent suitor, an aristocratic amateur detective who once proved her innocence. He is initially abroad on government business, but his judgment remains an important point of reference as Harriet tries to solve the college's problem without surrendering her independence.

Appears from the start

A distinguished scholar newly attached to Shrewsbury College. Exacting about evidence and intellectual honesty, she becomes both a possible source of friction and an example of the standards the college exists to defend.

Appears from the start

The Dean of Shrewsbury and one of Harriet's old tutors. Warm, perceptive, and practical, she welcomes Harriet back and later helps explain why the college needs a discreet investigator rather than a public scandal.

First appears in chapter 3

The head of Shrewsbury College, responsible for balancing the safety of students and staff against the institution's reputation. She authorizes the confidential effort to identify the writer of the threatening messages.

Appears from the start

An energetic scholar whose absorption in her subject leaves her capable of overlooking practical disorder. She was one of Harriet's tutors and treats the intellectual life of the college as a matter of genuine vocation.

First appears in chapter 5

A senior member of the college whose forceful views and difficult relations with colleagues make her one of several plausible suspects once the anonymous campaign is examined from inside.

First appears in chapter 5

A member of the college staff associated with its administrative and disciplinary routines. Harriet must consider her access, habits, and private grievances along with those of the other residents.

First appears in chapter 2

A former Shrewsbury student and contemporary of Harriet who has combined marriage and family life with continuing intellectual interests. Her visit gives Harriet another perspective on the choices available to educated women.

First appears in chapter 6

One of the college scouts, employed in the domestic work that supports the academic community. Her position allows her to move through rooms and corridors without attracting the scrutiny directed at dons and students.

First appears in chapter 7

A Shrewsbury undergraduate whose personal and academic difficulties become entangled with the atmosphere of suspicion. Harriet's dealings with her show how readily the campaign can exploit ordinary fear and embarrassment.

First appears in chapter 9

A young Oxford man acquainted with Miss Cattermole who becomes friendly with Harriet. His conventional expectations about women and marriage offer a contrast to the more difficult equality Harriet seeks.