Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle characters

Appears from the start

A lanky Connecticut schoolmaster who teaches the children of Sleepy Hollow. Sociable, ambitious, and deeply superstitious, he is drawn to ghost stories, generous meals, and the prospect of marrying the prosperous Katrina Van Tassel.

Appears from the start

The eighteen-year-old only child of the wealthy farmer Baltus Van Tassel. Katrina's expected inheritance and social charm attract Ichabod, while her attention also sustains a rivalry between him and Brom Bones.

Also known as Brom Bones, Brom Van Brunt

Appears from the start

A bold local horseman, athlete, and practical joker who is Ichabod's principal rival for Katrina. Brom prefers direct action but turns to mockery and tricks when the schoolmaster avoids a physical confrontation.

Appears from the start

The prosperous and hospitable owner of the farm Ichabod hopes one day to see Katrina inherit. Baltus presides over a comfortable household whose abundance makes a powerful impression on the schoolmaster.

Appears from the start

A ghostly Hessian soldier said to have been decapitated by a cannonball during the Revolutionary War. Sleepy Hollow tradition claims that he rides after dark searching for his head and must return to the churchyard before daybreak.

First appears in chapter 2

An easygoing villager of Dutch descent who is liked by his neighbors and children but neglects his own farm. Rip gladly works for others and retreats from household conflict by wandering with his dog and gun into the Catskill Mountains.

First appears in chapter 2

Rip's forceful wife, who angrily condemns his idleness and the decline of their household. Her criticism drives him to seek peace away from home, though the story also makes clear that he has left her to manage the consequences of his inattention.

First appears in chapter 2

Rip's loyal dog and companion on his mountain excursions. Wolf is brave away from the house but becomes subdued in the presence of Dame Van Winkle.

First appears in chapter 2

Rip's daughter, grown to adulthood during his absence. She is a young mother when he returns to the village and becomes the family member who recognizes and takes in the bewildered old man.

First appears in chapter 2

An elderly villager familiar with the old Catskill traditions. His account of Hendrick Hudson's ghostly crew provides the community with an explanation for Rip's extraordinary absence.