M. R. James: 'A Warning to the Curious' and 'Casting the Runes' characters

Appears from the start

An amateur archaeologist holidaying alone at the east-coast town of Seaburgh. Paxton becomes fascinated by a local tradition that three ancient crowns were buried to guard England and begins searching for the one said to remain nearby.

Appears from the start

A visitor at Seaburgh who narrates Paxton's story. He listens when the increasingly frightened archaeologist asks for help and joins his friend Long in trying to put right what Paxton has disturbed.

Appears from the start

The narrator's companion at Seaburgh. Henry Long helps assess Paxton's account and accompanies both men in the attempt to return the unearthed object without attracting its guardian.

Appears from the start

The last member of a local family traditionally charged with watching over the buried crown near Seaburgh. Although Ager is dead before Paxton begins his search, people remember his solitary vigilance around the mound.

First appears in chapter 2

A quiet, orderly scholar who reviews a paper on alchemy for an academic association. Dunning recommends rejection and soon receives a strange slip of paper, after which a series of warnings and disturbances intrude on his carefully regulated life.

First appears in chapter 2

The author of the rejected paper, a wealthy recluse with an interest in occult practices and a reputation for vindictiveness. Karswell lives at Lufford Abbey, presents himself as a serious scholar, and reacts badly to criticism.

First appears in chapter 2

The brother of a man who died after crossing Karswell. Harrington has investigated the circumstances and approaches Dunning when he recognizes that the scholar is experiencing the same pattern of threats.

First appears in chapter 2

The secretary of the academic association that receives Karswell's paper. Mr Farrer discusses the submission with Dunning and helps establish the connection between the rejected work and its hostile author.