Moll Flanders characters

Appears from the start

The first-person narrator, born in Newgate Prison and left without family support. Intelligent, adaptable, and determined to live as a gentlewoman, she repeatedly remakes herself through marriage, work, concealment, and eventually crime. Moll Flanders is the name by which she becomes known rather than her birth name.

Appears from the start

A transported convict who gives birth to Moll in Newgate. Her sentence is reduced, allowing her to be sent to Virginia while Moll remains in England.

Appears from the start

A poor but respectable woman who takes in young children and raises Moll with unusual kindness. Under her care Moll learns needlework and develops her ambition to support herself without entering domestic service.

First appears in chapter 3

The older son of the prosperous household that takes Moll in after her nurse dies. He privately courts and seduces Moll while avoiding a public commitment to her.

Also known as Robin

First appears in chapter 4

The younger son of Moll's foster household. Openly in love with Moll, he proposes marriage without knowing the full nature of her relationship with his older brother.

First appears in chapter 6

A tradesman whose confident appearance and expensive habits attract the widowed Moll. His finances prove far less secure than his manner suggests.

Also known as The Virginia husband

First appears in chapter 8

A plantation owner whom Moll marries and accompanies to Virginia. He is affectionate and prosperous, and his family history becomes important after Moll meets his mother.

First appears in chapter 11

A married gentleman Moll meets in Bath. He supports her and maintains a long relationship with her while insisting at first that their arrangement remain companionable.

Also known as James, The Lancashire husband

First appears in chapter 14

An Irish adventurer whom Moll meets through a match arranged in Lancashire. Each initially believes the other wealthy, but genuine affection grows after their mutual deception is exposed.

First appears in chapter 15

A respectable married man who entrusts Moll with money during a chance meeting. After pursuing a legal separation from his unfaithful wife, he offers Moll the stability she has long sought.

Also known as The governess

First appears in chapter 13

A woman who first helps Moll manage a pregnancy and later becomes her landlady, adviser, and receiver of stolen goods. She provides the practical network that enables Moll's criminal career.

First appears in chapter 20

Moll's son in Virginia, born during her marriage to the plantation owner. As an adult he receives her warmly and helps settle the inheritance left by her mother.