Prince and the Pauper characters

Appears from the start

A poor London boy born on the same day as the Prince of Wales, with no public celebration to mark his arrival.

Also known as Prince Edward, Edward Tudor

Appears from the start

The young Prince of Wales, son of Henry VIII, born into privilege on the same day as Tom Canty and welcomed with celebrations across England.

First appears in chapter 2

Tom's brutal father, a thief who rules the impoverished Canty household by violence.

First appears in chapter 2

Tom's poor but caring mother, who tries to shield her children from John Canty's violence.

First appears in chapter 2

An elderly priest living near the Cantys who teaches Tom to read and encourages the boy's fascination with royal life.

Also known as King Henry VIII

First appears in chapter 5

England's aging and formidable king, and Edward's father. He believes the bewildered Tom is his son suffering from a temporary disorder and orders the court to accept the boy's identity without question.

First appears in chapter 11

A good-hearted soldier returning to England after years abroad. He shelters Edward when the boy is treated as a deluded beggar and humorously grants him the respect due a king even before believing his claim.

First appears in chapter 25

Miles Hendon's younger brother. During Miles's long absence, Hugh has taken control of the family estate and has strong reasons to deny the returning soldier's identity.

First appears in chapter 25

Miles Hendon's cousin and childhood love, now living at Hendon Hall under Hugh's authority. Her constrained position helps reveal how completely Hugh has displaced Miles.

First appears in chapter 6

Edward's older half-sister, a royal princess encountered by Tom at court. Tom must conceal his ignorance while trying to behave as the brother she knows.

First appears in chapter 6

Edward's older half-sister Elizabeth, intelligent and observant. Her presence is another test of Tom's ability to navigate a family and court he knows only from imagination.

Also known as The Earl of Hertford

First appears in chapter 5

Edward's uncle and a powerful courtier. He helps manage the court around the supposed prince while the boy's strange behavior is attributed to illness.