The Black Arrow characters

Also known as Dick Shelton

Appears from the start

A young ward of Sir Daniel Brackley, raised at Tunstall and not yet fully aware of the circumstances surrounding his father's death. He begins as a loyal messenger in Sir Daniel's service, eager to prove himself amid the Wars of the Roses, but warnings from the outlaws of the Black Arrow give him reason to question the men who have governed his life.

Appears from the start

A powerful and adaptable knight who holds Dick's guardianship and shifts his allegiance as the civil war changes. His orders summon men from Tunstall to support him in the field. The Black Arrow's accusations suggest that his authority rests on older crimes, though Dick initially remains in his service.

Appears from the start

Sir Daniel's seasoned retainer at Tunstall. Practical and alert to danger, he helps organize the household's armed men when his master calls and takes seriously the threats made by the Black Arrow fellowship.

Appears from the start

An elderly veteran and skilled archer living under Sir Daniel's protection. His confidence that he understands the local danger is abruptly tested when a black arrow strikes him, making the outlaws' threat immediate and personal.

Also known as John Amend-All

First appears in chapter 11

The leader of the Black Arrow fellowship, also known by the collective name signed to its warnings. He reveals the grievance behind the outlaws' campaign against Sir Daniel and gives Dick refuge when the young man finally breaks with his former guardian.

First appears in chapter 2

A slight youth whom Dick meets on the road to Kettley. Matcham is trying to escape an unwanted marriage arranged by a guardian and has little experience of travel or combat. Dick agrees to help despite the danger, and their uneasy companionship quickly becomes central to his changing loyalties.

First appears in chapter 5

A rough, talkative member of the woodland fellowship who has passed through several trades and ways of life. His practical knowledge, humor, and loyalty make him an important companion when Dick is drawn into the Black Arrow's cause.

First appears in chapter 9

A young heiress held under Sir Daniel's control and promised in marriage for his advantage. Dick learns that she is the person he has already tried to protect while she was disguised as John Matcham, changing their roadside alliance into a shared effort to escape Sir Daniel.

First appears in chapter 12

Joanna's rightful guardian and a committed supporter of the House of Lancaster. Though wounded when Dick reaches him, he accepts the young man's devotion to Joanna and helps plan an attempt to free her from Sir Daniel.

First appears in chapter 15

The master of the ship Good Hope, enlisted for an attempt to reach Joanna by sea. He is an experienced seaman with little patience for the private quarrels of nobles, and he expects Dick and his allies to answer for any harm their venture brings to his vessel or crew.

First appears in chapter 19

A spirited young woman connected to the Risingham family and a companion to Joanna in Shoreby. She meets Dick while he is moving through the town in disguise and becomes an alert, sometimes teasing ally in his effort to communicate with Joanna.

Also known as Crookback

First appears in chapter 24

The formidable Yorkist commander who enters the struggle around Shoreby. Still young but already marked by authority, military skill, and severity, he rewards courage in his followers while demanding decisive service in return.