The Courtship of Miles Standish characters

Appears from the start

A young Pilgrim scholar and the close friend and housemate of Miles Standish at Plymouth. Mild in manner and more comfortable with books than military affairs, he is asked by Standish to carry a marriage proposal to Priscilla Mullins, although he privately loves her himself.

Also known as Captain Standish

Appears from the start

The military leader of the Plymouth colony and John Alden's friend. Recently widowed, physically small, proud of his martial experience, and quick-tempered, he finds courtship harder than warfare and asks John to speak to Priscilla on his behalf.

Appears from the start

Miles Standish's late wife, remembered tenderly by him as he considers marrying again. Her death helps explain both his loneliness and his awkward haste in seeking a new household.

First appears in chapter 3

A young woman of Plymouth who has lost her family and lives within the small Pilgrim community. Thoughtful, direct, and perceptive, she listens to John deliver Standish's proposal but recognizes that the messenger's own feelings are the more important truth.

Also known as Elder Brewster

First appears in chapter 5

The colony's respected elder, an aging religious leader whose counsel and public duties help hold the struggling Plymouth settlement together.

First appears in chapter 7

An Indigenous interpreter and ally of the Plymouth settlers who accompanies Standish during a dangerous expedition and later helps bring news back to the colony.