The House of Mirth (AmazonClassics Edition) characters

Appears from the start

An unmarried woman of twenty-nine whose beauty and social training give her access to wealthy New York society but no independent income. Lily understands that she is expected to make a rich marriage, yet her taste, pride, and desire for freedom repeatedly interfere with the choices that would secure her place.

Appears from the start

A lawyer and Lily's close friend, living comfortably but without the fortune she has been taught to seek. Selden observes fashionable society from a partial distance and offers Lily an ideal of personal freedom, though their mutual attraction remains complicated by hesitation and judgment.

Appears from the start

A wealthy Jewish businessman rising into circles that still treat him as an outsider. Rosedale is shrewd about reputation and social exchange, and he recognizes both Lily's precarious position and the prestige a marriage to her could bring him.

First appears in chapter 2

Lily's energetic friend and hostess at Bellomont. Judy belongs securely to the wealthy social world Lily must navigate and assumes that marriage, money, and invitations can be managed through practical matchmaking.

First appears in chapter 2

Judy Trenor's husband, a rich man accustomed to informal privilege. He offers to help Lily increase her small income through investments, encouraging her to believe that the payments she receives are ordinary profits.

First appears in chapter 2

A rich, conventional bachelor whom Lily considers a highly suitable husband. Percy is cautious, serious, and strongly influenced by appearances, family approval, and the moral tone of the people around him.

First appears in chapter 3

A beautiful and socially powerful married woman who guards her position by controlling gossip and alliances. Bertha has a past attachment to Selden and quickly treats Lily as a rival or a useful target when her own reputation is at risk.

First appears in chapter 3

Bertha's wealthy, anxious husband. George is jealous, emotionally volatile, and dependent on reassurance, making him vulnerable to his wife's efforts to redirect suspicion away from her own conduct.

First appears in chapter 3

Lily's wealthy widowed aunt, whose home gives Lily a respectable base in New York. Mrs. Peniston is conventional, passive, and severe about scandal; Lily expects eventually to inherit enough from her to end her financial uncertainty.

First appears in chapter 8

Selden's cousin and Lily's loyal friend. Gerty lives modestly, devotes herself to charitable work, and offers sympathy without demanding social advantage in return.

First appears in chapter 8

A socially adaptable divorced woman who supports herself by making wealthy households pleasant and fashionable. Carry understands how quickly favor changes and intermittently uses her practical skills to help Lily.

First appears in chapter 11

A poor relative of Mrs. Peniston who envies Lily's advantages and carefully collects damaging gossip. Grace presents herself as dutiful and respectable while strengthening her own claim on the family.

First appears in chapter 28

A young working-class mother whom Lily once helped through Gerty's charity. Nettie's small household and hard-won stability later show Lily a form of mutual loyalty outside the society that has judged her.