The House of Mirth 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 secure place within it. With only a small income and expensive habits, she is expected to make a rich marriage. She understands that bargain clearly yet repeatedly recoils from the men and compromises that might secure her future.

Appears from the start

A lawyer and occasional writer who is related to the fashionable Trenors but lives modestly outside their constant social round. His friendship with Lily carries an evident attraction. He values personal freedom and sees the artificiality of her world, though he is not free of its judgments.

Appears from the start

A wealthy Jewish businessman seeking acceptance in the old New York circle that privately disdains him. Shrewd and observant, he understands both Lily's financial vulnerability and the social value of being associated with her.

First appears in chapter 2

A rich, shy bachelor whom Lily identifies as a suitable husband. He collects Americana, avoids social risk, and prefers women whose conduct appears conventional and serious.

Also known as Judy Trenor

First appears in chapter 3

Lily's wealthy friend and hostess at the country estate Bellomont. Energetic and socially powerful, she takes it for granted that friends will perform favors within her complicated network of invitations and obligations.

First appears in chapter 3

Judy Trenor's husband, a wealthy and coarse man who manages money for his acquaintances. Lily turns to him for help when she believes she needs an investment income to keep pace with her friends.

First appears in chapter 5

A beautiful, commanding married woman at the center of Lily's fashionable set. Clever and socially secure, she can be charming when Lily is useful to her and cutting when she feels challenged.

First appears in chapter 5

Bertha's wealthy, anxious husband. He is often ill and deeply dependent on his wife despite his suspicions about her conduct.

First appears in chapter 4

Lily's rich, widowed aunt, with whom Lily lives when not visiting friends. Mrs. Peniston gives her niece a home and a limited allowance but dislikes disruption and does not understand the scale of Lily's debts.

First appears in chapter 8

Selden's cousin, a kind and practical young woman who lives simply and devotes much of her time to charitable work. She admires Lily while also recognizing how different Lily's needs are from her own.

First appears in chapter 5

An adaptable society woman who supports herself by advising wealthy acquaintances, arranging parties, and helping newcomers enter fashionable circles. She understands social decline as a practical problem and offers Lily the kind of work available to women of their class.

First appears in chapter 5

A charming young man in the Dorsets' circle whose lack of money leaves him vulnerable to the wishes of wealthier friends. His closeness to Bertha becomes a source of tension during the Mediterranean voyage.

First appears in chapter 9

The cleaning woman at Selden's apartment building. After finding letters written by Bertha Dorset, she offers to sell them to Lily because she assumes Lily can use them.

First appears in chapter 28

A working-class woman whom Lily once helped through Gerty's charity. When they meet again much later, Nettie is married, caring for a baby, and eager to credit Lily's small act of kindness with helping her rebuild her life.