The Mill on the Floss (AmazonClassics Edition) characters

Also known as Maggie Tulliver

Appears from the start

The clever, impulsive young daughter of the miller at Dorlcote Mill. Maggie is intensely affectionate, especially toward her brother Tom, but her strong feelings, dark coloring, unruly hair, and appetite for books repeatedly clash with her family's expectations of how a girl should behave.

First appears in chapter 2

Maggie's older brother, home from school and the chief object of her love and admiration. Tom is confident, practical, and exacting; he cares for Maggie but often judges her by a rigid standard and expects her obedience.

Appears from the start

The owner of Dorlcote Mill and father of Tom and Maggie. Proud, energetic, and fond of litigation, he values practical intelligence but worries that Maggie's quick mind will make her life difficult. He is determined that Tom receive an education suited to advancing the family.

First appears in chapter 2

Tom and Maggie's mother, born Bessy Dodson. She is gentle, anxious, and preoccupied with household order, respectable appearances, and the approval of her formidable sisters. Maggie's untidiness and unconventional looks bewilder her.

First appears in chapter 7

Mrs. Tulliver's eldest sister and the dominant voice among the Dodsons. Wealthy, severe, and certain of her own judgment, she measures family duty through thrift, property, and strict respectability.

First appears in chapter 7

Mrs. Tulliver's sister, married to the prosperous Mr. Deane. She is the mother of Lucy and shares the Dodson concern with family position, though her manner is softer than Mrs. Glegg's.

First appears in chapter 7

Maggie and Tom's fair-haired cousin, admired by the Dodson family for her sweetness and neat appearance. Lucy is affectionate toward Maggie even when childhood comparison and jealousy place them at odds.

First appears in chapter 12

A neighboring lawyer whose dispute with Mr. Tulliver over water rights becomes increasingly bitter. Tulliver regards him as a calculating enemy and is angered when Tom's educational arrangements bring the families into closer contact.

First appears in chapter 16

Mr. Wakem's sensitive, intellectually curious son and Tom's fellow pupil under Mr. Stelling. A physical disability sets him apart from the other boys, while his knowledge of books, music, and art gives him common ground with Maggie.

First appears in chapter 5

A local boy and occasional companion of Tom's, quick-witted and already adept at barter. Differences over a small transaction test their friendship and show Bob's mixture of pride, shrewdness, and attachment.

First appears in chapter 22

Mr. Tulliver's married sister, who lives with fewer comforts than the Dodsons. Her dependence and quiet affection make her vulnerable to her brother's temper, but her family loyalty persists through his troubles.

First appears in chapter 40

A prosperous young St. Ogg's businessman and close friend of Lucy Deane. Handsome, sociable, and accustomed to ease, he takes an immediate interest in Maggie when Lucy brings them together.