The Way We Live Now characters

Also known as Lady Carbury

Appears from the start

A widowed author attempting to secure attention for her books by flattering influential editors. Lady Carbury presents herself as a devoted mother and respectable literary figure, but her judgment is repeatedly distorted by her determination to protect her dissolute son, Felix. She is more clear-sighted about other people's schemes than about his character.

Also known as Sir Felix

First appears in chapter 3

Lady Carbury's handsome son, a baronet who has already consumed most of the family's money through gambling and fashionable idleness. Felix expects charm and rank to rescue him from consequences. His mother hopes he will marry an heiress, while he avoids any effort or sacrifice that might secure his future.

Also known as Hetta

First appears in chapter 3

Lady Carbury's principled daughter, who loves Paul Montague despite uncertainty about his past and prospects. Henrietta resists her mother's management and the persistent proposal of her older cousin Roger, whom she respects but cannot love as a husband.

First appears in chapter 6

The responsible owner of Carbury Hall and cousin of Lady Carbury's children. Roger loves Henrietta and hopes to marry her, but his sense of honor prevents him from exploiting her trust. He distrusts both Felix's conduct and the speculative world surrounding Paul Montague and Augustus Melmotte.

First appears in chapter 6

A young gentleman and railway-company director who has invested money with his American associate Hamilton Fisker. Paul loves Henrietta Carbury, but an earlier promise to the formidable Mrs Hurtle complicates his courtship. His growing doubts about Melmotte's company place him at odds with men eager to profit from rising shares.

Also known as Mr Melmotte

First appears in chapter 7

A financier newly established in London after building a dubious international reputation. Melmotte's apparent wealth attracts aristocrats, investors, and parents seeking rich marriages for their children. Forceful and secretive, he uses confidence and social ambition to make his unsupported promises seem as valuable as money.

First appears in chapter 7

Augustus Melmotte's daughter and the presumed heiress to his fortune. Marie is closely guarded by her father, who intends to choose a titled husband useful to his ambitions. She is inexperienced but determined to make her own romantic choice and quickly becomes attached to Sir Felix Carbury.

First appears in chapter 2

The editor of the Morning Breakfast Table, courted by Lady Carbury for favorable notice of her writing. Broune recognizes her manipulation but also sees her intelligence, endurance, and better instincts. His relationship with her gradually becomes more personal and candid.

Also known as Mrs Hurtle

First appears in chapter 10

An American widow who followed Paul Montague to England after he had promised to marry her. Winifred is passionate, intimidating, and unwilling to be quietly discarded when she discovers his love for Henrietta. The dramatic stories surrounding her past make Paul fear confrontation, though her emotional claims on him are genuine.

First appears in chapter 10

Paul Montague's energetic American business associate and an architect of the railway speculation brought to London. Fisker treats promotion, paper value, and rapid dealing as ordinary instruments of enterprise and sees Melmotte's social power as an opportunity.

First appears in chapter 15

A young woman living with her grandfather at Sheep's Acre. Ruby rejects the solid devotion of the miller John Crumb because she is dazzled by Sir Felix, who promises excitement without offering the marriage and security she imagines.

First appears in chapter 15

A prosperous Suffolk miller in love with Ruby Ruggles. John is physically powerful, patient, and direct. Though Ruby considers him dull beside Sir Felix, his wish to marry her is sincere and his anger is aimed chiefly at the man exploiting her hopes.

First appears in chapter 8

A young nobleman and one of Marie Melmotte's approved suitors. Lord Nidderdale participates in the gambling and speculation of his circle, but he is more candid and less predatory than Felix. He cooperates with Melmotte's plans while remaining aware that the promised fortune may be uncertain.

Also known as Dolly

First appears in chapter 12

The wealthy, idle son of Adolphus Longestaffe. Dolly has little ambition beyond his clubs and comforts, but his legal ownership of family property makes his signature essential to transactions his father pursues with Melmotte.

First appears in chapter 12

Dolly Longestaffe's sister, intent on escaping country economy and remaining within wealthy London society. Georgiana evaluates marriage principally as a route to position and money, and the Melmotte circle temporarily appears to offer both.

First appears in chapter 60

Melmotte's senior clerk and one of the few people familiar with the machinery behind his business. Croll's knowledge of accounts and signatures becomes increasingly important as confidence in Melmotte begins to fail.