The Woman in White (AmazonClassics Edition) characters

Appears from the start

A young drawing teacher preparing to leave London for a position at Limmeridge House in Cumberland. Conscientious and observant, he becomes involved in a mystery after meeting a distressed woman alone on a nighttime road.

Appears from the start

The distressed stranger Walter meets alone on the road to London. Dressed entirely in white, she speaks fondly of Cumberland, reacts with fear to the name of a baronet, and disappears after Walter helps her reach the city.

Appears from the start

Walter's close friend, an energetic Italian language teacher whose gratitude to Walter helps secure the position at Limmeridge. Sociable, excitable, and strongly patriotic, he has built a new life in London.

First appears in chapter 4

A gentle young heiress living at Limmeridge House and Walter's drawing pupil. Her appearance immediately reminds Walter of the mysterious woman he met on the road.

First appears in chapter 4

Laura's older half-sister and devoted companion. Intelligent, direct, and practical, Marian welcomes Walter to Limmeridge and quickly earns his confidence.

First appears in chapter 6

Laura's wealthy uncle and legal guardian, who owns Limmeridge House. Frail, vain, and determined to avoid discomfort, he prefers signing papers and issuing complaints from his rooms to taking responsibility for Laura's difficulties.

First appears in chapter 13

Laura's fiancé, a baronet and owner of Blackwater Park. He presents himself as courteous and responds calmly when asked about the warning against him, but the woman in white is terrified of him and Laura has grave doubts about their marriage.

First appears in chapter 15

The Fairlie family's careful and honorable solicitor. He advises Laura during the marriage settlement and tries to protect her interests despite Frederick Fairlie's refusal to contest Sir Percival's demands.

First appears in chapter 25

Sir Percival's large, cultivated Italian friend and houseguest at Blackwater Park. Urbane, attentive, and apparently genial, he has an extraordinary ability to calm animals and people while quietly dominating the household around him.

Also known as Eleanor Fairlie

First appears in chapter 25

Count Fosco's wife and Laura's aunt. Once independent and outspoken, she now obeys her husband closely and assists him with composed efficiency.

First appears in chapter 28

The conscientious housekeeper at Blackwater Park, attentive to the household's movements and sympathetic toward Laura.

First appears in chapter 45

Anne Catherick's loyal former companion. Her recollections help connect the woman in white with her earlier life in Cumberland and with the confinement from which she escaped.

First appears in chapter 50

Anne Catherick's estranged mother, a guarded woman with a long and troubling association with Sir Percival. Walter seeks her out because she knows the secret that governed Percival's treatment of Anne.