Turn of the Screw characters

Appears from the start

The young, unnamed daughter of a country clergyman whose written account forms the main narrative. Inexperienced but eager to prove herself, she accepts her first position as governess to two orphaned children at Bly under the condition that she never trouble their guardian.

Appears from the start

A man attending the Christmas gathering in the frame story. He knew the governess when he was young, possesses her manuscript, and reads it aloud after explaining how she came to write it.

Also known as The master

Appears from the start

The children's handsome and wealthy uncle, who lives in London and has no wish to manage their daily lives. He employs the governess on the explicit condition that she solve every problem at Bly herself and never contact him for help.

Appears from the start

The housekeeper at Bly and the governess's principal adult companion. Warm, practical, and devoted to the children, she welcomes the new governess and supplies what she knows of the household's troubled recent history.

Appears from the start

The younger of the two orphaned children at Bly, a beautiful and outwardly affectionate little girl. She is already at the estate when the governess arrives and quickly charms her new caretaker.

Appears from the start

Flora's older brother, sent home to Bly after his school expels him without a clear explanation. His beauty, courtesy, and apparent innocence make it difficult for the governess to reconcile him with the school's decision.

First appears in chapter 5

The uncle's former valet, now dead. After the governess describes a strange man she has seen at Bly, Mrs Grose identifies the figure as Quint and explains that he exercised unusual freedom and influence in the household.

First appears in chapter 6

The children's former governess, who died after leaving Bly. Mrs Grose identifies her from the present governess's description of a black-clad woman seen across the lake near Flora.