Andrew Vanstone – Magdalen and Norah's father Miss Harriet Garth – the Vanstone sisters' governess Francis Clare, Sr. – the Vanstone family's cynical neighbour Francis (Frank) Clare, Jr. – Magdalen Vanstone's beloved Mr Pendril – Andrew Vanstone's family lawyer Michael Vanstone – the Vanstone sisters' vindictive uncle; Noel Vanstone's father Matilda Wragge – Captain Horatio Wragge's wife; a giantess with the mind of a child Robert Kirke – a captain in the merchant service who falls in love with Magdalen Louisa – Magdalen's lady's maid during her betrothal and marriage Admiral Bartram - Noel Vanstone's cousin, into whose service Magdalen enters under an assumed name Mr Merrick - a surgeon in general practice Mr, Mrs and Miss Marrable – a family living in Evergreen Lodge, Clifton, fond of "private theatricals" John Loscombe – Noel Vanstone's lawyer who also advises Mrs Lecount Mrs Drake – Admiral Bartram's housekeeper at St Crux-in-the-Marsh Mr Mazey – the "admiral's coxswain"; Admiral Bartram's elderly friend