The Prince and the Pauper Characters

main character: prince referred to in the title of the novel. Having spent his life in royal apartments,

main character: the person who is referred to as the pauper in the title of the novel. He has daydreamed about living in royalty.

Edward's father, the king of England

Tom Canty's abusive, unloving father

the sisters and mother of Tom Canty, who try to protect him from John Canty's brutality

the good, retired priest who teaches Tom how to read and write and also teaches him a bit of Latin, a talent which he later uses at court

half-sisters to Edward, Prince of Wales. At various times, they are kind or sarcastic to Tom Canty, who they believe to be the real prince

the two lords of the realm in charge of overseeing the welfare of the Prince of Wales

"diamond in the rough," so to speak; he is a good friend of young Edward Tudor, and he represents the best of Englishmen; he thinks that the young prince is ill, and because he feels sorry for him, he becomes his protector as they wander throughout the English countryside

ruffian vagabond member of the troop which holds the prince captive; later, he is beaten by the prince in a contest of skill

Miles's brother who usurps Miles's rightful place in the family and also marries the woman Miles loves. He pretends not to recognize Miles, and he is responsible for Miles' and the young prince's being imprisoned

old retainer of Miles Hendon's father; he comes to jail and explains the various events that have transpired since Miles Hendon has been away

old friend of Miles's father, Miles hopes that the old fellow will help him regain his rightful position as a recognized member of the Hendon family

whipping boy: gets whipped when "Edward" does poorly in his studies; helps young Tom Canty adapt to his role as prince

mad old man who takes young Edward in and pretends to be kind to him; however, when he hears that Edward is the son of Henry VIII, the hermit is almost successful in killing him