Ch 1
The narrator and protagonist, , an orphan
Esther
master of Bleak House
Mr. John Jarndyce
A ward of Jarndyce. Kind, sweet, and naive
Ada Clare
A ward of Jarndyce. Affable but lazy, who can’t decide on a career and seems to have no passion for a particular field.
Richard Carstone
Mistress of Chesney Wold, married to Sir Leicester
Lady Dedlock
An insane elderly woman who lives above Krook’s shop.
Miss Flite
Lady Dedlock’s French maid
Mademoiselle Hortense
A blustery woman who is obsessed with her “mission,” Borrioboola-Gha in Africa. She neglects her family entirely.
Mrs. Jellyby
The wife of an abusive brickmaker.
Jenny
A street urchin who helps Lady Dedlock find Captain Hawdon’s grave.
Jo
A doctor and friend of Mr. Jarndyce.
Allan Woodcourt
Owner of the rag-and-bottle shop, Who collects documents even though he can’t read. He dies by spontaneous combustion.
Mr. Krook
A friend of Mr. Guppy’s, who takes Captain Hawdon’s old room.
Mr. Tony Jobling
Mrs. Rouncewell’s grandson, who wants to marry Rosa.
Mr. Watt Rouncewell
The loyal housekeeper at Chesney Wold.
Mrs. Rouncewell
A doctor who agrees to take Richard on as an apprentice.
Mr. Badger
A soldier who owns a musical instrument shop. who incurred debts to help George Rouncewell.
Mr. Matthew Bagnet
A detective hired by Tulkinghorn to investigate Lady Dedlock’s past.
Inspector Bucket
A clerk at Kenge and Carboy, who Mr. Guppy proposes to Esther, but she refuses him.
Mr. William Guppy
Lady Dedlock’s protégée, who is in love with Watt Rouncewell.
Rosa