Pamela: Or, Virtue Rewarded: Analysis of Major Characters

Author: Samuel Richardson

First published: 1740–1741

Genre: Novel

Locale: England

Plot: Epistolary

Time: Early eighteenth century

Pamela Andrews, a virtuous servant girl of Lady B———, mistress of an estate in Bedfordshire. After the death of her mistress, she intends to return home but is persuaded to stay by the son, Mr. B———, who promises to be a good master to her. Later, she has cause to suspect his intentions; after he makes a series of attempts on her virtue, she determines to leave. The coach, however, deposits her at Mr. B———'s country estate, where she is held prisoner. She meets the local minister, Mr. Williams. She tries several times to escape. Finally Mr. B———, moved by her virtue, offers her an honorable marriage, and she accepts his proposal. Despite anonymous letters and suspicions of other love affairs, she remains faithful and eventually turns Mr. B——— into an honorable husband.

John Andrews and Elizabeth Andrews, the parents of Pamela.

Mr. B———, the young squire who plots against Pamela's virtue, tries to seduce her, proposes to make her his mistress on carefully outlined terms, and then finally marries her.

Lady Davers, the daughter of Lady B———, who at first opposes her brother's marriage to a servant. She begins to sympathize with Pamela after reading the many letters the girl had written her parents, and she is finally won over completely by Pamela's beauty and virtue.

Mrs. Jervis, Mr. B———'s kindhearted housekeeper. For a time, she protects Pamela's honor. When Mr. B——— tries to intimidate her, she and Pamela determine to leave together.

Mrs. Jewkes, the villainous ex-prostitute caretaker of Mr. B———'s country estate. She tries to further her employer's plots against Pamela's virtue and keeps the girl a prisoner.

Mr. Williams, the country clergyman of Lincolnshire who loves Pamela. Though the first proposal of marriage from him is part of Mr. B———'s scheme, he does seek to marry her. Discovered smuggling her letters out of the house, he is thrown into jail on a trumped-up charge. Eventually, when Mr. B——— repents, Mr. Williams performs the marriage ceremony and receives a permanent vicarage.

Sally Godfrey, a former sweetheart of Mr. B———, by whom he has a daughter. After her marriage, Pamela offers to take the child under her own care.

The Daughter of Sally and Mr. B———.

Billy, the son of Pamela and Mr. B———.

A Countess, with whom Mr. B——— is philandering while Pamela is bearing his child. By reading some of Pamela's letters, she learns the punishment for those who depart from the path of virtue.

Mr. Longman, the steward of Mr. B———.

John, Mr. B———'s groom, who carries most of Pamela's letters to her parents but keeps some for his master.

Robin, the coachman forced to take Pamela to Mr. B———'s country estate.

Nan, the rude servant who guards Pamela at Mr. B———'s estate.

Lady Jones, a neighbor who will give Pamela refuge if she succeeds in escaping from Mr. B———'s country estate.

Sir Simon Darnford and Lady Darnford, friends of Mr. B——— who want to help free Pamela.

Mrs. Towers, a neighbor who criticizes Pamela.

Mr. Brooks and Mrs. Brooks, neighbors.

Mrs. Arthur, another critical neighbor, who visits the new bride.

Sir Jacob Swynford, Mr. B———'s uncle. Prepared to dislike his nephew's humble bride, he is won over by Pamela's charm and virtue.