Princess Caraboo

A mysterious, multilingual visitor found in the fields who captivates high society with regal bearing. Her claims to Princess Caraboo prompt fascination, skepticism, and moral scrutiny from the Worralls and their circle. As the truth about her past emerges, she embodies the tension between identity, performance, and survival.

A shrewd member of the gentry who uses Caraboo’s arrival to bolster his social standing and to attract investors for the spice trade. He treats the visitor as a means to an end, balancing charm with calculation. His ambitions reveal how wealth and reputation influence decisions in Regency society.

A protective and compassionate presence who supports Caraboo and navigates the social whirl with a steadier moral compass. She offers warmth to Mary while recognizing the precariousness of their position. Her loyalty against the pressures of society anchors the household’s choices.

Local printer and curious reporter who becomes entangled in Caraboo’s story. He shifts from skeptic to sympathetic investigator, probing Magdalene Hospital and bank fraud connections. His pursuit of truth intertwines personal affection with professional duty.

A Greek butler whose linguistic skills and initial skepticism anchor the interrogation of Caraboo’s identity. He evolves from doubter to defender, using his understanding of language and culture to gauge authenticity. His stance highlights the clash between tradition and new ideas.

A society matron who escorts Caraboo to elite events, using her presence to maneuver through fashionable circles. She embodies the appetite for novelty in high society and the ease with which status seekers exploit new curiosities. Her actions reveal the social mechanics of admiration and interference.

Mary Baker’s former employer who indirectly identifies Caraboo during the confrontation scene. She represents the weight of service class loyalties and the sudden exposure of past secrets. Her presence complicates the pursuit of Mary’s true identity.

The imperial curiosity of the ball era; the Prince Regent is captivated by Caraboo, highlighting the era’s appetite for spectacle. His interest underscores how novelty can command power and influence public opinion. He represents the social apex that the characters navigate around.

The local magistrate who leans toward punishment and social order. He embodies the pressure of law, reputation, and the demand for swift judgment. His stance creates a moral conflict that tests the boundaries between justice and manipulation.

A figure tied to the Mary Baker backstory, implicated in social and financial networks. He personifies the interconnectedness of household staff, merchant networks, and the broader social web. His involvement adds depth to the plot’s circles of influence.