The Rainbow

The eldest Brangwen daughter, a bright and curious girl who grows from a farm-adjacent dreamer into a confident young woman. Her fascination with rainbows frames a lifelong quest for meaning, while her romantic awakenings challenge conventional norms. She becomes a schoolteacher, wrestles with violent impulses she later regrets, and ultimately pursues her own path beyond traditional expectations.

Ursula's older mentor-figure and romantic connection, a swimming and gym teacher who later marries Ursula's Uncle Henry. She embodies female agency within a constrained society, balancing affection with social obligations. Her relationship with Ursula exposes the tensions between desire, loyalty, and societal expectations.

A student who becomes Ursula's lover and later plans to enlist in the Army. His presence represents youthful ambition and idealism tempered by the realities of duty and distance. He goes off to fight in the Boer War and ultimately ends their romance, pursuing his own path abroad.

The wealthy Derbyshire farmer and Ursula's father, a practical, thoughtful presence who counsels his daughter on life’s choices. He embodies maternal-feminine resilience in the family and provides a grounding counterpoint to the changing social landscape. His conversations with Ursula frame themes of purpose and responsibility.

Ursula's mother, a stabilizing force within the family who upholds tradition while supporting her daughter's growth. She represents the domestic sphere yet recognizes the need for evolution in a changing world. Her perspective anchors the family’s emotional center.

A wealthy, socially ambitious figure who becomes Winifred's husband after a brief courtship. His marriage to Winifred stirs jealousy in Ursula and underscores tensions between money, status, and genuine affection. He epitomizes the upper-class pressures that frame romantic choices.

Ursula's younger sister, part of the extended Brangwen clan whose presence highlights family dynamics and the seeds of future generations. She represents the continuing thread of the Brangwen lineage in a rapidly changing era. Her role underscores sibling relationships and shared family ties.

Another Brangwen sister who expands the family circle and contributes to the domestic tapestry of life on the farm. She embodies the everyday experiences and close-knit kinship of a large rural family. Her presence reinforces the importance of family support throughout Ursula's journey.