curate of Hogglestock. He has been accused of stealing a cheque worth 20 pounds. His wife is Mary Crawley, and together they are the parents of another central character, Grace Crawley, as well as two other children named Bob and Jane. Bishop Proudie, also Doctor Proudie, acts as the bishop over the diocese of Barchester. His wife is Mrs. Proudie, and both characters were introduced in the preceding Barchester Towers novel. Archdeacon Theophilus Grantly, also Doctor Grantly, is archdeacon of Barchester and rector of Plumstead Episcopi. He is married to Mrs. Grantly, and their son Major Henry Grantly is a central character in the main plot. Doctor Grantly and his wife were introduced in the preceding novel The Warden. Dean Frank Arabin, also Doctor Arabin, serves as the dean of Barchester. He is husband to Eleanor Arabin, and they have a daughter named Susan "Posy" Arabin. Doctor Arabin is a close friend of Josiah Crawley, but is absent from his deanery for the majority of the story. Septimus Harding is a retired warden and precentor living at Barchester deanery. He is the father of Eleanor Arabin and Mrs. Grantly. While on his deathbed, Mr. Harding recommends Josiah Crawley for a new appointment in the church. Mr. Harding is the title character for the preceding novel The Warden. Reverend Mortimer Tempest, also Doctor Tempest, is rector of Silverbridge and is charged with the task of heading up an ecclesiastical commission to investigate the ramifications of Josiah Crawley's expected conviction under criminal law. Reverend Mark Robarts is the vicar of the parish of Framley and a friend of the Crawley family throughout the story. His wife is Mrs. Robarts and the Robarts family is central to the preceding novel Framley Parsonage. Non-clerical Male Characters Major Henry Grantly is a central character to the plot and is the love interest of Grace Crawley. He is the son of Archdeacon Theophilus Grantly and Mrs. Grantly. He is a widower with one child, Edith Grantly. He is retired from the military position of major, and resides at Crosby Lodge under the financial provisions of his father. Johnny Eames is the "private secretary to the Chief Commissioner of the Income-tax board". He is in love with Lily Dale but his proposals are rejected numerous times throughout the story. He is the nephew of Thomas Toogood and a distant cousin of Mary Crawley and Grace Crawley. Mr.