retain the bank's status and stability. The name Hester is a Persian name. It means "Star". Characters Catherine Vernon: The matriarch of Redborough and the Vernon family. Catherine saved the Vernon family bank many years before with her fortune and willpower. Edward Vernon: A cousin of Catherine Vernon's and one of the partners in the bank. Catherine's favorite. Harry Vernon: Another cousin of Catherine's and the other partner in the bank. Viewed as dull by other characters, he is practical and business-minded. Ellen Vernon: Harry's sister. She lives in the White House with her brother and marries Algernon Merridew. Hester Vernon: The titular character of the novel and a cousin of Catherine. The daughter of the man who ruined the bank, she is one of Catherine's poorer relatives. Mrs. John Vernon: Hester's mother and the widow of John Vernon. She arrives at the Henronry impoverished. John Vernon: Catherine Vernon's cousin. He caused the run on the bank that led to Catherine Vernon's intervention. Mildmay Vernon: A gossipy, spiteful cousin of Catherine. He spends his days belittling Catherine and the Vernon-Ridgeway sisters. Miss Vernon-Ridgeways: Two spiteful cousins of Catherine's. They have a less negative view of Catherine than Mr. Mildmay, but they criticize her every move regardless. Typical Victorian-era spinsters. Mrs. Reginald Vernon: A widowed cousin of Catherine. She lives on the opposite side of Hester, who spends her days educating Mrs. Reginald's three children. Captain Morgan: Catherine's uncle, a retired and venerable sea captain. Grandfather to Roland and Emma Ashton. Mrs. Morgan: Aunt of Catherine, wife to Captain Morgan, and grandmother to Roland and Emma Ashton. Mr. Rule: Semi-retired clerk of the Vernon bank. One of the few characters not related to Catherine Vernon, he helps the Vernon cousins oversee the day-to-day operations of the bank. Roland Ashton: Grandson of the Morgans and a stockbroker. Love interest of Hester's. Emma Ashton: Granddaughter of the Morgans, with no occupation. She spends her time at the Henronry looking for an eligible bachelor and sets her eyes on Reginald Merridew. Algernon Merridew: A clerk at the Vernon bank. He eventually marries Ellen Vernon. Brother of Reginald Merridew. Reginald Merridew The younger brother of Algernon Merridew who works in his father's office. He hopes to marry Emma Ashton. Further reading References External links Victorian novels 1883 British novels