Minor Characters
John Eliot
John Eliot, a historical figure, was a Puritan missionary renowned as the so-called “apostle to the Indians.” In the novel, he appears at Magawisca’s trial and prays before the proceedings begin, narrating the many kindnesses that American Indians have done for white people.
John Digby
Digby is the Fletcher family’s faithful, good-natured household servant. He is a veteran of the Pequot War and doesn’t trust American Indians, though he eventually comes around to respecting Magawisca. Digby is especially devoted to Hope and Everell, will do anything to help them, and predicts their eventual marriage.
Sassacus
Sassacus is a Pequot chief who is scalped by his enemies at the beginning of the novel.
Charles Leslie
Charles Leslie is Alice Fletcher’s husband and Hope and Faith’s father. Sir William forces Alice to marry Leslie after she attempts to elope with William Fletcher. Leslie dies while his daughters are still young.
Samoset
Samoset is one of Mononotto’s and Monoca’s children, an older brother of Magawisca and Oneco. He is killed by the English for refusing to betray his people.
Stretton
Stretton is Martha Fletcher’s brother, a moderate Anglican. It’s Mrs. Fletcher’s last wish that Everell be sent to live with Stretton in England so that he can be better educated.
Miantunnomoh
Miantunnomoh is a Narragansett chief, friendly to the English, who comes to Governor Winthrop’s house for dinner and is offended when he is seated at a separate table.
William Hubbard
William Hubbard was a celebrated historian of early New England. He doesn’t appear in the story, but Governor Winthrop names him as a suitably devout potential husband for Hope Leslie.
Samuel Gorton
Gorton led a heterodox sect and was put on trial for blasphemy in Boston in 1643.
Thomas Morton
Thomas Morton was infamous for founding a short-lived colony outside Boston, known for its so-called pagan revelries. Morton was accordingly exiled from the town and, when allowed back in, soon jailed for insanity. He attacks Sir Philip when the latter comes to visit Magawisca in jail.
Chaddock
Chaddock is an unscrupulous pirate and friend of Sir Philip Gardiner’s whom Sir Philip enlists to kidnap Hope Leslie. He and his crew are killed when Rosa blows up his ship.