The Prince and the Pauper Character Analysis

Edward Tudor, Prince of Wales / King Edward VI

One of the protagonists of The Prince and the Pauper and King Henry VIII’s only son. Edward is adored by his father, his sisters Lady Elizabeth and Lady Mary, and his cousin Lady… read analysis of Edward Tudor, Prince of Wales / King Edward VI

Tom Canty

One of the protagonists. Tom was born the same day as Edward Tudor but to a very different lot in life—Tom is a beggar and he is abused by his father, John Canty, and… read analysis of Tom Canty

Miles Hendon

Edward Tudor’s friend and protector. Miles is Sir Richard Hendon’s middle son. Seven years before the events of the story, Richard sent Miles into the army after his vindictive younger brother, Hugh… read analysis of Miles Hendon

John Canty / John Hobbs

Tom Canty’s father. John is abusive toward everyone in his family and he forces Tom to go out and beg for money every day. John’s mother, Grammer Canty, is also a beggar and… read analysis of John Canty / John Hobbs

Earl of Hertford / Duke of Somerset

Edward Tudor’s uncle. When Edward trades clothes with a young beggar named Tom Canty, Edward is mistaken for a beggar and the guards refuse to let him back into the palace after he… read analysis of Earl of Hertford / Duke of Somerset

Tom’s Mother

John Canty’s wife. Tom’s mother is one of the only truly kind and gentle people in his life aside from his sisters, Bet and Nan. Tom’s mother hides her own food away… read analysis of Tom’s Mother

King Henry VIII

Edward Tudor’s father and ruler of England. King Henry VIII is one of the most notorious rulers England has ever had, and many common English men and women see him as an unjust tyrant… read analysis of King Henry VIII

Hugo

A member of the Ruffler’s band of thieves and friend of John Canty. Like John, Hugo hates Edward Tudor (who everyone thinks is John’s son Tom Canty because they look identical and because… read analysis of Hugo

Humphrey Marlow

Edward Tudor’s whipping boy. Humphrey Marlow was hired to be whipped in place of Edward for any mistakes Edward makes during his Greek or Latin lessons because it would be wrong to whip the… read analysis of Humphrey Marlow

Hugh Hendon

Miles Hendon’s younger brother. Hugh was always selfish and greedy and he wanted to get his hands on Lady Edith’s fortune. However, Edith is supposed to marry Hugh’s oldest brother, Arthur, and… read analysis of Hugh Hendon

Lord St. John

One of Edward Tudor’s protectors. When Tom Canty is mistaken for Edward, King Henry VIII and the rest of the palace are convinced that the Prince of Wales has gone mad. St. John and… read analysis of Lord St. John

The Ruffler

The leader of the gang to whom John Canty brings Edward (who he thinks is his son Tom) when the Canty family flees their home. The Ruffler is somewhat flamboyant and likes to have… read analysis of The Ruffler

Lady Edith

Hugh Hendon’s wife. Lady Edith is the sole heiress of a large fortune. Sir Richard Hendon becomes her protector when her parents die. Edith falls in love with Miles Hendon but she is supposed… read analysis of Lady Edith

Father Andrew

The priest who teaches Tom Canty to read and write. Father Andrew is a kind man and he takes pity on Tom, an impoverished beggar. He teaches Tom how to read and write, which was… read analysis of Father Andrew

Yokel

A former farmer and part of the Ruffler’s gang. During Edward Tudor’s first night with the gang, he hears Yokel share the story of how his mother was burned as a witch for… read analysis of Yokel

The Hermit

A crazed former Catholic priest who tries to kill Edward Tudor. The hermit lives alone in the forest and claims that he is an archangel but that he should have been Pope. His livelihood… read analysis of The Hermit

Arthur Hendon

Miles Hendon’s older brother. Arthur Hendon was betrothed to Lady Edith but he was in love with someone else. Arthur knew Miles and Edith were in love and he hoped that he could delay… read analysis of Arthur Hendon

Sir Richard Hendon

Miles, Hugh, and Arthur Hendon’s father and a baronet. Richard always loved his youngest son, Hugh, the most—even though everyone else recognized Hugh as greedy, selfish, and cruel. Richard forced Miles to… read analysis of Sir Richard Hendon

Duke of Norfolk

An unfortunate man whom King Henry VIII has imprisoned in the palace tower. Henry believed that the Duke of Norfolk wanted to take the crown and so was going to have Henry executed. Tom Canty… read analysis of Duke of Norfolk

Minor Characters

Grammer Canty

Tom Canty’s grandmother and John Canty’s mother. Like her son, Grammer Canty is cruel and abusive towards Tom, his sisters (Nan and Bet), and his mother. The family is forced to flee their home after John accidentally kills Father Andrew and Grammer Canty is never seen again.

Lady Elizabeth

Edward Tudor’s sister. Lady Elizabeth tries to help Tom Canty (who she also thinks is Edward) navigate life in the palace

Lady Jane Grey

Edward Tudor’s cousin. Like Lady Elizabeth, Lady Jane tries to help Tom Canty (who they all think is Edward) navigate life in the palace.

Lady Mary

Edward Tudor’s sister. Unlike Lady Elizabeth and Lady Jane Grey, Lady Mary is very solemn. Tom Canty, whom everyone has mistaken for Edward because they look identical, doesn’t like Lady Mary.

Bet Canty

One of Tom Canty’s sisters and Nan Canty’s twin. Bet loves Tom and tries to take care of him whenever their father, John Canty, beats him.

Nan Canty

One of Tom Canty’s sisters and Bet Canty’s twin. Nan loves Tom and tries to take care of him whenever their father, John Canty, beats him.