Esther Summerson

Esther Summerson: I am a young woman who is brought up by my godmother, Miss Barbary. When Miss Barbary dies, I am taken in by the philanthropist, John Jarndyce. I become a governess to Ada Clare and Richard Carstone, two wards in Chancery. Miss Barbary: I am Esther Summerson's godmother. I bring her up after her parents die. When I die, Esther is taken in by John Jarndyce. John Jarndyce: I am a philanthropist who takes Esther Summerson in after her godmother dies. I am also the guardian of Ada Clare and Richard Carstone. Ada Clare: I am a ward in Chancery and the cousin of Richard Carstone. I am engaged to Richard, but he dies before we can marry. Richard Carstone: I am a ward in Chancery and the cousin of Ada Clare. I am engaged to Ada, but I die before we can marry. Allan Woodcourt: I am a doctor who falls in love with Esther Summerson over the course of the novel. I eventually marry her.