Key Characters in George Eliot's Silas Marner

Silas Marner

Silas Marner is an honest weaver who has lived in the countryside of Raveloe for fifteen years. Previously, he lived in Lantern Yard with his best friend, William, and his girlfriend, Sarah. In Lantern Yard, he was accused by everyone of murder and stealing money from the church. Consequently, he moved to Raveloe. He lives alone because his appearance is considered odd, and he spends all day at his loom. He was robbed by Dunstan, but he later receives his recompense and, later on, recovers his money. At the end of the book, Silas adopted a little girl that he calls Eppie and becomes an exemplary citizen.

Godfrey Cass

Godfrey Cass is the eldest son of Squire Cass. He is an attractive man who is quite selfish, yet he is also a good and graceful person. He is wealthy and lives in the Red House. He keeps his marriage to Molly a secret, with whom he has a daughter, while maintaining a relationship with Nancy. Eventually, he is freed from his brother Dunstan’s blackmail regarding this secret. His wife, Molly, dies too, when she goes to Raveloe to talk with the Squire about his secret for revenge. Now, he gives money to his daughter to live well and has a secure relationship with Nancy because she knows what happened after he tells her.

Dunstan Cass

Dunstan is the younger son of Squire Cass and also lives in the Red House. He is unattractive, cruel, and unscrupulous, and he loves drinking all day. Dunstan is always blackmailing his brother by threatening to tell his secret. One day, he borrows money from his brother, and Godfrey gives him his horse. Dunstan decides to sell the horse, but on the way, he has an accident and the horse dies. Dunstan goes to Silas’s home, finds no one there, and steals his money. Finally, Dunstan disappears and, days later, they find his dead body.

Molly Farren

Molly is the secret wife of Godfrey and the biological mother of Eppie. Molly was a beautiful girl but became addicted to opium and alcohol. When she had a quarrel with Godfrey, she decided to take revenge and go with her daughter, Eppie, to the party held at the Red House. However, it was snowing and got very cold; on the way, she died.

Nancy Lammeter

Nancy Lammeter is a pretty girl and, in contrast to Godfrey, she appreciates the hard work that her father showed her. Nancy is a nice and caring person, which is shown through her response to Godfrey’s apology regarding his infidelity with Molly. Finally, they have a secure relationship and Nancy wants Eppie as a daughter, but Eppie ultimately decides to stay with Silas.