Mary Todd
Mary Todd is the woman who marries Abraham Lincoln. She is described as lively, charming, and pretty, with a political bent. She has traveled from Kentucky to Springfield in search of a suitable husband, but her true goal is to advance in society and make a name for herself. She meets Joshua, then Lincoln, and is drawn to his intelligence and thoughtfulness. Mary is initially turned off by Lincoln's lack of charm and refinement, but she eventually comes to admire him for his wit and sincerity. She is Lincoln's supportive partner as he rises in politics, and she is the one who encourages him to run for President. Mary is a strong and independent woman who is determined to make a name for herself in an era when opportunities for women were limited. Despite her ambition, she is also extremely loyal and caring, and she is willing to make the necessary sacrifices to support Lincoln's career.
Joshua Speed
Joshua Speed is Abraham Lincoln's best friend and partner in the early days of his life in Springfield, Illinois. Joshua is the son of a wealthy plantation-owning, slave-holding family who has buried himself in Springfield to manage his cousin's store. He is described as chatty and charming, the polar opposite of Lincoln, who is terse and awkward in social situations. Joshua acts as Lincoln's mentor, teaching him the social skills he requires to navigate society and the political climate of the time. He also offers Lincoln a place to stay, even though Lincoln is constantly in debt and unable to afford his lodging.
Furthermore, Bayard strongly implies that Lincoln and Joshua were intimate, describing how the two men slept on their sides, together, because Lincoln was too tall to lie flat in the bed and the bed was too narrow for only one of them to sleep with his knees pulled up. As Lincoln's political fortunes improved and he realized he needed to do what "other men" do—take a wife and start a family—Joshua realized he had to leave Lincoln for him to fulfill his political destiny. Despite his heartbreak, Joshua eventually gave in and left Springfield, while Lincoln and Mary Todd married.
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln is portrayed as a flawed, complex human being. He has great potential, but he is burdened by debt and struggles with social graces. He is awkward and reclusive, but he is also intelligent and witty. Lincoln is an excellent orator and debater. He is a man of great ambition, but he is also a man of deep loyalty and concern for those around him, especially his best friend Joshua Speed. He is a man of great integrity who resists courting Mary Todd because of her wealth and social standing but eventually realizes that he must make a sacrifice to fulfill his political destiny. Lincoln's personality is revealed to be full of contradictions and nuance, but, ultimately, he is a man of sincerity and integrity, who is willing to make great personal sacrifices to achieve greatness.
Mary's would-be suitors
Mary's potential suitors are described as ambitious and driven individuals looking for a wife who is as politically astute and as intelligent as they are. Mary is a strong-willed woman with a passion for politics, which appeals to men looking for a partner with whom they can have deep and intellectual conversations. Her suitors are drawn to her intelligence and wit, but they are also taken aback by her candor and resolve. Mary is not just a pretty face in their lives; she wants to be an equal partner in their relationship and is willing to challenge them if she disagrees with them. Mary’s suitors are ultimately attracted to her strength and her ambition, but they are also intimidated by her determination and her sharp intellect.
Washington officials
The Officials in Washington are portrayed as cunning, calculated, and ambitious. They see politics as a game that they must win at any cost. They are willing to go to any length to achieve their objectives, including lying, manipulating, and even blackmail. They are fiercely competitive and will go to any length to advance their interests, even if it means sacrificing the interests of those they are sworn to serve. Washington officials are frequently portrayed as being more concerned with power and personal gain than with serving the public good.
Thomas Lincoln
Thomas Lincoln, Abraham's father, is portrayed as a hardworking, humble, and honest man. He was born in Virginia in 1778 and moved to Kentucky as a young man. He was a carpenter and farmer known for his hard work and devotion to his family. He was also known for his strict parenting and strong moral code. He was a religious man who wanted Abraham to follow in his footsteps. Thomas did not want Abraham to be a lawyer or pursue a political career, so he was initially opposed to Abraham's relationship with Mary Todd. However, Thomas eventually accepted Abraham's choice and gave his blessing to the marriage. He also gave Abraham a piece of advice that would stay with him for the rest of his life: "Be sure you are right, then go ahead." This quote is often attributed to Thomas, and it captures his wisdom, humility, and sense of justice.
Eliza Parker Todd
Mary's mother is Eliza Todd. She is a strong, independent woman who is acutely aware of the changing social landscape and women's restrictive roles in the nineteenth century. She is determined to provide her daughter with the best opportunities and freedom of choice possible, regardless of gender. She encourages her daughter to pursue her interests, including her political interest. Eliza is an astute character judge with a keen eye for potential in others. She recognizes Lincoln's intelligence and potential right away and encourages Mary to pursue him. Eliza is also a loving and supportive mother, providing Mary with a safe and secure home and assisting her in navigating the social world's complexities.
Lincoln's political adversaries
Lincoln's political opponents include both those who opposed him in politics and those who were envious of his success. These adversaries are frequently men in the novel, such as Joshua Speed's father, a wealthy slave-owning plantation owner who runs against Lincoln in the state legislature race. Lincoln's political opponents include Stephen Douglas, a popular senator from Illinois at the time and a powerful political figure. Some men were envious of Lincoln's success, such as the men who vied for Mary Todd's affection before Lincoln won her hand in marriage. These men saw Lincoln as an intruder and despised his success. Furthermore, some members of the Democratic Party opposed Lincoln's positions on major issues, such as his anti-slavery stance. They try to discredit him and stymie his political ambitions by leveraging their wealth and influence.
Robert Todd
The novel introduces Mary's father, Robert Todd, as a wealthy, well-educated, and rigidly religious Kentucky slave-holding gentleman with high expectations for his daughter. He is a product of his time and place, and he sees himself as the family patriarch who must be obeyed. Robert is a strict man who has little tolerance for his daughter's "modern" ideas and beliefs. He initially opposes her friendship with Joshua Speed and, later, her relationship with Abraham Lincoln, but eventually, albeit reluctantly, accepts them.
John Stuart
He's a rough, withdrawn, and seemingly mannerless country lawyer who lives in a small apartment above a dry goods store. Despite his tough exterior, he is a brilliant and witty man with a genuine interest in politics. He is also very kind and thoughtful, and he has a very close relationship with Mary Todd. He is eventually torn between his friendship with Joshua Speed and his relationship with Mary Todd and must choose between the two.
