roles

Cilla is the pretty, intelligent daughter of Mrs. Lapham. As part of Johnny's apprenticeship, it is agreed that he will marry her when she comes of age. She plays the role of Johnny's first love interest. Johnny learned to respect women as more than simply objects of desire. 

Lavinia is Johnny’s mother. She died of illness when he was fourteen, but she did her best to ensure a bright future for him. She taught him to read and write and moved from Maine to Boston so that he could be an apprentice to Mr. Lapham after her passing. Johnny eventually learns more about her early life as a Boston socialite, which she gave up to marry a French prisoner of war.

miss lavinia not his mother

Lavinia is Johnny's mother.  She defied her family and married someone they disapproved of; Johnny was the result of their marriage.  When her husband died, she raised Johnny on his own; she only told Johnnhy about his "rich" family when she was dying.  However, another character named Lavinia is the daughter of the rich, somewhat arrogant Johnathan Lyte.  She is conceited, and very haughty.  Her obsession with Isannah causes great trouble for the Lapham family.

Cilla is the nickname for Priscilla Lapham.  She is devoted to Isannah and is very kind of Johnny.  She helps him grow into a very kind and responsible young man.

Lavinia is Johnny's mother.  She defied her family and married someone they disapproved of; Johnny was the result of their marriage.  When her husband died, she raised Johnny on his own; she only told Johnnhy about his "rich" family when she was dying.  However, another character named Lavinia is the daughter of the rich, somewhat arrogant Johnathan Lyte.  She is conceited, and very haughty.  Her obsession with Isannah causes great trouble for the Lapham family.

Cilla is the nickname for Priscilla Lapham.  She is devoted to Isannah and is very kind of Johnny.  She helps him grow into a very kind and responsible young man.