Henry (Henry David Thoreau)
Henry is, of course, the legendary writer Henry David Thoreau. Here, Henry is presented as an outcast and even something of a weirdo. He transgresses the law according to conscience and it is Henry’s conscience and his unrestrictive adherence to following the tenets of that conscience which make him both endearing and difficult to endure; sometimes simultaneously.
Waldo (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Waldo is the equally legendary Transcendentalist writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson. Waldo was Henry’s mentor and when asked what he wants to be, Henry responds, “as much as possible like Ralph Waldo Emerson.” Waldo asks the question to which Thoreau responds with the play’s most famous line: “What are you doing out of jail?”
John Thoreau
Henry’s brother, John, is a big believer in much of the ideas and concepts which have earned his brother the reputation of being something of a kook. What separates John from being identified likewise is his reserve in acting upon the pangs of conscience. This should not be taken as a criticism that John is not as committed to his conscience, but rather that John is equipped with something his brother lacks: pragmatism in the face of unrestricted idealism. Both men pursue—are pursued by—Ellen Sewell.
Ellen Sewell
Beautiful and intelligent, Ellen rejects Henry and John and later both men agree that what she really desires is both brothers. This is not to be, however, as she and—to a greater degree—her father’s beliefs come into conflict with Transcendentalism.
Lydian Emerson
Ralph Waldo’s wife. Her main purpose in life at this point seems to be to constantly match-make and convince Henry that all those things which conspire to make people think he’s something of a kook could be instantly solved by settling down with a good woman.
Edward Emerson
Waldo and Lydian’s son idolizes Henry. In fact, Edward often entertains wishes and fantasies that Henry is father instead of Waldo. This state of mind is due not just to Henry being a fantastical figure, but to the prolonged periods of absence from the home by Waldo due to the pressures of being one of America’s first celebrity authors.
Deacon Nehemiah Ball
Local religious zealot and head of the school board. He doesn’t think Henry is a kook; he thinks he is a blasphemous blight and it is who starts the…ball…rolling to imprison Henry for failing to pay taxes.
Bailey
Henry’s cellmate, who has lingered in prison for months awaiting trial for burning down a barn. While in jail together, Henry teaches the illiterate Bailey to write his own name. Henry ultimately is able to convince the essentially kind-hearted Constable Staples to arrange for Bailey to finally receive a speedy trial.
