The Dictionary of Lost Words

Megan Brooks is the illegitimate daughter of Esme Nicoll and Bill Taylor. After her birth, Sarah and Philip Brooks adopt her and move their family to Australia. After inheriting her birth mother’s trunk of ephemera and Esme’s dictionary of lost words, Megan decides to become a lexicographer.

Mrs. Ada Murray is the wife of Dr. James Murray. Mrs. Murray has 11 children, including Elsie and Rosfrith, with whom she sometimes attends suffragist meetings in Oxford.

Lily Nicoll is Esme’s mother, who dies when Esme is very young. While alive, she was Harry Nicoll’s wife and Edith Thompson’s best friend. Lily leaves a profound absence in Esme’s life, who must investigate what it means to be a woman without a mother.

Mr. Dankworth is a lexicographical assistant who works in Dr. Murray’s Scriptorium. A fastidious man, Mr. Dankworth’s ruthless criticism makes Esme second-guess her work. He declares her interest in women’s words unimportant.

Mrs. Ballard is a cook who works for Dr. Murray’s family. She trains Lizzie in household operations and treats Esme like family.

Beth Thompson is the sister of Edith Thompson. Like her sister, she is unmarried and voluntarily sends definitions and quotations to Dr. Murray for the Dictionary. Beth writes and publishes a romance novel titled A Dragoon’s Wife.

Mr. Sweatman is a lexicographical assistant who works in Dr. Murray’s Scriptorium with Da. He treats Esme with respect and kindness.

Mr. Bradley is another editor working on the Dictionary project in tandem with Dr. Murray. He works in the Old Ashmolean offices with his daughter, Eleanor.

Eleanor Bradley is a lexicographical assistant working on the Dictionary alongside her father, Mr. Bradley. Eleanor bonds with Esme over their shared work and interest in fighting for women’s suffrage.

Bill Taylor is Tilda Taylor’s younger brother who accompanies her across England during her acting career. Bill Taylor is the father of Esme’s illegitimate daughter, Megan, although he is unaware of this fact.

Sarah Brooks is a friend of Edith and Beth Thompson who lives in Bath, England. She is married to Philip Brooks. Sarah supports Esme while she gives birth and adopts her daughter, who she names Megan.

Philip Brooks is a friend of Edith and Beth Thompson. He is married to Sarah Brooks. A professor at University College, Philip adopts Esme’s illegitimate daughter, who he names Megan.

Elsie Murray is one of Dr. Murray and Ada Murray’s daughters. She and her sister Rosfrith work in the Scriptorium alongside Esme and occasionally attend suffragist meetings.

Rosfrith Murray is one of Dr. Murray and Ada Murray’s daughters. She works in the Scriptorium and attends suffragist meetings with her mother, sister Elsie, and Esme.

Emmeline Pankhurst is the founder of the Women’s Social and Political Union, which uses militant and disruptive tactics in the fight for women’s suffrage in England. Tilda Taylor joins her movement.

Mrs. Smyth is a woman who discreetly performs abortions. Mabel recommends her to Esme when Esme falls pregnant.

Angus is an injured soldier staying in the infirmary and Oxford. His bed is situated next to Bertie’s, and he enjoys Esme’s frequent visits.

Mrs. Lloyd lives near the Shropshire cottage where Esme stays after giving birth. She becomes close friends with Lizzie, and the two keep in touch after they are separated.

Mr. Nicholson is a librarian at the Bodleian Library in Oxford. He tries to bar Esme from accessing the library on the basis that she is a woman.