The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

Rex is Harold and Maureen’s neighbor. Since losing his wife, Elizabeth, Rex is sometimes melancholy. He acts as a thoughtful companion to Maureen during Harold’s pilgrimage and urges her to have faith he will return.

Joan is Harold Fry’s mother. She was married to Harold’s father before abandoning her family when Harold was 12 years old, claiming she was not suited for motherhood. Despite her abandonment, Harold misses his mother and fondly remembers how she laughed at his jokes.

Martina is a young Slovakian doctor who nurses Harold back to health after he collapses outside her house. Abandoned by her partner, Martina is very blunt but kind and generous. She wishes she had Harold’s faith.

Kate is a middle-aged woman who joins Harold’s pilgrimage out of a desire to leave her past behind. She dislikes Rich but is deeply devoted to Harold.

The American oncologist is a doctor that Harold meets in Bath. After reading Queenie’s letter, the oncologist points out that she must be very unwell to be placed on hospice. His well-intentioned remarks throw Harold into a panic that his pilgrimage is foolish and doomed to fail.

Sister Philomena is one of Queenie’s caregivers at St. Bernadine’s Hospice in Berwick-upon-Tweed. She delivers the news of Queenie’s death to Maureen and Harold.

The very famous actor is a man Harold encounters in a public restroom in Bath. Though the actor is pompous and self-absorbed, he generously offers Harold the use of his private car on his pilgrimage. His remarks make Harold anxious he won’t reach Queenie before she dies.

Mick is a journalist Harold meets near Coventry. He publishes a story about Harold’s pilgrimage to Queenie that garners national attention.