My Dear Hamilton

Stephanie Dray

47 pages 1-hour read

Stephanie Dray

My Dear Hamilton

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

Elizabeth is the daughter of a prominent New York general, growing up with relative privilege in Albany. She possesses a strong sense of justice and empathy, directing her attention toward the suffering soldiers of the revolution. Often feeling plain compared to her sisters, she values practical contribution over societal frivolousness. Her patriotism draws her to the war effort and ultimately to the ambitious Colonel Alexander Hamilton.

Key Relationships

Romantic Interest of Alexander Hamilton

Daughter of Phillip Schuyler

Daughter of Catherine Van Rensselaer

Sister of Peggy Schuyler

Friend of James Monroe

Ally of Marquis de Lafayette

Mentee of Martha Washington

Hamilton is a brilliant, highly ambitious soldier serving as General George Washington’s aide-de-camp. Born into poverty in the Caribbean, he relies on his formidable intellect and writing skills to elevate his station in America. He seeks military glory and fears his lack of wealth makes him an unsuitable match for Elizabeth.

Key Relationships

Romantic Interest of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton

Subordinate to George Washington

Close Friend of John Laurens

Fellow Officer of Marquis de Lafayette

Monroe is a young Virginia soldier and patriot who serves as a major in Lafayette’s forces. He shares a pleasant early conversation with Elizabeth about the cause of independence. His mild-mannered Southern upbringing contrasts heavily with Elizabeth's blunt, headstrong declarations.

Key Relationships

Subordinate to Marquis de Lafayette

Angelica is Elizabeth’s older sister, known for her striking beauty, charm, and sharp intellect. She lives near the military camps following her elopement with an Englishman. She projects intense confidence and freely offers her younger sister advice about courtship and high society.

Key Relationships

Sister of Peggy Schuyler

Daughter of Phillip Schuyler

Daughter of Catherine Van Rensselaer

Supporting Characters

Phillip is a wealthy general in the Continental Army and the patriarch of the Schuyler family. He faces early accusations of treason following his daughter's elopement but remains deeply committed to the American cause. He commands respect from both his family and major military figures like Washington.

Key Relationships

Father of Peggy Schuyler

Husband of Catherine Van Rensselaer

Ally of George Washington

Colleague of Marquis de Lafayette

Peggy is Elizabeth's spirited younger sister. She enjoys the attention of soldiers and possesses a lighthearted, traditionally feminine charm. She frequently clashes with Elizabeth over her flirtatious behavior with prisoners of war.

Key Relationships

Daughter of Phillip Schuyler

Daughter of Catherine Van Rensselaer

Catherine is the matriarch of the Schuyler family, hailing from a prominent Dutch family. Despite her physical frailty during wartime pregnancies, she provides crucial emotional support. She readily offers forgiveness to her daughters when they make controversial choices.

Key Relationships

Mother of Peggy Schuyler

Wife of Phillip Schuyler

Lafayette is a young, passionate French soldier who volunteers for the American cause. He is intensely loyal to George Washington and suspicious of plots against the commander-in-chief. He brings the Schuyler family into his confidence during a dinner in Albany.

Key Relationships

Subordinate to George Washington

Ally of Phillip Schuyler

Commander of James Monroe

Washington is the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. He carries the heavy burden of the war effort and relies on his aides, particularly Hamilton, to manage complex correspondence. He holds the Schuyler family in high regard and welcomes them to his camp.

Key Relationships

Husband of Martha Washington

Commander of Alexander Hamilton

Commander of Marquis de Lafayette

Ally of Phillip Schuyler

Martha is the wife of General Washington and an active participant in camp life. She acts as a mentor to younger women at the Morristown camp. She advises them on how wives can support the revolution by encouraging and managing their husbands.

Key Relationships

Wife of George Washington

Arnold is initially presented as the hero of the Battle of Saratoga and a trusted friend of the Schuyler family. He actively facilitates connections between military leaders and the Schuylers in Albany. His actions later bring political complications to the family.

Key Relationships

Friend of Phillip Schuyler

Kitty is a young woman who accompanies Elizabeth to visit the military encampment. She actively participates in the gossip surrounding the officers. She specifically warns Elizabeth about Hamilton's reputation as a rake.

Key Relationships

Traveling Companion of Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton

Laurens is a soldier in the Continental Army and an intimate confidant of Hamilton. The two men share a profound bond forged in the fires of the revolution. Hamilton speaks of him frequently and with great reverence.

Key Relationships

Close Friend of Alexander Hamilton

Burr is a colonel who fought alongside Hamilton during the war. He is charming and quickly strikes up an acquaintance with the Schuyler family. He presents himself as a polite and politically engaged military man.

Key Relationships

Husband of Theodosia Burr

Theodosia is the wife of Aaron Burr. She is a source of camp gossip and faces scrutiny due to her previous marriage to a British officer. She finds camaraderie with Elizabeth as they navigate the social pressures of the military encampments.

Key Relationships

Wife of Aaron Burr