The Pillars of the Earth | Teaching Key Figures

Character Descriptions

This section provides a short description of all the major characters in the book. This can be printed out as a study guide for students, used as a "key" for leading a class discussion, or you can jump to the quiz/homework section to find worksheets that incorporate these descriptions into a variety of question formats.

Characters

Tom Builder - This character is in most respects a very decent man and passionate about becoming a master builder for a cathedral project. He is hired as the first master builder of Kingsbridge Cathedral.

Ellen - This woman lives in the forest with her son after her lover is hanged. She is considered a witch by churchmen when she curses them after the hanging.

Agnes - This sturdy, stout-hearted, and loyal woman is sadly under-appreciated by her husband and dies in childbirth.

Waleran Bigod - This man sets armies,...
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