The Witch of Blackbird Pond Study Guide

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

A Newberry Award-winning children's novel, The Witch of Blackbird Pond follows the story of 16-year-old Kit Tyler as her family immigrates from Barbados to Connecticut in the late 1600s. Her unusual customs, such as the ability to swim, and her refusal to conform make her an outcast among most in the strict Puritan society of her new home, with many accusing her of being a witch, but a few true friends allow Kit to find happiness at last as they help her prove her innocence.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond Characters

Table of Contents
  • Katherine Tyler: Better known as "Kit," she is the protagonist, an independent, rebellious, and kind girl from Barbados who lived with her grandfather before he died and struggles to find a new identity in Wethersfield.
  • Sir Francis Tyler: Kit's grandfather
  • Hannah Tupper: A Quaker and outcast who is often rumored to be a witch.
  • Nathaniel Eaton: Called "Nat" by most. He is Captain Eaton's son, and also Kit Tyler's true love and eventual husband.
  • Rachel Wood: Kit's gentle aunt, the timid wife of Matthew Wood.
  • Matthew Wood: Kit's strict Anti-Royalist uncle, an independent man. Husband of Rachel Wood.
  • Mercy Wood: Kit's compassionate and patient cousin, sister of Judith, daughter of Matthew and Rachel Wood, a cripple. Marries John Holbrook.
  • Judith Wood: Kit's haughty cousin, sister of Mercy, daughter of Matthew and Rachel Wood. Marries William Ashby.
  • William Ashby: Kit's rich suitor, ends up marrying Judith.
  • John Holbrook: Student of Dr. Gershom Bulkeley, who teaches him about theology, religion, and medicine, who is absorbed in learning, considers his teacher the highest of them all, and often doesn't think for himself. Marries Mercy.
  • Dr. Gershom Bulkeley: Royalist minister (historical figure), teacher of John Holbrook.
  • Goodwife Cruff: Narrow-minded local woman who accuses Kit of being a witch. Mother of Prudence Cruff.
  • Goodman Adam Cruff: Goodwife Cruff's meek husband and father of Prudence Cruff.
  • Prudence Cruff: Cruff's young, mistreated daughter who befriends Kit.
  • Captain Eaton: Captain of the Dolphin and Nat's father.
  • Mistress Eaton: Captain Eaton's wife.
  • Eleazer Kimberly: Puritan schoolmaster (historical figure).
  • Governor Edmund Andros: Governor of the Dominion of New England (including Connecticut), an officer of the King's Dragoons, and a knight (historical figure).
  • Captain Samuel Talcott: Magistrate (historical figure).

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