Ned Willard

Ned Willard is one of the main characters in the story and an advocate for Elizabeth’s tolerance between religions. At the beginning of the novel, he is the son of a successful Kingsbridge merchant meant to take over his family’s business once his mother is older or passes away. However, after the Fitzgeralds destroy his family’s fortune, Ned decides to work for Queen Elizabeth. Within a few years, he becomes one of her most important advisers and members of her growing secret service. He is incredibly intelligent and capable of manipulating the people around him to work toward Queen Elizabeth’s goals. He is also a genuinely nice person and able to gain the trust of people on both sides of the religious conflict. He protects priests, like Stephan and Father Paul, while also aiding Protestants like Sylvie. Ned is the only main character...