John Smythe (Daddy)

John Smythe is affectionately referred to as Daddy throughout the novel. He formerly works for Mr Price as a hired bailiff to exact Mr Price's unscrupulous abuses on his tenants. He marries a woman who Mr Price fancies, last name Oliver, and has two children with her, Daniel and Cathy. Their family lives with Granny Morley in the village, but when she dies, the Daddy decides to take his family to live in the woods, away from the troubles that accost Cathy and Daniel. He works as a bare knuckle fighter in prize fights, and often goes hunting to provide food for his family.

Daddy is the strongest man in the village, and he is thought to be invincible in a fight. His penchant for fighting has given him a reputation in the village, and Daniel thinks that people are kind to him only because they...