Most of the characters in the novella are based on historical figures whom Peacock wishes to pillory.

Mr. Glowry was a very consolate widower, with one small child. That child -- a son -- was named Scythrop, after a maternal ancestor who had hanged himself one rainy day in a fit of tedium. The coroner's jury eulogized him with the comprehensive phrase of felo de se -- on which account Mr. Glowry held his memory in high honor, and made a punchbowl of his skull.