The Absentee: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Absentee" explores the lives and interactions of various characters within the context of Irish society and the complexities of British influence in the 19th century. Central to the narrative is Lord Clonbrony, an absentee landlord who neglects his responsibilities in Ireland while seeking social acceptance in London, often facing financial embarrassment due to his questionable company. His wife, Lady Clonbrony, attempts to elevate their status by mimicking English customs, primarily desiring a wealthy match for their son, Lord Colambre. Colambre, a level-headed student at Cambridge, ultimately finds love with Grace Nugent, who possesses both beauty and talent, bringing her into the Clonbrony family.
Other notable characters include Miss Broadhurst, an heiress pursued by Lady Clonbrony for her son, who chooses to marry Arthur Berryl instead. The narrative also introduces various supporting figures, such as the dishonest agents and unfortunate noble families, who highlight themes of social aspiration and the struggles within the Irish gentry. Overall, "The Absentee" offers a satirical yet insightful commentary on class, identity, and the pursuit of belonging in a rapidly changing society.
The Absentee: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Maria Edgeworth
First published: 1812
Genre: Novel
Locale: England and Ireland
Plot: Social realism
Time: Early nineteenth century
Lord Clonbrony, an owner of large estates in Ireland who absents himself to live in London. He is ignored in fashionable circles, travels with questionable associates, and gets into embarrassing financial circumstances.
Lady Clonbrony, an Irishwoman who apes English manners and speech. She makes herself ridiculous in London. Her chief desire is to see her son marry an heiress.
Sir Terence O'Fay, an impecunious sponger who attaches himself to Lord Clonbrony.
Lord Colambre, son of Lord Clonbrony, a student at Cambridge. He loves Grace Nugent, whom he marries. An honest, level-headed young man, he straightens out his father's financial affairs.
Grace Nugent, a distant relative of the Clonbronys. A beautiful, talented, and well-mannered girl, she eventually becomes Lord Colambre's wife.
Miss Broadhurst, a sensible young woman and an heiress whom Lady Clonbrony hopes to have as a daughter-in-law. Because she is not attracted to Lord Colambre, she eventually marries Arthur Berryl.
Arthur Berryl, a friend of Lord Clonbrony. He falls in love with and marries Miss Broadhurst.
Sir John Berryl, Arthur's father. He almost ends in debtors' prison because he has borrowed money from Mr. Mordicai. He dies, leaving his family penniless.
Mr. Mordicai, a coachmaker and money lender.
Sir James Brooke, a British official in Dublin.
Nicholas Garraghty, Lord Clonbrony's agent. He is dishonest and hated by the nobleman's tenants. When he is found out, he is dismissed.
Dennis Garraghty, Nicholas' dishonest brother.
Mrs. Raffarty, Nicholas' sister, a silly, affected woman.
Lady Dashfort, an Irish noblewoman who wants Lord Colambre as a son-in-law.
Lady Isabel, Lady Dashfort's daughter, a malicious flirt.
Lord Kilpatrick and Lady Killpatrick, examples of what is worst in the Irish nobility.
Count O'Halloran, Lord Colambre's friend. He loves his native Ireland.
Lord Oranmore and Lady Oranmore, examples of what is best in the Irish nobility.
Mr. Burke, an honest agent hired by Lord Clonbrony.
Mrs. O'Neill, one of Lord Clonbrony's tenants.
Brian O'Neill, Mrs. O'Neill's son.
Captain Reynolds, Grace Nugent's dead father. His papers reveal that his daughter is legitimate.
Mr. Reynolds, the Captain's father, Grace's grandfather. He is delighted to have the girl turn out to be his rightful heir.