The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses" is a historical novel set during the tumultuous period of the Wars of the Roses in the fifteenth century. The narrative centers around Richard Shelton, an orphaned boy embroiled in a web of treachery and conflict, particularly involving the villainous knight Sir Daniel Brackley. Sir Daniel, who seeks to expand his power by controlling the fates of orphans, is suspected of murdering Richard's father. Richard's journey is marked by his struggles against Sir Daniel and his eventual marriage to Joanna Sedley, an heiress who faces her own peril under Sir Daniel's schemes. Other significant characters include Lord Shoreby, who attempts to marry Joanna, and Ellis Duckworth, a former victim of Sir Daniel who becomes a leader of outlaws. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for justice are woven throughout the story, as characters navigate their fates amidst the backdrop of civil war. The interplay of personal relationships and broader societal conflicts enriches the narrative, offering a glimpse into the complexities of loyalty and honor in a divided England.
The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
First published: 1888
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Adventure
Time: Fifteenth century
Sir Daniel Brackley, a villainous knight who fights on both sides during the fifteenth century Wars of the Roses. He adds to his own lands by becoming the guardian of children orphaned by war. He is killed by Ellis Duckworth.
Richard Shelton, called Dick, the orphaned son of Sir Harry Shelton of the Moat House estates. Sir Daniel is suspected of murdering Sir Harry in order to become the boy's guardian. After many difficulties, Dick marries Joanna Sedley.
Joanna Sedley, the orphaned heiress of Kettley, intended by Sir Daniel as a wife for Dick. She first meets Dick while disguised as a boy. Held prisoner by Sir Daniel, she is almost forced into marriage with Lord Shoreby, but at the church he is slain by a black arrow.
Lord Foxham, Joanna's legal guardian and the enemy of Sir Daniel.
Alicia Risingham, Joanna's friend, the niece of a powerful Lancastrian lord.
Lord Shoreby, who tries to force Joanna to marry him.
Richard of York, the Duke of Gloucester. He is saved from bandits by Dick, whom he knights after the Battle of Shoreby, in which the Lancastrians are defeated.
The Earl of Risingham, the judge of Dick and Lawless when they are denounced by Sir Oliver Oates.
Nick Appleyard, a veteran of Agincourt, killed at Moat House by a black arrow.
Bennet Hatch, Sir Daniel's bailiff at Moat House.
Sir Oliver Oates, Sir Daniel's clerk, who is accused by the outlaws of causing the death of Sir Harry Shelton.
Ellis Duckworth, who was ruined by Sir Daniel and is now the leader of a band of outlaws. He calls himself
John (Jon) Amend-All, and uses only black arrows for weapons. Eventually he kills his enemy, Sir Daniel.
Will Lawless, one of the outlaws and a friend of Dick. He finally takes orders and dies a friar.