Brideshead Revisited: The Sacred and Profane Memories of Captain Charles Ryder: Analysis of Major Characters
"Brideshead Revisited: The Sacred and Profane Memories of Captain Charles Ryder" is a nuanced exploration of the complex relationships among the members of the Marchmain family and their impact on Charles Ryder, the central character. The narrative unfolds at Oxford, where Charles meets Sebastian Marchmain, initiating a deep yet tumultuous connection with both him and his family. Lady Marchmain, a devout Catholic matriarch, embodies the family's struggle with faith and rebellion, influencing the lives of her children—including Sebastian, who grapples with alcoholism, and Julia, who defies her mother's expectations through her choices in love and marriage. The story delves into the tragic fate of these characters, highlighting themes of love, duty, and the tension between personal desires and familial obligations. Further complicating these dynamics is Lord Marchmain, who, despite years spent with his mistress in Italy, is drawn back to his Catholic roots in his final moments. As the narrative weaves through the lives of characters like Brideshead, Cordelia, and others, it reveals the profound impact of faith, identity, and social class on individual choices and relationships. This rich tapestry invites readers to reflect on the sacred and profane elements of life, love, and belonging.
Brideshead Revisited: The Sacred and Profane Memories of Captain Charles Ryder: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Evelyn Waugh
First published: 1945
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Social realism
Time: Twentieth century
Charles Ryder, a young man who in his days at Oxford meets Sebastian Marchmain and is gradually introduced to the Marchmain family of Brideshead. He becomes an architectural painter and marries the sister of another Oxford friend, but his ties to the Marchmain family persist, and later he falls in love with Sebastian's sister Julia, who is also married. They plan to divorce their spouses and marry each other, and for a while they live together; but Julia's Catholic faith claims her at last, and she gives up Charles.
Lady Marchmain, the stanchly Catholic mother of Sebastian and Julia, who are in revolt from her as well as from their religion. After her death, her rebellious husband and children are drawn back to the values of the Church.
The Marquis of Marchmain, Lady Marchmain's husband and the owner of Brideshead. For many years he has lived with his mistress in Italy. After the death of his wife, he returns to Brideshead with his mistress to spend his last days. Although he is in failing health, he refuses to see a priest: but as he is dying, the priest is brought in, and Lord Marchmain makes the sign of the cross.
Brideshead (Bridey) Marchmain, the oldest of their children. A pompous man, he marries a self-righteous widow with three children.
Sebastian Marchmain, Charles Ryder's friend, an ineffectual though clever and charming young man. His rebellion takes the form of severe alcoholism. After years of aimless wandering, he tries to enter a monastery in Carthage and is refused. Unconscious from drink, he is carried into the monastery by the monks. He plans to stay there as under-porter for the rest of his life.
Julia Marchmain, whose form of rebellion is to marry a rich but socially inferior Protestant of whom her mother disapproves. Though he is willing to be converted, it is discovered that he is divorced, and they are forced to marry in a Protestant ceremony. Later Julia falls in love with Charles and has an affair with him, but, believing that to marry him would only magnify the sin, she gives him up.
Cordelia Marchmain, the youngest of the four children. On returning from Spain, where she worked with an ambulance corps, she tells her family about Sebastian, whom she visited.
Cara, Lord Marchmain's lifelong mistress.
Rex Mottram, Julia's vital and ambitious but ill-bred husband.
Boy Mulcaster and Anthony Blanche, Oxford friends of Sebastian and Charles.
Celia Ryder, Boy Mulcaster's sister and Charles' wife.
Beryl Muspratt, a widow with three children. Engaged to Bridey, she refuses to come to Brideshead because Charles and Julia are living there in sin. Traveling with Bridey in Italy after their marriage, she meets Lord Marchmain, who dislikes her.
Kurt, Sebastian's roommate and companion in Fez. Kurt is seized by Germans and taken back to Germany. Sebastian follows him, but after Kurt hangs himself in a concentration camp, Sebastian returns to Morocco.
Mr. Samgrass, who is employed in doing some literary work for Lady Marchmain. She hires him also to keep Sebastian away from alcohol, but the plan is doomed to failure.
Father Mackay, the priest whom the Marchmain children and Cara bring to the bedside of the dying Lord Marchmain.
Johnjohn Ryder and Caroline Ryder, children of Charles and Celia.