Fortitude: Analysis of Major Characters
**Fortitude: Analysis of Major Characters** delves into the intricate lives of its central figures, exploring themes of struggle, resilience, and personal growth. The protagonist, Peter Westcott, endures a tumultuous journey shaped by his harsh upbringing and the loss of his mother, leading him to seek a fresh start in London. Despite initial success as a novelist, Peter faces a series of personal tragedies, including the death of his son and the departure of his wife, Clare Elizabeth Rossiter, who he blames for their child's death.
Clare herself grapples with her own choices, leaving Peter for another man amid the pressures of their strained marriage. The narrative also highlights the influence of supportive characters, such as Stephen Brant, a childhood friend who teaches Peter about life's realities, and Nora Monogue, who inspires him to pursue his writing ambitions. The complexity of relationships is further underscored by figures like Jerry Cardillac, who becomes a point of contention in Peter and Clare’s marriage. Through these characters, *Fortitude* portrays a rich tapestry of human experience, emphasizing the importance of fortitude in the face of adversity.
Fortitude: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Hugh Walpole
First published: 1913
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Love
Time: Late nineteenth century
Peter Westcott, the son of a harsh father and an invalid mother. Having been sent for a time to school, and now reading law in an office, he finds his home life intolerable after the death of his mother, and he leaves Cornwall to accept a job in an acquaintance's London bookshop. In London, he writes a novel that proves successful, and he marries; but his subsequent books are failures, his small son dies, and his wife leaves him. At last, ready to give up the struggle, he returns to Cornwall. There he meets an old friend who is dying, and from her he learns fortitude.
Clare Elizabeth Rossiter, whom Peter marries. He blames her for the death of their son. In spite of Peter's efforts to preserve their marriage, Clare leaves him for another man.
Stephen Brant, a farmer with whom Peter becomes friendly as a boy and from whom Peter learns much about life. It is through Stephen that Peter meets the bookseller who employs him. When the political activities going on in the book-shop prove dangerous, Stephen comes to take Peter away. Clare disapproves of Stephen.
Nora Monogue, whom Peter meets in London. She encourages him to write. Much later, the dying Nora admits that she has always loved him; her dying request is that he go back to London and continue writing. Through her, he learns fortitude.
Jerry Cardillac (Cards), Peter's idol at school. After Peter's marriage, Clare becomes interested in Cardillac; later, she leaves Peter to join Cardillac in France.
Emilio Zanti, a London bookseller who gives Peter a job. Clare disapproves of him.
Bobby Galleon, Peter's schoolfriend, the son of a famous writer. After Peter has been instrumental in the expelling of the school's best bowler, Bobby alone does not join in hissing him.
Jerrard, the best bowler in school. On the eve of a big game, Peter finds him forcing whiskey down the throat of a small boy and reports him. Jerrard is expelled, the game is lost, and Peter is hissed in school.
Zachary Tan, the operator of a curiosity shop to which Stephen Brant takes young Peter. There he meets Emilio Zanti.
Mr. Aitchinson, in whose office Peter reads law for a time.
Gottfried Hanz, an employee in Mr. Zanti's bookshop. Peter worksasHanz'sassistant.
Mrs. Brockett, in whose lodging house Peter lives while working in the bookshop and while writing his first novel.
Mrs. Launce, whom Peter meets after his introduction to literary circles. She is instrumental in bringing Peter and Clare together.
Stephen Westcott, the son of Peter and Clare. His early death is a final blow to Peter's happiness.