Framley Parsonage: Analysis of Major Characters
"Framley Parsonage: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate relationships and social dynamics within the fictional Barsetshire village, focusing on the lives of its key inhabitants. Central to the narrative is Mark Robarts, the vicar who becomes entangled in financial troubles due to his association with the reckless Nicholas Sowerby. Robarts’ supportive wife, Fanny, stands by him as he navigates the fallout of his decisions. Their sister, Lucy Robarts, emerges as a significant character, initially hesitant but ultimately finding love with Lord Lufton, despite challenges posed by his mother, Lady Lufton.
Lady Lufton herself is portrayed as a strong matriarch, balancing her ambitions for her son with an understanding of his feelings. Other characters include the ambitious but improvident Nicholas Sowerby, seeking to restore his fortunes through marriage, and various members of the clergy, such as the morally steadfast Reverend Crawley, who provides a counterpoint to Robarts’ worldly pursuits. The narrative also touches on broader themes of social standing and integrity, as seen through the interactions of characters like the wealthy heiress Martha Dunstable and the politically motivated Duke of Omnium. Overall, the analysis offers a rich tapestry of character studies that reflect the moral complexities and societal pressures of Victorian England.
Framley Parsonage: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Anthony Trollope
First published: 1861; serial form, 1860–1861
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Domestic
Time: The 1850's
Mark Robarts, vicar of Framley in Barsetshire, a living he gained at the age of twenty-five through his friendship with the Lufton family. At a house party given by Sowerby, a man of whom Lady Lufton disapproves, he foolishly signs a note for four hundred pounds. When the note falls due, Sowerby has him sign another note he cannot pay. Sowerby is able, through political connections, to get Robarts a prebendal stall at Barchester. His friends feel that he has become too worldly. Events finally reach the point where Robarts is subjected to a sheriff's inventory because he is unable to meet his financial obligations. At the last moment, Lord Lufton appears and assumes responsibility for the debt.
Fanny Robarts, Mark's wife. She remains loyal to her husband through all his financial difficulties.
Lucy Robarts, the sister of Mark Robarts, who comes to live at Framley Parsonage when her father, a doctor, dies. Although quiet and shy, Lucy soon gains the love of the highly eligible young Lord Lufton, but his mother disapproves of the “insignificant” match. Although Lord Lufton proposes, Lucy honorably refuses until such time as his mother may approve. Lucy then goes to nurse Mrs. Crawley, the wife of a neighboring clergyman, stricken with typhoid fever. At the end of her stay at Hogglestock, Lady Lufton relents, and Lucy marries Lord Lufton.
Lady Lufton, the matriarchal ruler of Framley Court. Although she has made a pact with the mother of Griselda Grantly that their children will wed, she does not force her point of view once she sees that her son is not in love with Griselda. She pays her son's gambling debts and forgives Mark Robarts' folly in money matters.
Lord Ludovic Lufton, a close friend of Mark Robarts and a persistent suitor for Lucy's hand.
Nicholas Sowerby, the squire of Chaldicotes, an improvi-dent and parasitical young man greatly in debt to the Duke of Omnium. He uses both Mark Robarts and Lord Lufton in his financial dealings. At the suggestion of his sister, he proposes to Miss Dunstable, a very wealthy woman, in an effort to regain his fortune. Miss Dunstable wisely refuses the offer of marriage but buys Chaldicotes and allows Sowerby to live there.
Harold Smith, the brother-in-law of Sowerby and a member of Parliament who becomes Petty Bag when Lord Brock is made prime minister. His influence secures the prebendal stall for Mark Robarts.
Mrs. Harold Smith, the sister of Sowerby and good friend of Miss Dunstable.
Martha Dunstable, the wealthy heiress to a patent medicine fortune, humorously accustomed to refusing young men who seek her for her money. She admires Dr. Thorne, whom she marries, and they later live at Chaldicotes.
Dr. Thomas Thorne, a bachelor physician at Greshamsbury. Without worldly interests, he marries Miss Dunstable, but not for her money.
Mary Gresham, Dr. Thorne's niece, married to Frank Gresham, master of the hunt in Greshamsbury.
Lady Scatcherd, the widow of Sir Roger Scatcherd, a poor stonemason who became wealthy. She is friendly with Dr. Thorne.
Susan Grantly, the wife of Archdeacon Grantly of Barchester. Eager to get her daughter Griselda married, she defeats her arch-adversary, Mrs. Proudie, because Griselda marries Lord Dumbello, while young Olivia Proudie makes an unsuitable marriage.
Mrs. Proudie, the aggressive wife of the bishop of Barchester. Her efforts toward social position and elegance are constantly foiled.
Olivia Proudie, the oldest daughter of the bishop of Barchester; she marries a widower with three children.
Reverend Tobias Tickler, the widower who marries Olivia Proudie.
Griselda Grantly, the attractive daughter of Archdeacon Grantly. Her marriage to Lord Dumbello makes her the future marchioness of Hartletop.
The Duke of Omnium, the wealthiest landowner in Barsetshire. Although usually indifferent to politics, he exercises himself to remove Sowerby from Parliament.
Lord Brock, briefly prime minister of England.
Lord Supplehouse, an opportunistic politician who writes letters to the newspaper against Harold Smith.
Lord Dumbello, an unprepossessing nobleman who wins Sowerby's seat in Parliament with the help of the Duke of Omnium.
Mr. Fothergill, agent of the Duke of Omnium and a man of business, instrumental in Sowerby's defeat.
Tom Tozer, a shady moneylender who holds Mark Robarts' notes.
The Reverend Josiah Crawley, the clergyman at Hogglestock parish. He lectures Mark Robarts concerning the danger of worldliness in a parson.
Mrs. Crawley, his wife, who becomes ill with typhoid fever and is nursed back to health by Lucy Robarts.
Grace Crawley, the bright and charming oldest daughter of the Crawleys.
The Reverend Francis Arabin, dean of Barchester and an old school fellow of austere Mr. Crawley.