Lorna Doone: Analysis of Major Characters
"Lorna Doone: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate relationships and conflicts among the prominent figures in R.D. Blackmore's historical novel, "Lorna Doone." The story is narrated by John Ridd, a courageous hero torn between his deep-seated enmity for the outlaw Doone clan and his love for the beautiful Lorna Doone, who ultimately becomes his wife after a series of harrowing adventures. Lorna, initially captured by the Doones as a child and later revealed to be an heiress, exhibits bravery in resisting the clan's oppressive attempts to force her into a marriage with the villainous Carver Doone, who is responsible for her family's turmoil.
Other key characters include Sir Ensor Doone, Lorna's guardian, who reconciles with John Ridd before his death, and Annie Ridd, John’s sister, whose romantic involvement with the highwayman Tom Faggus complicates John’s life further. The narrative also features Jeremy Stickles, a king's messenger saved by John, who later aids him, and Reuben Huckaback, John's great-uncle, who suffers at the hands of the Doones. The complex interplay of love, loyalty, and vengeance among these characters provides a rich backdrop for discussions on themes of honor and resilience in the face of adversity.
Lorna Doone: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: R. D. Blackmore
First published: 1869
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Adventure
Time: Late seventeenth century
John Ridd, the narrator and courageous hero. His hatred of the outlaw Doone clan is at variance with his love for beautiful Lorna Doone. At last, after many adventures, including the vanquishing of the Doones, he marries Lorna.
Sir Ensor Doone, the head of the Doone clan, loved by Lorna. Dying, he gives his blessing to her and John Ridd.
Lorna Doone, Sir Ensor's ward. Captured by the Doones when a small child, she turns out to be an heiress, Lady Dugal. In love with John Ridd and hating the savage members of the Doone clan, she bravely resists the Doones' tyrannical efforts to marry her to Carver Doone.
Carver Doone, Sir Ensor's son and the most villainous of the Doones. The actual murderer of John Ridd's father, he is finally slain by John.
Annie Ridd, John's sister.
Tom Faggus, a highwayman and John Ridd's cousin. Annie's love for Tom involves John in his concerns, almost resulting in John's execution.
Jeremy Stickles, the king's messenger. Saved by John Ridd from death at the hands of the Doones, he is later able to rescue John from execution.
Reuben Huckaback, John Ridd's great-uncle, who is also a victim of robbery by the Doones.
Ruth, the granddaughter of Huckaback, who wants John Ridd to marry her.
John Fry, who, at the start of the novel, is sent to bring John Ridd home from school. Returning, they discover that the Doones have murdered John Ridd's father.
Lord Alan Brandir, Lorna's relative, whose brutal murder by Carver Doone is instrumental in causing her to hate the clan.