Mr. Facey Romford's Hounds: Analysis of Major Characters
"Mr. Facey Romford's Hounds" is a satirical exploration of social pretensions and identity through its complex cast of characters. Central to the narrative is Francis "Facey" Romford, a man who capitalizes on being mistaken for another wealthy individual of the same name and assumes the role of Master of Hounds for the Heavyside Hunt. His rise from humble beginnings is facilitated by a series of encounters with a variety of colorful figures, including his cattle-jobbing uncle Francis Gilroy and his eventual wife, a wealthy but unremarkable woman.
The story introduces notable characters such as Soapey Sponge, an opportunistic figure who becomes Facey's partner in Australia after abandoning his wife. Lucy Glitters, Soapey's wife, adds a familial dimension as she supports Facey's fox-hunting endeavors. Other characters, like the crude Mr. and Mrs. Watkins and their daughter Cassandra Cleopatra, further illustrate the diverse social strata within the community, while figures such as Colonel Chatterbox and Mr. Lonnergan emphasize the tensions and conflicts that arise in the societal hierarchy. Overall, the narrative presents a rich tapestry of relationships and conflicts, highlighting the absurdities of ambition, identity, and social status within a rural hunting setting.
Mr. Facey Romford's Hounds: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Robert Smith Surtees
First published: 1865
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Picaresque
Time: Nineteenth century
Francis “Facey” Romford, who is often mistaken for his wealthy namesake and capitalizes on this fact. Using the other's stationery, he becomes Master of Hounds of the Heavyside Hunt. After living well in the hunt country, he marries a dowdy but rich young woman, moves to Australia, and becomes prosperous.
Francis Romford, Esquire, the aristocratic owner of Abbeyfield Park, whom Facey pretends to be.
Francis Gilroy, Facey's cattle-jobbing uncle, who employs Facey.
The Widow Gilroy, a sharp-faced woman who discharges Facey immediately after her husband's death.
Jogglebury Crowdey, a neighbor from whom Facey hurriedly borrows fifty pounds before news of his discharge following his uncle's death circulates in the area.
Soapey Sponge, who once cheated Facey. He deserts his wife and ships to Australia, where he becomes wealthy. He and Facey eventually become banking partners in Australia.
Lucy Glitters, Soapey's wife who, as Facey's “half-sister, Mrs. Somerville,” helps his fox-hunting ventures.
Mrs. Sidney Benson, Lucy's mother, who helps manage Beldon Hall.
The countess of Caperington, who, while the actress wife of dissipated Sir Henry Scattercash, had known Lucy.
Betsy Shannon, another theatrical friend, introduced as Miss Hamilton Howard.
Mr. and Mrs. Watkins, of Australia. Wealthy but crude and vulgar, they are members of the Larkspur Hunt.
Cassandra Cleopatra, their simpering daughter, who is looking for a husband. She finally gets Facey.
Mr. Hazey, the master of the neighboring Hard and Sharp Hunt.
Bill Hazey, his son.
Anna Maria, Hazey's daughter, in love with Facey.
Jonathan Lotherington, a fat, timid huntsman who resigns from the Hunt when Facey shows up his poor horsemanship.
Goodhearted Green, a shady horse trader who provides three vicious mounts for the hunt. He calls himself Sir Roger Ferguson.
Mrs. Rowley Rounding, who is thrown by one of the vicious horses provided by Goodhearted Green.
Colonel Chatterbox, who demands the return of Mrs. Rounding's money, a demand Facey refuses.
Daniel Swig and Tom Chowey, cheap and inefficient grooms hired by Facey.
Lord Viscount Lovetin, who rents Beldon Hall to Facey. He returns unexpectedly and promptly dispossesses the “wrong” Mr. Romford.
Mr. Lonnergan, Lord Lovetin's agent.
Lovetin Lonnergan, his son, who marries Miss Hamilton Howard.
Mrs. Mustard, the housekeeper of Beldon Hall and the mother of three daughters, called “The Dirties.”
Mr. Stotfold, who provides a stag for the hunt.
Proudlock, Facey's stable keeper.