Peter Simple: Analysis of Major Characters
"Peter Simple" is a novel that explores themes of inheritance, deception, and the pursuit of justice through its major characters. The protagonist, Peter Simple, is the younger son of a Viscount who opts for a naval career. His journey involves confronting familial treachery, particularly from his uncle, Young Lord Privilege, who deprives him of his rightful inheritance and wrongfully commits him to an asylum. The narrative also features Old Lord Privilege, Peter's grandfather, whose naïveté allows the deceit to unfold. Key supporting characters include Terence O'Brien, an older midshipman who befriends Peter and aids him in uncovering the truth, and Colonel O'Brien, a French officer who plays a pivotal role in Peter's capture. Celeste O'Brien, the colonel's daughter, not only rescues Peter from his dire circumstances but also marries him, intertwining their fates. Additionally, the story includes Captain Hawkins, an illegitimate son of Lord Privilege, who complicates Peter's journey further. Through these interwoven relationships and conflicts, "Peter Simple" delves into the complexities of loyalty, social standing, and the quest for redemption.
Peter Simple: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Frederick Marryat
First published: 1834
Genre: Novel
Locale: England, France, and various ships at sea
Plot: Adventure
Time: Early nineteenth century
Peter Simple, the younger son of the younger son of a Viscount, who chooses the navy as a livelihood. Eventually proving the trickery of his uncle, he inherits the title and estates of his grandfather.
Old Lord Privilege, the grandfather of Peter, who unwittingly allows young Lord Privilege to cheat Peter and Mr. Simple.
Young Lord Privilege, his rascally son and Peter's uncle, who cheats his nephew out of an inheritance from his grandfather and succeeds in having Peter committed to an insane asylum.
Mr. Simple, Peter's father, who becomes nearly insane when cheated out of his inheritance.
Terence O'Brien, an older midshipman aboard the Diomede who befriends Peter. He is captured with Peter during a raid on the French coast. He locates the woman who had helped dispossess Peter.
Colonel O'Brien, a French officer, not related to Terence O'Brien, who captures Terence and Peter.
Celeste O'Brien, his daughter, who frees Peter from the insane asylum and marries him.
Captain Hawkins, the illegitimate son of Lord Privilege, who has Peter court-martialed.
Ellen Simple, Peter's sister, who is rescued from poverty and married by Terence O'Brien.