Ravenshoe: Analysis of Major Characters
"Ravenshoe: Analysis of Major Characters" examines the complex interplay of familial ties, religious tensions, and personal ambitions within the narrative. Central to the story is Charles Ravenshoe, who grows up believing he is an illegitimate heir due to a priest's deceitful machinations. His journey from servant to rightful heir reflects themes of identity and social class, shaped by the influences of his Protestant upbringing and his relationship with his Catholic counterpart, William Horton. Father Mackworth serves as a pivotal antagonist, whose schemes to secure Catholic lineage lead to tragic consequences, including his own death after confessing his wrongdoings. Other significant characters include the vain Adelaide Summers, who entangles herself with Charles's cousin, Lord Welter, and Mary Corby, an orphan who embodies virtue and ultimately becomes Charles's wife. The narrative is further complicated by Lord Saltire, a friend of Charles's father, whose decisions impact the inheritance dynamics amidst the backdrop of religious strife. The story culminates in revelations that ultimately reconcile the relationships and legacies of the Ravenshoe family. Overall, the analysis provides a lens into the characters' moral dilemmas and societal roles, encouraging readers to consider the broader implications of faith and heritage in shaping individual destinies.
Ravenshoe: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Henry Kingsley
First published: 1862
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Domestic
Time: Early nineteenth century
Father Mackworth, the resident priest at Ravenshoe, who engages in nefarious schemes to prevent Ravenshoe from becoming the property of a Protestant heir. He dies after confessing his plots and begging forgiveness of the heir he has dispossessed.
Charles Ravenshoe, the second son of Densil Ravenshoe and his Protestant wife. When Charles's mother dies in childbirth, Densil promises her that her son will be reared as a Protestant. He is reared by Norah, the gamekeeper's wife, along with her own son, William. To prevent Charles from inheriting Ravenshoe, Father Mackworth says that Norah switched the babies in her care and that William, a Catholic, is the true heir. Charles then becomes a servant and later enlists in the army to fight in the Crimea, where he is wounded. Charles finally learns that he is the true heir to Ravenshoe. He then marries and shows great leniency to William.
Densil Ravenshoe, Charles's father, who as a young man goes off to London and falls in with Lord Saltire, an atheist. He finally returns to the church but marries a Protestant woman.
Adelaide Summers, the ward of Lady Ascot. Charles falls in love with Adelaide, but she runs away with Lord Welter, Charles's cousin. She is a vain young woman and not worthy of Charles's love.
Lord Welter, Charles's cousin, a wild and dissolute young man with whom Charles carouses when they are both at Oxford. He becomes Adelaide's lover, and she and Welter live by gambling. Eventually, they are married.
Mary Corby, the daughter of the captain of a ship that goes down in the bay at Ravenshoe, leaving her an orphan. A good and sweet girl, she becomes the ward of the Ravenshoes. She falls in love with Charles and eventually marries him.
William Horton, Norah's son, who is reared with Charles. Father Mackworth says that William is the true heir to Ravenshoe and William takes over the estate when Cuthbert, the elder son, dies. In the end, William and Charles become good friends.
Lord Saltire, an atheist and a good friend of Densil Ravens-hoe. Later, he meets Charles and becomes fond of him. When Lord Saltire dies, he leaves a large sum to Mary. Thinking that Charles has died in the Crimea, he leaves the rest of his fortune to Lord Welter and Adelaide.
Cuthbert Ravenshoe, Densil's elder son, reared as a Catholic. He dies by drowning.
Ellen Horton, William's sister who, it later turns out, is really Charles's sister. Ellen runs away to become a nun, taking with her the evidence that Charles is truly the heir of Ravens-hoe. She later produces this evidence and then returns to her nursing duties.