Rogue Herries: Analysis of Major Characters
"Rogue Herries" intricately weaves the lives of its major characters, focusing on the tumultuous and often troubled relationships within the Herries family. Central to the narrative is Francis "Rogue" Herries, a man known for his rebellious nature, who struggles with love and loyalty throughout his life. His first wife, Margaret Herries, feels unloved and, on her deathbed, entrusts their son to care for Francis, highlighting themes of duty and familial bonds. The story also features Mirabell Starr, a complex character tied to thievery and personal sacrifice, who enters a tumultuous relationship with Francis that ultimately ends in tragedy.
David Herries, their son, marries Sarah Denburn after a dramatic confrontation, embodying themes of passion and rivalry. Other significant figures include Deborah Herries, who marries a clergyman, and Alice Press, Francis's governess and mistress, whose fraught relationship with him reflects his struggles with commitment. The narrative is punctuated by moments of violence and loss, particularly with Osbaldistone's duel, which leaves a permanent mark on Francis. Through these interconnected lives, "Rogue Herries" explores the complexities of love, betrayal, and the weight of familial expectations.
Rogue Herries: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Hugh Walpole
First published: 1930
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Historical
Time: 1730–1774
Francis “Rogue” Herries, so called because of his notorious escapades. In 1730, he takes his family and his mistress to live in the long-deserted family house of Herries; there he continues to earn his reputation as the family black sheep. After the death of his wife, whom he had married more for pity than for love, he becomes attracted to a gypsy-like girl whom he meets under strange circumstances. He pursues her and finally marries her. She runs away but later returns to him. His oldest child is fifty-five years old when Francis again becomes a father. He and his wife both die on the night of their daughter's birth.
Margaret Herries, Francis' first wife, who is never able to command her husband's love. When she is dying, however, she feels that he will be at a loss without her and makes her son promise never to leave his father.
Mirabell Starr, a woman living with thieves. They kidnap Francis to give him a cross and chain left to him by Mirabell's mother, whom he had once befriended. Mirabell agrees to marry Francis, in return for food and protection, but he cannot succeed in making her love him. She leaves him for several years but eventually returns to him. She dies in childbirth.
David Herries, the son of Francis and Margaret. His wife is hated by Mirabell. David and his wife move from Herries and become well established in their new community.
Sarah Denburn, a friendly, handsome girl whom David meets and falls in love with on a business trip. Her uncle-guardian intends her for another man, but David kills his rival, carries her off, and marries her.
Deborah Herries, the daughter of Francis and Margaret. She marries a clergyman.
Alice Press, ostensibly the governess to Francis' children but in fact his mistress. He tires of her and tries to get rid of her, but she refuses to leave. Encountering her at a fair, Francis creates a scene and makes a show of selling her to another man.
Osbaldistone, who in the course of a duel with Francis slashes him from temple to chin. The scar marks Francis for life.
Harry, Mirabell's only true love, who is killed before her marriage to Francis by a jealous and ugly older man. Francis witnesses the attack, but his warning comes too late.