The Tower of London: Analysis of Major Characters
The Tower of London is a historic fortress that served as a royal palace, prison, and execution site, playing a significant role in the tumultuous political landscape of England during the 16th century. The analysis of major characters associated with the Tower during this era reveals a complex interplay of ambition, loyalty, and tragedy. Key figures include the Duke of Northumberland, who leads a failed opposition against Queen Mary Tudor and faces execution, and his son, Guilford Dudley, whose aspirations for power end in tragedy after a series of plots. Lady Jane Grey, married to Guilford, is depicted as a tragic figure caught in the political machinations of her time, ultimately facing execution due to her steadfast beliefs.
Other notable characters include Cuthbert Cholmondeley, a loyal squire who endures imprisonment but eventually finds love, and Cicely, who rises from adversity to marry Cuthbert after revealing her noble lineage. The narrative also features Queen Mary, whose personal and political dilemmas complicate her reign, alongside her half-sister Elizabeth, whose own fate remains precarious amidst the shifting loyalties of the court. The Tower serves as a backdrop for these intertwined destinies, emphasizing themes of power struggles, loyalty, and the harsh realities of Tudor politics.
The Tower of London: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: William Harrison Ainsworth
First published: 1840
Genre: Novel
Locale: England
Plot: Historical
Time: Sixteenth century
The Duke of Northumberland, the leader of forces opposing Mary Tudor. He is executed after she becomes queen of England.
Guilford Dudley, the son of Northumberland, who wishes him to become king. He is pardoned after the defeat of Northumberland but executed after failure of his own later plot against Mary.
Lady Jane Grey, the innocent and loyal wife of Dudley and claimant to the throne upon the death of Edward VI. The dupe of Pembroke and Renard, she is executed with Dudley after her refusal to become a Catholic.
Cuthbert Cholmondeley, Dudley's squire, who is in love with Cicely. Imprisoned and tortured in the Tower, he escapes and later marries Cicely.
Cicely, the adopted daughter of Peter the pantler and Dame Potentia Trusbut. She becomes a lady in waiting to Lady Jane. Imprisoned by jealous Nightgall, she is later revealed to be of noble birth and is permitted by Mary to marry Cuthbert.
Lady Grace Mountjoy, Cicely's insane mother, who dies in a Tower cell.
Lawrence Nightgall, the Tower jailer who is in love with Cicely. He is murdered by Renard after plotting with the French ambassador to kill Renard.
Simon Renard, the Spanish ambassador.
Lord Pembroke, Mary's supporter and the conspirator with Renard to assassinate Cuthbert.
Queen Mary, who is in love with Courtenay but affianced (upon Renard's advice) to Philip, king of Spain, after the discovery of Courtenay's double-dealing with Elizabeth.
Princess Elizabeth, Mary's younger half sister. She is confined because of complicity with Courtenay, released by Mary, and then reconfined for a later execution planned by Mary.
Edward Courtenay, the Earl of Devonshire. In love with Elizabeth, he plots to get Mary's throne by pretending love for Mary, who promises to marry him. He is confined for later execution because of his treachery.
Gunnora Boase, an old woman, the tool of Northumberland and poisoner of the boy king, Edward VI.
The Duke of Suffolk, the father of Lady Jane Grey.
Sir Thomas Wyat, the anti-Catholic leader of the revolt against Mary.