Waverley: Or, 'Tis Sixty Years Since: Analysis of Major Characters
"Waverley: Or, 'Tis Sixty Years Since" is a historical novel set during the turbulent times of the Jacobite uprising in 1745. The protagonist, Edward Waverley, is a British army officer who becomes embroiled in the conflict as he encounters key figures supporting Prince Charles Edward Stuart, the Pretender. Edward's journey is marked by his initial loyalty to the crown, a shift in allegiance to the Jacobite cause, and personal trials that ultimately lead to his reconciliation with the king and a happy marriage to Rose Bradwardine.
Major characters include Fergus Mac Ivor, a charismatic clan chieftain loyal to Charles; Prince Charles himself, whose polished demeanor belies the chaos of his ambitions; and Sir Cosmo Comyne Bradwardine, who introduces Edward to the Jacobite movement. Other significant figures include the faithful Highlander Evan Dhu Maccombich and the devoted but ultimately heartbroken Flora Mac Ivor. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, political intrigue, and the clash of cultures during a pivotal moment in British history, reflecting the complexities of personal choice against a backdrop of national conflict.
Waverley: Or, 'Tis Sixty Years Since: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Sir Walter Scott
First published: 1814
Genre: Novel
Locale: England and Scotland
Plot: Historical
Time: 1745
Edward Waverley, a young British officer who holds his commission in the army of George II of England during the bloody days in 1745 when Charles Edward, the Pretender, is trying to gain the British throne. Through a set of circumstances, he learns of the young Pretender's cause at first hand; he is Charles's guest, lives for a time with some of his supporters, and swears allegiance to him. Although charged with treason and stripped of his commission, he finally regains favor with the king, inherits his father's fortune, and marries the woman of his choice.
Fergus Mac Ivor Vich Ian Vohr, a famous clan chieftain who supports Prince Charles's bid for the throne. He is bluff and hearty, as well as formal and courtly, a good politician. When the rebellion fails, he is executed for his crimes against the crown, and the power of the Highland clans is broken.
Prince Charles Edward Stuart, the Pretender, who, having arrived in Scotland from his exile in France, rallies Highlanders to his cause. He reflects his French court training in the polished, civil manner he shows all those about him. He is ruined when his forces are scattered at the Battle of Culloden.
Sir Cosmo Comyne Bradwardine, a Scottish nobleman and a Jacobite who introduces Edward to the forces marshaled under Prince Charles. Rose Bradwardine, the Baron's daughter, finally marries Edward.
Evan Dhu Maccombich, a Highlander in the service of Fergus Mac Ivor. He guides Edward through the Jacobite camp and introduces him to the famous Scottish chief. Maccombich is executed when the revolt fails.
Donald Bean Lean, a Highland bandit faithful to Mac Ivor and the Pretender. He rescues Edward from his English captors when the young officer is being taken to Stirling Castle to stand trial for treason.
Flora Mac Ivor, Fergus' sister, who is attracted to Edward but whose ardor for him cools. When the revolt fails, she enters a Catholic convent in France.
Rose Bradwardine, Edward's beloved and Sir Cosmo Comyne Bradwardine's daughter. Like her father, she is an ardent Jacobite. After the defeat at Culloden, she marries Edward.
Richard Waverley, Edward's father, who, for political advantage, swears loyalty to King George II. Unfortunate political maneuvers ruin him. When he dies, Edward inherits the family wealth.
Sir Everard Waverley, a Jacobite who is Edward's uncle and Richard Waverley's brother. It is at Waverley-Honour, the family's ancestral home, that Edward receives much of his education in the political and social issues of the day.
Colonel Gardiner, Edward's military superior while the young man holds a commission in George II's dragoons.
Davie Gellatley, Baron Bradwardine's servant, a good storyteller who helps fire Edward's interest in the Jacobite cause.
Alice, Donald Bean Lean's daughter, who is in love with Evan Dhu Maccombich.