Barchester Towers · Character
Dr. Trefoil
The elderly Dean of Barchester, whose death precipitates events.
minor
Also known as poor Dr. Trefoil, the Dean
First appearance: i who will be the new bishop
Dr. Trefoil shows up with force in The Bishop's Library. The page is where that presence becomes real.
The dean who suffers a stroke of apoplexy and lies unconscious, with little hope of recovery.
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In The Bishop's Library: The dean who suffers a stroke of apoplexy and lies unconscious, with little hope of recovery. Later, in A New Candidate for Ecclesiastical Honours: The dean is stricken with apoplexy and is…
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See Dr. Trefoil in i who will be the new bishopCharacter Web
34 connectionsA slice of how Dr. Trefoil sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Barchester Clergy & Gentry
- Extended Cast & Background Figures
- Bold Family Circle
+29 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the archdeacon, despite his usual self-assurance, is visibly…
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Dr. Trefoil appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Dr. Trefoil unlock in the free preview.
See Dr. Trefoil in i who will be the new bishop