# Mr. Slope — Barchester Towers character guide > Mr. Slope in Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Obadiah Slope, the Rev. Mr. Slope, Slope **First appearance:** 0002-iii-dr-and-mrs-proudie ## Snapshot The bishop's oily chaplain, who smiles his way through Barchester while quietly planning to annihilate every rival who stands between him and power. ## Who they are Slope arrives at the palace as chaplain and immediately becomes the engine of the new regime, courting Eleanor Bold and scheming for the hospital and the deanery. He hates Dr. Grantly not out of passion but because he foresaw the necessity of fighting him, and he fights with cunning when courage will not serve. His ambition is the wedge that splits Barchester into warring camps, making him the novel's most watchable villain. ## Relationships ### [Eleanor Bold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/characters/eleanor_bold) _psychological_ Mr. Slope relentlessly pursues Eleanor for her fortune and status, creating a dynamic of unwanted obsession and manipulation. ### [Dr. Proudie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/characters/dr_proudie) _professional_ Dr. Proudie is the bishop and Mr. Slope's superior, but Slope schemes to undermine his authority. ### [Signora Neroni](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/characters/signora_neroni) _psychological_ Mr. Slope is infatuated with and manipulated by the cunning Signora Neroni, who toys with him for her amusement. ### [Mr. Harding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/characters/mr_harding) _rivalry_ Mr. Harding opposes Mr. Slope's ambitious and unprincipled church reforms, creating a quiet but firm antagonism. ### [Archdeacon Grantly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/characters/archdeacon_grantly) _rivalry_ Archdeacon Grantly fiercely battles Mr. Slope for control of the diocese and church politics. ### [Mr. Arabin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/characters/mr_arabin) _rivalry_ Mr. Arabin and Mr. Slope are theological and personal rivals, competing for influence and Eleanor's affection. ### [Eleanor Bold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/characters/eleanor_bold) _psychological_ Mr. Slope relentlessly pursues Eleanor for her fortune and status, creating a dynamic of unwanted obsession and manipulation. ### [Eleanor Bold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/characters/eleanor_bold) _psychological_ Mr. Slope relentlessly pursues Eleanor for her fortune and status, creating a dynamic of unwanted obsession and manipulation. ### [Archdeacon Grantly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/characters/archdeacon_grantly) _rivalry_ Archdeacon Grantly fiercely battles Mr. Slope for control of the diocese and church politics. ### [Dr. Proudie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/characters/dr_proudie) _professional_ Dr. Proudie is the bishop and Mr. Slope's superior, but Slope schemes to undermine his authority. ### [Signora Neroni](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/characters/signora_neroni) _psychological_ Mr. Slope is infatuated with and manipulated by the cunning Signora Neroni, who toys with him for her amusement. ### [Mr. Harding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/characters/mr_harding) _rivalry_ Mr. Harding opposes Mr. Slope's ambitious and unprincipled church reforms, creating a quiet but firm antagonism. ## In the story ### [Dr. and Mrs. Proudie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/iii-dr-and-mrs-proudie) Domestic chaplain to Dr. Proudie; an eloquent preacher who often guides Mrs. Proudie in religious matters, thereby gaining control over the bishop. ### [The Bishop's Chaplain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/iv-the-bishop-s-chaplain) Introduced in depth: his ambitions, his manipulative nature, his pulpit eloquence aimed at women, his strict Low Church views, and his plan to become the effective Bishop of Barchester. ### [A Morning Visit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/v-a-morning-visit) The bishop's chaplain, standing on the hearthrug; introduces himself effusively, shakes hands damply, and condescends to Mr. Harding after greeting the archdeacon. ### [War](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/vi-war) Deliberately plans to antagonize the archdeacon and preaches a provocative sermon in the cathedral, asserting his presence in Barchester. ### [The Dean and Chapter Take Counsel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/vii-the-dean-and-chapter-take-counsel) Remains in Barchester after the Proudies' departure, actively flattering, prying, and ingratiating himself with the poor and a few clergy. ### [The Ex-Warden Rejoices in His Probable Return to the Hospital](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/viii-the-ex-warden-rejoices-in-his-probable-return-to-the-hospital) Visits Eleanor Bold and Mary Bold, using flattery and praise of Mr. Harding to win their favor and establish his right to call again. ### [Mrs. Proudie's Reception—Commenced](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/x-mrs-proudie-s-reception-commenced) Manages the party preparations, including the sofa reservation for the Signora, and greets guests. ### [Mrs. Proudie's Reception—Concluded](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xi-mrs-proudie-s-reception-concluded) Defies Mrs. Proudie by bringing supper to Signora Neroni, signaling his growing independence from her control. ### [Slope Versus Harding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xii-slope-versus-harding) Conducts the interview with Mr. Harding, imposing new conditions for the hospital appointment and reporting the refusal to the bishop. ### [The Rubbish Cart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xiii-the-rubbish-cart) Visits Eleanor and discusses plans for a Sunday-school connected to the hospital; his motives are viewed with suspicion by the Grantly faction, though he has not yet considered Eleanor as a potential wife. ### [The New Champion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xiv-the-new-champion) The archdeacon's antagonist; his conditions for Mr. Harding's appointment are rejected; engaged in a controversy with Mr. Arabin over apostolic succession. ### [The Widow's Suitors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xv-the-widow-s-suitors) Considers marrying Eleanor Bold for her twelve hundred a year, weighing the advantages against his professional ambitions and antipathy to Archdeacon Grantly. ### [Baby Worship](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xvi-baby-worship) Manipulates both the bishop and Eleanor, using the hospital appointment as leverage in his courtship. ### [Who Shall Be Cock of the Walk?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xvii-who-shall-be-cock-of-the-walk) He offers covert support to the bishop, but later is confronted by Mrs. Proudie about his behavior with Signora Neroni. ### [The Widow's Persecution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xviii-the-widow-s-persecution) Summoned to the bishop's dressing-room, he forms a secret pact with Dr. Proudie to undermine Mrs. Proudie's authority and confirms Mr. Quiverful's appointment. ### [Barchester by Moonlight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xix-barchester-by-moonlight) Feels jealous and sidelined as Eleanor walks with Bertie; later whispers privately with the signora. ### [Mr. Slope Manages Matters Very Cleverly at Puddingdale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxiv-mr-slope-manages-matters-very-cleverly-at-puddingdale) Visits Puddingdale to manipulate Mr. Quiverful into supporting Mr. Harding's appointment, aiming to undermine Mrs. Proudie's authority. ### [XXV: Fourteen Arguments in Favour of Mr. Quiverful's Claims](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxv-fourteen-arguments-in-favour-of-mr-quiverful-s-claims) Mentioned as having convinced Mr. Quiverful to resign, and is revealed to be an enemy of Mrs. Proudie in this matter. ### [Mrs. Proudie Wrestles and Gets a Fall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxvi-mrs-proudie-wrestles-and-gets-a-fall) Convinces the bishop to reject Mrs. Proudie's wishes and nominate Mr. Harding, posting the bishop's acceptance letter himself. ### [A Love Scene](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxvii-a-love-scene) Writes a letter to Eleanor Bold and visits Signora Neroni, where he declares his love for her. ### [Mrs. Bold Is Entertained by Dr. and Mrs. Grantly at Plumstead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxviii-mrs-bold-is-entertained-by-dr-and-mrs-grantly-at-plumstead) Writes a letter to Eleanor Bold containing a proposal and news about the hospital, which causes conflict. ### [A Serious Interview](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxix-a-serious-interview) Referenced as the subject of the quarrel; his letter to Mr. Harding is the focus of the archdeacon's suspicions. ### [The Bishop's Library](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxxi-the-bishop-s-library) Mentioned as a potential candidate for the deanery, causing alarm among the clergy. ### [A New Candidate for Ecclesiastical Honours](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxxii-a-new-candidate-for-ecclesiastical-honours) Actively campaigns for the deanery, manipulates Bishop Proudie, and writes letters to Sir Nicholas Fitzwhiggin and Mr. Towers to secure support. ### [Mrs. Proudie Victrix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxxiii-mrs-proudie-victrix) Awaits replies to his letters; is forced into a carriage with Eleanor for the Ullathorne party, much to her dismay. ### [Miss Thorne's Fête Champêtre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxxv-miss-thorne-s-f-te-champ-tre) Arrives at the party in high spirits, having received a civil note from Sir Nicholas Fitzwhiggin regarding the deanery, and plans to court Eleanor Bold. ### [Ullathorne Sports—Act I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxxvi-ullathorne-sports-act-i) Accompanies Eleanor to Ullathorne; his greasy civility raises her suspicions of his intentions. ### [The Signora Neroni, the Countess de Courcy, and Mrs. Proudie Meet Each Other at Ullathorne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-signora-neroni-the-countess-de-courcy-and-mrs-proudie-meet-each-other-at-ullathorne) Glowers with jealousy as Eleanor accepts Bertie's arm; still standing near the Signora, he is observed by Mrs. Proudie as a ruined man. ### [The Bishop Sits Down to Breakfast, and the Dean Dies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xxxviii-the-bishop-sits-down-to-breakfast-and-the-dean-dies) Arrives with Eleanor; attempts to attract her attention during the party. ### [Ullathorne Sports—Act II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xl-ullathorne-sports-act-ii) Emboldened by champagne, he pursues Eleanor to propose, but is slapped and rejected, leading to rage and a desire for revenge. ### [Mrs. Bold Confides Her Sorrow to Her Friend Miss Stanhope](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xli-mrs-bold-confides-her-sorrow-to-her-friend-miss-stanhope) Subject of Eleanor's distress; his drunken and shameless behavior at the party is recounted. ### [Ullathorne Sports—Act III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xlii-ullathorne-sports-act-iii) Has already left Ullathorne after his earlier misconduct, removing the need for Bertie to act as a chaperone. ### [Mr. and Mrs. Quiverful Are Made Happy. Mr. Slope Is Encouraged by the Press](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xliii-mr-and-mrs-quiverful-are-made-happy-mr-slope-is-encouraged-by-the-press) Mentioned in the context of Mrs. Proudie's resolve to prevent his secret negotiations; the press article encourages his reformist stance. ### [Mrs. Bold at Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xliv-mrs-bold-at-home) Subject of Eleanor's anger and disgust for his unwanted advances; she struck him in self-defense. ### [Mr. Slope's Parting Interview with the Signora](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xlvi-mr-slope-s-parting-interview-with-the-signora) Visits the Signora but is subjected to her cruel teasing about his courtship of Eleanor Bold and his ambitions for the deanery, leaving him red-faced and speechless. ### [The Dean Elect](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/xlvii-the-dean-elect) Mentioned as a candidate for the deanery, with fluctuating public favor. ### [Mr. Slope Bids Farewell to the Palace and Its Inhabitants](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/chapters/li-mr-slope-bids-farewell-to-the-palace-and-its-inhabitants) Leaves the palace after losing the deanship and being confronted by the Proudies; he secures a new position in London. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/characters/mr_slope - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barchester_towers_se/characters