# Edward Chester — Barnaby Rudge character guide

> Edward Chester in Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Edward, Ned, Mr. Edward Chester, Mr. Edward

**First appearance:** 0002-chapter-1

## Snapshot

Sir John Chester's estranged son, in love with Emma Haredale, caught between a mocking father and a suspicious guardian.

## Who they are

Edward Chester is the son of the elegant, sneering Sir John, from whom he has broken in disgust, and he loves Emma Haredale, whose uncle despises his name. His position is impossible from every side: his father mocks his sincerity, Haredale suspects his motives, and his own pride will not let him beg. His love for Emma is the quiet center of the novel's early chapters, and the feud between the two older men makes every step he takes toward her a provocation.

## In the story

### [Chapter 6](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-6)

The wounded gentleman, recounting the attack and noting the stranger's voice.

### [Chapter 12](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-12)

His attachment to Emma is the reason for the meeting; his father plans to manipulate him into abandoning the match.

### [Chapter 14](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-14)

Meets Emma secretly, confronts Mr. Haredale, and leaves abruptly upon learning his father is at the Maypole.

### [Chapter 15](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-15)

Confronts his father about his dependence and his desire for independence, but is left disillusioned and despairing after learning the truth about his family's finances and his father's schemes.

### [Chapter 19](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-19)

Visits the Varden household to ask Dolly to deliver a letter to the Warren.

### [Chapter 20](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-20)

Writes a long, emotional letter to Emma, which is the central object of the chapter.

### [Chapter 23](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-23)

Absent but referenced by Sir John, who wishes his son would adopt the precepts of Lord Chesterfield.

### [Chapter 28](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-28)

Mentioned as having visited the Maypole, attempted to see Dolly, and left a letter that was withheld by John Willet.

### [Chapter 32](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-32)

Confronts his father about his interference in his relationship with Emma, defends his principles, and is disowned.

### [Chapter 72](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-72)

Present at the reunion, having followed in another coach.

### [Chapter 79](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/chapters/chapter-79)

Helps secure Barnaby's pardon and oversees the burial of his brother, Hugh. He receives Mr. Haredale's forgiveness and blessing to marry Emma.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters/edward_chester
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/barnaby_rudge_se/characters