# Alfred Clarke — Betty Zane character guide > Alfred Clarke in Betty Zane by Zane Grey. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Clarke, Alfred, Mr. Clarke, Mr. Alfred Clarke, Poor Clarke, Poor Alfred **First appearance:** 0004-i ## Snapshot A gentleman from the East whose departure left Betty quietly grieving and whose return unsettles the fort's easy rhythms. ## Who they are Alfred arrives at Fort Henry as an educated outsider, well-liked by Colonel Zane and his wife, and quietly adored by Betty. His absence the previous fall is the first clue that something has dimmed her usual brightness, and his name alone can pale the Colonel's face. Whether he returns or remains a memory, he is the measure of Betty's heart and the story's romantic undertow. ## Relationships ### [Betty Zane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/characters/betty_zane) _romantic_ Alfred and Betty share a deep, passionate romantic bond, with Alfred as her devoted suitor and eventual husband. ### [Andrew Zane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/characters/andrew_zane) _friendship_ Alfred and Andrew are close friends and comrades, united by their mutual respect and shared frontier adventures. ### [Ralfe Miller](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/characters/ralfe_miller) _rivalry_ Alfred and Ralfe are bitter rivals, competing for Betty's affection and often clashing violently. ### [Colonel Ebenezer Zane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/characters/colonel_ebenezer_zane) _friendship_ Alfred and Colonel Ebenezer have a respectful friendship, with Ebenezer approving of Alfred's relationship with Betty. ### [Lewis Wetzel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/characters/lewis_wetzel) _friendship_ Alfred and Lewis are allies and friends, with Lewis respecting Alfred's courage and skill. ### [Major McColloch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/characters/major_mccolloch) _friendship_ Alfred and Major McColloch are friendly acquaintances and fellow defenders of the fort. ### [Betty Zane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/characters/betty_zane) _romantic_ Alfred and Betty share a deep, passionate romantic bond, with Alfred as her devoted suitor and eventual husband. ### [Betty Zane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/characters/betty_zane) _romantic_ Alfred and Betty share a deep, passionate romantic bond, with Alfred as her devoted suitor and eventual husband. ### [Andrew Zane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/characters/andrew_zane) _friendship_ Alfred and Andrew are close friends and comrades, united by their mutual respect and shared frontier adventures. ### [Andrew Zane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/characters/andrew_zane) _friendship_ Alfred and Andrew are close friends and comrades, united by their mutual respect and shared frontier adventures. ### [Ralfe Miller](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/characters/ralfe_miller) _rivalry_ Alfred and Ralfe are bitter rivals, competing for Betty's affection and often clashing violently. ### [Colonel Ebenezer Zane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/characters/colonel_ebenezer_zane) _friendship_ Alfred and Colonel Ebenezer have a respectful friendship, with Ebenezer approving of Alfred's relationship with Betty. ## In the story ### [Betty Zane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/chapters/betty-zane) A newcomer to Fort Henry who becomes romantically involved with Betty. ### [The Zane Family and the Gathering Storm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/chapters/i) A young soldier who volunteers to return with Major McColloch to Fort Henry, described as a 'cavalier' by the girls. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/chapters/ii) Sent to fetch Betty; revealed as the rescuer of Isaac Zane; modest about his role. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/chapters/iii) Confesses his past to Betty and seeks her forgiveness; carries Betty home after her ankle injury and realizes he loves her. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/chapters/iv) Reveals his inner bitterness and fear of dying unknown; confesses his dislike for Ralfe Miller; impulsively kisses Betty and regrets it. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/chapters/viii) Alfred explains to Colonel Zane that he kissed Betty and wrote her a letter proposing marriage, which was never delivered. He is hurt by Betty's coldness and hopes to clear up the misunderstanding. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/chapters/xi) Confronts Miller, accuses him of knowing about the Indians on the island, and nearly fights him with knives. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/chapters/xii) Lies between life and death after Miller's knife thrust; nursed by Mrs. Zane and later by Betty. ### [The Siege Intensifies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/chapters/xiii) Braves enemy fire to extinguish the burning arrow on the blockhouse roof, saving the fort. ### [Chapter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/chapters/xiv) Desperately tries to prevent Betty from going, then rejoices when she returns safely. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/chapters/xv) Confesses his love for Betty to Colonel Zane, receives his blessing, and later meets Betty, hoping to reconcile. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/characters/alfred_clarke - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/betty_zane_se/characters