Lady Macleod
Mentioned as Alice's cousin and traveling companion; Lady Macleod disapproves of him due to his wild reputation.
John Grey, the Worthy Man
George dines with John Grey and Alice, offering a guarded assessment of John Grey's character, though his praise is seen as calculated.
George Vavasor, the Wild Man
The chapter's central focus, detailing his career, his violent temper, his ambition, his broken engagement with Alice, his quarrel with his grandfather, his failed election, and his current life as a stockbroker.
The Balcony at Basle
Enjoys the tour as a despot; philosophizes about marriage and poetry; asks Alice about her wedding date.
The Bridge Over the Rhine
George is evasive when Kate presses him to pursue Alice, expressing uncertainty about his feelings and reluctance to interfere with her engagement.
Aunt Greenow
Mentioned as having gone to Scotland for grouse shooting, but his movements are often secretive.
Nethercoats
Mentioned as having been described in Alice's letters as idle, and as one of the influences on Alice's mind.
John Grey Goes to London
Though not present, George's political ambitions and past romance with Alice influence her current restlessness and desire for a more exciting life.
Mr. George Vavasor at Home
The chapter centers on George's secretive lifestyle, his political ambitions, and his private reflections on Alice's letter.
Mr. Grimes Gets His Odd Money
George Vavasor is the candidate for Chelsea, negotiating with Mr. Grimes and Mr. Scruby over election expenses. He reluctantly accepts a bill for ninety-two pounds to secure Grimes's services.
Alice Vavasor Becomes Troubled
George visits Alice, discusses his political ambitions and his sister Kate's future, and cunningly leads Alice to reveal that she is no longer thinking of Nethercoats.
The Roebury Club
Arrives at Roebury for hunting; plays whist at the Roebury Club; discusses his horse and political ambitions; is the subject of gossip among club members.
Edgehill
Attends the hunt at Edgehill, rides chestnut mare and brown horse, remains solitary and focused on the chase.
Alice Is Taught to Grow Upwards, Towards the Light
George visits Alice in London, having learned of her trip to Matching Priory from Burgo Fitzgerald. He confronts her about being kept in the dark and demands an explanation. After Alice explains, they reconcile as friends.
XXIX: Burgo Fitzgerald
George Vavasor hosts Burgo in his rooms and listens to his plans. He is skeptical of Burgo's intentions, particularly regarding Lady Glencora's money, and engages in a cynical dialogue about morality and practicality.
XXX: Containing a Love Letter
Sits alone contemplating marriage, writes a love letter to Alice, and later collects money for Burgo Fitzgerald.
XXXII: Containing an Answer to the Love Letter
Receives Alice's letter; responds briefly, deprecating the delay but accepting her terms.
Monkshade
Mentioned as having provided pecuniary assistance to Burgo Fitzgerald.
Mr. Vavasor Speaks to His Daughter
Discussed as the fiancé; Mr. Vavasor condemns him as a reckless, penniless adventurer, and Alice begins to question his worth.
Passion Versus Prudence
George arrives in brighter attire, demands affection from Alice, but is motivated by financial need and suppresses his anger.
John Grey Goes a Second Time to London
Mentioned as the man Alice has accepted; Grey and Mr. Vavasor discuss his character and financial ruin.
Mr. Tombe’s Advice
Alice's cousin and fiancé, who is to receive money from John Grey's stores to test his motives regarding the marriage.
The Inn at Shap
Arrives at Shap to pressure Kate into asking Alice for money; refuses to apologize to the Squire; struggles with shame over borrowing from Alice.
XLI: A Noble Lord Dies
Visits his grandfather's house for four days, refuses to drink wine or be conciliatory, and leaves after Aunt Greenow's refusal. He later learns of the Marquis's impending death and commits to the by-election, spending Alice's money.
The Election for the Chelsea Districts
Campaigns for Parliament in Chelsea, adopting the River Bank embankment as his platform; wins the election but faces financial strain.
George Vavasor Takes His Seat
Takes his seat in the House of Commons, feeling both triumph and disillusionment; reflects on his moral failings and the cost of his ambition.
XLVI: A Love Gift
Returns triumphant from his election, but becomes angry and violent when Alice withholds affection.
Bold Speculations on Murder
Broods over Alice's slight, fantasizes about murdering the Squire, and investigates Mr. Tombe's role in his finances.
What Occurred in Suffolk Street, Pall Mall
Confronts John Grey about the secret payments, feeling betrayed by Alice and Grey.
LIII: The Last Will of the Old Squire
Mentioned as the heir and brother; Kate debates whether to summon him, fearing his presence might harm his inheritance.
Showing How Alice Was Punished
Receives news of his grandfather's death but delays travel to see his attorney. On the train, he meets his uncle coldly and makes a bitter remark about the Squire's 'latest act of injustice.'
The Will
Furious and violent after learning he is disinherited; accuses the attorney of roguery and threatens to contest the will.
LVI: Another Walk on the Fells
Furious about the will, he pressures Kate to support his claim of mental incompetence and physically assaults her when she refuses.
Showing How the Wild Beast Got Himself Back from the Mountains
Walks across the mountains in the rain, cursing his family and fate; plans to return to London to get money from Alice.
Alice Vavasor's Name Gets Into the Money Market
George sends Mr. Levy to Alice with the bills, then presents them to Mr. Scruby, hoping to convert them into ready money for his election expenses.
The Bills Are Made All Right
Successfully extracts money from Alice through the bills, though his scheme is noted.
Mr. John Grey in Queen Anne Street
Mentioned as having disappeared after the will reading; Alice reflects on her broken engagement with him.
The Rocks and Valleys
Referenced as having behaved badly and broken Kate's arm accidentally; Kate cannot forgive his unworthiness.
Showing How George Vavasor Received a Visit
Defeated in election, financially ruined, contemplates suicide, and vents his rage against his dead grandfather.
Showing How George Vavasor Paid a Visit
After losing the election, he prepares to flee London, adopts the alias Gregory Vance, and confronts John Grey before departing for America.
In Which Come Tidings of Great Moment to All Pallisers
Discussed as having attacked Grey and fled to America; considered a miscreant by Palliser.