# George Vavasor — Can You Forgive Her? character guide > George Vavasor in Can You Forgive Her? by Anthony Trollope. **Role:** major **Also known as:** cousin George, Mr. George Vavasor, George, Mr. Vavasor **First appearance:** 0003-iv-george-vavasor-the-wild-man ## Snapshot A handsome, debt-ridden Radical and stockbroker who stands for Chelsea and courts his cousin Alice, George Vavasor carries four centuries of family pride and a temper he cannot govern. ## Who they are George is the black sheep heir to a fine estate, idolized by his sister Kate and half-feared by everyone else, whose political career and courtship of Alice both run on borrowed money and borrowed hope. He speaks of love as a task he finds difficult and of his dead fiancée's fortune with unsettling candor. His volatility makes him the dangerous alternative to John Grey, and the question of what he will do when thwarted shadows the middle of the book. ## Relationships ### [Kate Vavasor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/kate_vavasor) _family_ Kate is George's devoted sister who enables his schemes and ambitions, often sacrificing her own interests for his sake. ### [Alice Vavasor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/alice_vavasor) _romantic_ Alice is entangled in a toxic, on-again-off-again engagement with her ambitious and unscrupulous cousin George, driven by guilt and a sense of duty. ### [John Grey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/john_grey) _rivalry_ George views John Grey as a rival for Alice's hand and social standing, harboring deep jealousy and contempt. ### [Kate Vavasor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/kate_vavasor) _family_ Kate is George's devoted sister who enables his schemes and ambitions, often sacrificing her own interests for his sake. ### [Kate Vavasor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/kate_vavasor) _family_ Kate is George's devoted sister who enables his schemes and ambitions, often sacrificing her own interests for his sake. ### [John Grey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/john_grey) _rivalry_ George views John Grey as a rival for Alice's hand and social standing, harboring deep jealousy and contempt. ### [Alice Vavasor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/alice_vavasor) _romantic_ Alice is entangled in a toxic, on-again-off-again engagement with her ambitious and unscrupulous cousin George, driven by guilt and a sense of duty. ### [John Grey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/john_grey) _rivalry_ George views John Grey as a rival for Alice's hand and social standing, harboring deep jealousy and contempt. ### [Alice Vavasor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/alice_vavasor) _romantic_ Alice is entangled in a toxic, on-again-off-again engagement with her ambitious and unscrupulous cousin George, driven by guilt and a sense of duty. ## In the story ### [Lady Macleod](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/ii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/iii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/iv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/v-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/vi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/vii-aunt-greenow) Mentioned as having gone to Scotland for grouse shooting, but his movements are often secretive. ### [Nethercoats](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/x-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xiii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xiv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xvi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xvii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xxi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xxxii-containing-an-answer-to-the-love-letter) Receives Alice's letter; responds briefly, deprecating the delay but accepting her terms. ### [Monkshade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xxxiii-monkshade) Mentioned as having provided pecuniary assistance to Burgo Fitzgerald. ### [Mr. Vavasor Speaks to His Daughter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xxxiv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xxxv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xxxvi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xxxvii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xxxviii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xliv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xlv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xlvi-a-love-gift) Returns triumphant from his election, but becomes angry and violent when Alice withholds affection. ### [Bold Speculations on Murder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/li-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/lii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/liv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/lv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/lvii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/lx-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/lxi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/lxiii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/lxiv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/lxxi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/lxxii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/lxxiii-in-which-come-tidings-of-great-moment-to-all-pallisers) Discussed as having attacked Grey and fled to America; considered a miscreant by Palliser. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/george_vavasor - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters