# Kate Vavasor — Can You Forgive Her? character guide > Kate Vavasor in Can You Forgive Her? by Anthony Trollope. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Kate, Dearest Kate **First appearance:** 0000-i-mr-vavasor-and-his-daughter ## Snapshot Alice's loyal, sharp-tongued cousin and George's devoted sister, Kate Vavasor schemes for her brother's happiness with a pragmatism Alice lacks. ## Who they are Kate moves between Alice's confidences and George's ambitions, idolizing her brother so completely that she would spend her last farthing on his next election. She manages the awkward comedy of their aunt Mrs. Greenow's suitors with dry efficiency, and her letters to Alice are full of wit at others' expense. Her fierce partisanship for George makes her both a useful ally and a warning, since her faith in him exceeds anything the novel's evidence supports. ## Relationships ### [George Vavasor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/george_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) _social_ John Grey interacts with Kate primarily through her connection to Alice, maintaining a polite but distant acquaintance. ### [Mrs. Greenow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/mrs_greenow) _family_ Kate is Mrs. Greenow's niece, and their relationship is marked by Kate's deference and Mrs. Greenow's worldly advice. ### [Alice Vavasor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/alice_vavasor) _family_ Alice and Kate are cousins who share a close bond, though Kate's loyalty to her brother George often creates tension. ### [Captain Bellfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/captain_bellfield) _social_ Captain Bellfield is polite and charming toward Kate as part of his courtship of her aunt, Mrs. Greenow. ### [George Vavasor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/george_vavasor) _family_ Kate is George's devoted sister who enables his schemes and ambitions, often sacrificing her own interests for his sake. ### [George Vavasor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/george_vavasor) _family_ Kate is George's devoted sister who enables his schemes and ambitions, often sacrificing her own interests for his sake. ### [Mrs. Greenow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/mrs_greenow) _family_ Kate is Mrs. Greenow's niece, and their relationship is marked by Kate's deference and Mrs. Greenow's worldly advice. ### [John Grey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/john_grey) _social_ John Grey interacts with Kate primarily through her connection to Alice, maintaining a polite but distant acquaintance. ### [Captain Bellfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/captain_bellfield) _social_ Captain Bellfield is polite and charming toward Kate as part of his courtship of her aunt, Mrs. Greenow. ### [Alice Vavasor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/alice_vavasor) _family_ Alice and Kate are cousins who share a close bond, though Kate's loyalty to her brother George often creates tension. ### [Mrs. Greenow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/mrs_greenow) _family_ Kate is Mrs. Greenow's niece, and their relationship is marked by Kate's deference and Mrs. Greenow's worldly advice. ## In the story ### [Lady Macleod](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/ii-lady-macleod) Alice's cousin and co-organizer of the Swiss tour; mentioned as part of the traveling party. ### [John Grey, the Worthy Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/iii-john-grey-the-worthy-man) Kate argues with Alice about her feelings toward John Grey and George, revealing her loyalty to her brother and her frustration with Alice's ambiguity. ### [George Vavasor, the Wild Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/iv-george-vavasor-the-wild-man) George's sister, who walks with him after dinner and urges him to pursue Alice, revealing her deep affection for both George and Alice. ### [The Balcony at Basle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/v-the-balcony-at-basle) Praises the tour's success despite financial ruin; leaves Alice and George alone on the balcony. ### [The Bridge Over the Rhine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/vi-the-bridge-over-the-rhine) Kate passionately argues that Alice should marry George instead of John Grey, revealing her own deep emotional dependence on her brother and her hatred for Grey. ### [Aunt Greenow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/vii-aunt-greenow) Accompanies her aunt to Yarmouth, resists her aunt's overbearing matchmaking, and is nearly thirty with a small fortune. ### [Mr. Cheesacre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/viii-mr-cheesacre) Remains upstairs during the packing, avoiding Mr. Cheesacre's advances. ### [The Rivals](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/ix-the-rivals) Present at the picnic; she dances with Captain Bellfield and is noted by Cheesacre as having 'literally nothing' in fortune. ### [Nethercoats](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/x-nethercoats) Mentioned as obedient to her brother's behests and as one of the companions influencing Alice. ### [John Grey Goes to London](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xi-john-grey-goes-to-london) Kate is mentioned as someone Alice might confide in later, and whose political enthusiasm Alice envies. ### [Mr. George Vavasor at Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xii-mr-george-vavasor-at-home) Mentioned as the recipient of Alice's letter, which she forwarded to George; she is also the author of a longer letter to George. ### [Alice Vavasor Becomes Troubled](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xiv-alice-vavasor-becomes-troubled) Kate is revealed as a schemer who withheld part of Alice's letter from George and is determined to bring about a marriage between Alice and her brother. ### [Paramount Crescent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xv-paramount-crescent) Kate is referenced indirectly through Alice's thoughts about her letters and influence. ### [Tribute from Oileymead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xix-tribute-from-oileymead) Stays with Mrs. Greenow in Norwich, resists being used as a decoy for Mr. Cheesacre's courtship of her aunt. ### [XX: Which Shall It Be?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xx-which-shall-it-be) Attends Sunday dinner and evening church with Charlie Fairstairs. ### [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) Kate is mentioned as having been cautioned by Alice not to speak of her movements, but she inadvertently revealed the information to George after he already knew. ### [XXX: Containing a Love Letter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xxx-containing-a-love-letter) Mentioned in George's recollection of a past conversation about Alice's views on Glencora's promise. ### [Among the Fells](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xxxi-among-the-fells) Kate accompanies Alice on the walk to Swindale Fell, reads Aunt Greenow's letter aloud, and reminisces about the past. She is playful and observant about her aunt's romantic affairs. ### [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) Supports Alice's decision but objects to her offering money to George before marriage. ### [Mr. Vavasor Speaks to His Daughter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xxxiv-mr-vavasor-speaks-to-his-daughter) Left at Vavasor Hall with her grandfather; mentioned as having influenced Alice's decision to accept George. ### [Passion Versus Prudence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xxxv-passion-versus-prudence) Kate is mentioned as having informed George of Alice's return. ### [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 having been near Alice and comforting her when she wrote to George. ### [Mr. Tombe’s Advice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xxxvii-mr-tombe-s-advice) Mentioned as one of the cousins who influenced Alice's decision, though not present in the chapter. ### [The Inn at Shap](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xxxviii-the-inn-at-shap) Resists George's request to approach Alice for money; offers her own funds and suggests Mrs. Greenow; tries to reconcile George with the Squire. ### [XLI: A Noble Lord Dies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xli-a-noble-lord-dies) Tries to mediate between George and the Squire, fails, and reluctantly writes to Alice to request the thousand pounds for George's election. ### [The Election for the Chelsea Districts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xliv-the-election-for-the-chelsea-districts) Mentioned as a potential intermediary for George's financial requests, but he bypasses her due to time constraints. ### [XLVI: A Love Gift](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xlvi-a-love-gift) Writes a joyful letter celebrating George's election, unaware of the tensions. ### [Mr. Cheesacre's Disappointment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xlvii-mr-cheesacre-s-disappointment) Proposed by Mrs. Greenow as a potential wife for Mr. Cheesacre, but he shows no interest. ### [Bold Speculations on Murder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/li-bold-speculations-on-murder) Mentioned as a conduit through which John Grey's name reached George. ### [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) Mentioned as possibly complicit in George's mind, but not present. ### [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) Nurses her grandfather faithfully, manages household, and writes letters to George and Mrs. Greenow about the Squire's condition and new will. ### [Showing How Alice Was Punished](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/liv-showing-how-alice-was-punished) Alone at Vavasor Hall after the Squire's death, she reads Alice's letter and is filled with shame and indignation at George's behavior. She writes to Alice affirming their friendship and sends messages to her brother and aunt. ### [The Will](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/lv-the-will) Beneficiary of the will, inheriting a life interest; remains composed and grateful for her grandfather's kindness. ### [LVI: Another Walk on the Fells](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/lvi-another-walk-on-the-fells) Defends her grandfather's mental clarity, refuses to lie for George, and is pushed to the ground during their argument. ### [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) Reflects on her brother's violence and her shattered devotion; resolves to never see him again; considers her future with her inheritance. ### [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) Writes to Alice with her left hand after breaking her arm; Alice plans to visit her in Westmoreland. ### [The Rocks and Valleys](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/lxiv-the-rocks-and-valleys) Nursing her broken arm and discussing her aunt's marriage plans; she feels ashamed of her brother's behavior and wishes to reunite Alice and John Grey. ### [LXV: The First Kiss](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/lxv-the-first-kiss) Expresses relief at Cheesacre's departure and agrees to be the bridesmaid at Mrs. Greenow's wedding. ### [From Baden to Lucerne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/lxix-from-baden-to-lucerne) Writes to Alice from London about Mrs. Greenow's wedding, the Squire's death, and her own desolation. ### [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) Learns of her brother's disappearance through Captain Bellfield and Mrs. Bunsby. ### [Showing What Happened in the Churchyard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/lxxiv-showing-what-happened-in-the-churchyard) Mentioned in Alice's thoughts as having been with her during the previous year's visit to Lucerne, associated with George Vavasor. ### [The Travellers Return Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/lxxvii-the-travellers-return-home) Writes to Alice with congratulations and news of Mrs. Greenow's wedding. ### [Mr. Cheesacre's Fate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/lxxviii-mr-cheesacre-s-fate) Acts as a bridesmaid and confides in Alice about Mrs. Greenow's plans for Cheesacre. ### [LXXIX: Diamonds Are Diamonds](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/lxxix-diamonds-are-diamonds) Nervous about meeting John Grey for the first time and intimidated by the Pallisers' rank and wealth. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/kate_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