# Mr. Bott — Can You Forgive Her? character guide

> Mr. Bott in Can You Forgive Her? by Anthony Trollope.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Bott, this horrid Mr. Bott, poor Mr. Bott

**First appearance:** 0023-xxiv-three-politicians

## Snapshot

A sycophantic political hanger-on who ingratiates himself with the Pallisers, convinced he has gauged the very depths of the British Constitution.

## Who they are

Mr. Bott attaches himself to Plantagenet Palliser's rising star, eager to be seen as a kingmaker and to lecture younger Members on the true location of power in the House of Commons. He grandly declares that if Lord Brock does not bring Palliser into the Cabinet, Lord Brock will not long remain himself, and he speaks of a possible Bott Ministry with something like grandeur. His blend of genuine political gossip and absurd self-importance makes him both comic and useful, a weathervane for the ambitions and absurdities of the parliamentary world that surrounds the Pallisers.

## Relationships

### [Lady Glencora Palliser](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/lady_glencora_palliser)

_social_

Mr. Bott is a sycophantic political hanger-on who ingratiates himself with Glencora, much to her annoyance and suspicion.

### [Lady Glencora Palliser](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/lady_glencora_palliser)

_social_

Mr. Bott is a sycophantic political hanger-on who ingratiates himself with Glencora, much to her annoyance and suspicion.

### [Lady Glencora Palliser](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/lady_glencora_palliser)

_social_

Mr. Bott is a sycophantic political hanger-on who ingratiates himself with Glencora, much to her annoyance and suspicion.

## In the story

### [Dinner at Matching Priory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xxiii-dinner-at-matching-priory)

Mr. Bott is described as a tall man with red hair, a political link between the Duke and Mr. Palliser, and a potential private secretary. Lady Glencora suspects him of reporting her behavior.

### [Three Politicians](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xxiv-three-politicians)

A Radical MP from St. Helens, invited to Matching Priory for his political usefulness; he is socially awkward, rubs his hands, and annoys Lady Glencora with his mannerisms.

### [In Which Much of the History of the Pallisers Is Told](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xxv-in-which-much-of-the-history-of-the-pallisers-is-told)

Returns to Matching Priory and attempts to discuss Lady Glencora's behavior with Alice, who rebuffs him.

### [The Priory Ruins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xxvii-the-priory-ruins)

Objects to the walk and is excluded by Lady Glencora from joining.

### [Parliament Meets](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xlii-parliament-meets)

Sits close behind Mr. Palliser in the House, prompting him with figures during his speech.

### [George Vavasor Takes His Seat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xlv-george-vavasor-takes-his-seat)

Acts as George's guide and political ally, introducing him to the House and discussing party alignment with Mr. Palliser.

### [Preparations for Lady Monk's Party](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xlviii-preparations-for-lady-monk-s-party)

Wishes to attend Lady Monk's party; initially refused, but admitted after Mr. Palliser's wishes are made known.

### [XLIX: How Lady Glencora Went to Lady Monk’s Party](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/xlix-how-lady-glencora-went-to-lady-monk-s-party)

Attempts to greet Lady Glencora, but she refuses to shake his hand.

### [How Lady Glencora Came Back from Lady Monk's Party](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/l-how-lady-glencora-came-back-from-lady-monk-s-party)

Observes the waltzing couple with horror and advises Mrs. Marsham to fetch Mr. Palliser.

### [The Pallisers at Breakfast](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/chapters/lviii-the-pallisers-at-breakfast)

Acted as a spy at the party, standing at doors and glaring at Glencora. He later comforts himself with champagne. Glencora also declares she will not see him again.

### [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)

Mentioned as having been rejected earlier; George wrote him a mocking note of consolation.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters/mr_bott
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/can_you_forgive_her_se/characters