Charlotte Temple · Character

Mr. Temple

Charlotte's generous father, a man of feeling whose instinct to relieve suffering extends even to the woman who helped destroy his daughter.

supporting

Also known as Temple, II Domestic Concerns Mr. Temple

First appearance: II: Domestic Concerns

As a supporting figure in Charlotte Temple, Mr. Temple is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Charlotte's father, a figure of parental love and concern, who later visits her grave.

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Mr. Temple is defined by an impulsive, noble-hearted charity — he shelters a stranger on his doorstep without pausing to weigh the cost. That same warmth makes his grief over Charlotte's fate almost unbearable, and his forgiveness of those who wronged her becomes a moral test of the novel's values. His presence anchors the story's argument that sensibility, rightly used, is virtue rather than weakness.

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See Mr. Temple in II: Domestic Concerns

Character Web

4 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Supporting and minor characters
Secondary family and author
Main characters and antagonists
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because Montraville reaches an emotional and psychological peak of internal confli…

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In the story

Mr. Temple appears across 15 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Charlotte Temple
Charlotte's father, a figure of parental love and concern, who later visits her grave.
II: Domestic Concerns
Introduced as a benevolent younger son who values internal happiness over outward show; visits Captain Eldridge in prison and offers assistance.
III: Unexpected Misfortunes
Listener to Mr. Eldridge's tale; offers philosophical comfort.
IV: Change of Fortune
Visits Eldridge in prison, resolves to mortgage his fortune to relieve him, and is confronted by his father about his intentions toward Lucy.
VIII: Domestic Pleasures Planned
Initially resists indulging Charlotte but is persuaded by his wife's tenderness and virtue.
X: When We Have Excited Curiosity, It Is but an Act of Good Nature to Gratify It
Mentioned as Charlotte's father who would likely oppose a marriage to Montraville.
XI: Conflict of Love and Duty
Mentioned as the father Charlotte fears would curse the hour of her birth if she elopes.
XIV: Maternal Sorrow
Struggles to contain his sorrow while comforting his wife after reading Charlotte's note.
XV: Embarkation
Searches for Charlotte and expresses willingness to forgive her if she returns.
XXII: Sorrows of the Heart
Mentioned in Charlotte's letter as a beloved father whose anger she fears.
XXV: Reception of a Letter
Grieves over Charlotte's absence, reads her letter aloud, and resolves to travel to New York to bring her home.
XXIX: We Go Forward Again
Charlotte's father; Charlotte fears his affection is alienated or his heart broken.
XXXIII: Which People Void of Feeling Need Not Read
Arrives in search of Charlotte, reunites with her, and holds her infant as she dies.
Retribution
Appears at Charlotte's grave as her grieving father; confronts Montraville but forgives him, leaving judgment to Heaven.
Conclusion
Returns to England with his family; shows compassion to the repentant Mrs. Crayton.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. Temple in II: Domestic Concerns

See Mr. Temple in Charlotte Temple