# Lord M. — Clarissa character guide > Lord M. in Clarissa by Samuel Richardson. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Lord M., Lord M, poor Lord M. **First appearance:** 0001-clarissa ## Snapshot Lovelace's elderly, indulgent uncle, whose fondness for his nephew supplies both money and moral cover for schemes he never quite sees clearly. ## Who they are Lord M. is the head of the Lovelace family and the source of the fortune and standing that let his nephew move through the world as a gentleman of leisure and appetite. He dotes on Lovelace with a fondness that shades into blindness, forgiving debts, excusing absences, and lending the family name to enterprises he would surely condemn if he understood them. His indulgence matters because it removes every external check on his nephew: the reader sees early that no authority in the Lovelace line will intervene, which leaves Clarissa's fate to rest entirely on Lovelace's own conscience — a slender thread indeed. ## In the story ### [Letter 34: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-34-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mentioned as the host for Lovelace's friends; Lovelace plans to visit him to allay suspicions. ### [Letter 143: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-143-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq) Mentioned as having pressed Belford to persuade Lovelace to marry, giving family reasons. ### [Letter 170: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-170-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mentioned as impatient for Lovelace to marry; Lovelace suspects Belford corresponds with him. ### [Letter 187: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-187-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Lovelace considers inviting Lord M. to act as a father figure at the wedding, but hesitates due to Lord M.'s gout and his own impatience. ### [Letter 189: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-189-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq) Mentioned as a potential nuptial father for Clarissa; his letter to Belford is enclosed. ### [Letter 190: Lord M. to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-190-lord-m-to-john-belford-esq) Writes to Belford, expressing concern over Lovelace's delays and urging him to forward the match with Clarissa. ### [Letter 191: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-191-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Lovelace plans to use his letter to further his designs; recalls childhood aversion to his proverbs. ### [Letter 205: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-205-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Lovelace's uncle; his letter is described as foolish and full of nonsense. ### [Letter 206: Lord M. to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-206-lord-m-to-robert-lovelace-esq) Author of the letter; expresses his desire for Lovelace's marriage and reformation, and offers financial support. ### [Letter 207: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-207-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Lovelace writes to him declining his offer to officiate at the wedding and returning a bill. ### [Letter 218: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-218-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Sent a letter consenting to Lovelace's marriage and offering financial settlement, but Lovelace hides it from Clarissa. ### [Letter 265: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-265-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Lord M. is reported to be very ill, prompting Lovelace to consider the inheritance. ### [Letter 275: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-275-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Reported to be dangerously ill with gout in the stomach from drinking lemonade; Lovelace considers visiting him. ### [Letter 277: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-277-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mentioned as being in great danger; Lovelace must go to M. Hall due to his illness. ### [Letter 278: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-278-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Reported to be dying; sends his chariot to summon Lovelace to his bedside. ### [Letter 279: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-279-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Reported to be dying in great agony; Lovelace expresses a 'too compassionate heart' for him. ### [Letter 282: Mr. Lovelace, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-282-mr-lovelace-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Reported as being very ill with no hopes from Dr. S.; he sends his most affectionate compliments to Clarissa and has prepared a set of jewels for her. ### [Letter 284: Mr. Lovelace, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-284-mr-lovelace-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Is extremely ill and wishes to salute Clarissa as his niece before he dies. ### [Letter 285: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-285-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Lovelace's uncle, who is dangerously ill; Lovelace mentions his illness and his own plans regarding the inheritance. ### [Letter 290: To Captain Tomlinson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-290-to-captain-tomlinson) Extremely ill and impatient to see Clarissa as his niece before he dies. ### [Letter 294: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-294-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Has recovered from gout, disappointing Lovelace's hopes of inheriting his estate. ### [Letter 306: Miss Cl. Harlowe, to Lady Betty Lawrance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-306-miss-cl-harlowe-to-lady-betty-lawrance) Mentioned as having a letter forged by Lovelace. ### [Letter 321: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-321-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Lovelace's uncle, who is ill with gout and enjoys hearing Lovelace's roguish stories despite his religious practices. ### [Letter 322: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-322-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Lord M. is mentioned as being full of Miss Harlowe and pressing Lovelace to marry her honorably, but Lovelace deflects his inquiries. ### [Letter 323: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-323-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Present at the confrontation; glum and skeptical of Lovelace's sincerity, doubting he can be serious for long. ### [Letter 324: Mr. Lovelace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-324-mr-lovelace) Participates in the conference, demands justice for Clarissa, and calls Lovelace a devil. ### [Letter 325: Mr. Lovelace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-325-mr-lovelace) Presses Lovelace for a firm commitment to marry, warns against quibbling, and approves Lovelace's pledge. ### [Letter 369: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-369-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as one of the noble relations to whom Clarissa sends respectful compliments. ### [Letter 371: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-371-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Lovelace mentions being tired of him during his recovery. ### [Letter 375: Mrs. Norton, to Mrs. Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-375-mrs-norton-to-mrs-harlowe) Mentioned as one of those who applied to Clarissa to forgive and marry Lovelace. ### [Letter 383: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-383-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Present at the reading of the letters; Lovelace proposes that Lord M. give Clarissa away at the wedding. ### [Letter 384: Miss Montague, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-384-miss-montague-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Included among the family members who admire Clarissa's virtues and would do everything to make amends. ### [Letter 386: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Montague](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-386-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-montague) Mentioned as one whose authority Clarissa hopes will be used to persuade Lovelace. ### [Letter 394: Miss Montague, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-394-miss-montague-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Has forbidden Lovelace from his apartments and, along with Lady Sarah and Lady Betty, offers Clarissa a quarterly allowance. ### [Letter 395: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-395-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Lovelace mentions the household is broken into factions; he lords it in the state part of the house while the family avoids him. ### [Letter 397: Mr. Lovelace to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-397-mr-lovelace-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mentioned as one of those Lovelace despises for presuming to control him. ### [Letter 398: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Lord M. and to the Ladies of His House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-398-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-lord-m-and-to-the-ladies-of-his-house) Addressee of the letter; Clarissa urges him to forgive Lovelace. ### [Letter 400: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-400-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq) Shows generosity toward Clarissa, along with the ladies of his family. ### [Letter 410: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-410-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Lord M. visits Lovelace, brings the parish priest, and prays by his bedside. ### [Letter 415: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-415-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Thinks Clarissa ought to permit Lovelace one interview; his opinion carries weight with Lovelace. ### [Letter 417: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-417-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Appears in Lovelace's dream interceding for him. ### [Letter 423: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-423-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Lovelace plans to visit him tomorrow night. ### [Letter 439: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-439-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Participates in toasts and expects proposals from the Harlowes; believes the family may be using Morden's visit to negotiate. ### [Letter 442: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-442-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Supports Lovelace's claims and confirms the family's offers of mediation to Clarissa. ### [Letter 443: Mr. Lovelace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-443-mr-lovelace) Present during the conference; hopes for reconciliation and comments on Brand's letter. ### [Letter 447: Colonel Morden, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-447-colonel-morden-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Present during Morden's meeting with Lovelace; his family desires an alliance with Clarissa. ### [Letter 449: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-449-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mentioned as seeing deceit in Clarissa's letter, though Lovelace's cousins defend her. ### [Letter 496: Mr. Mowbray, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-496-mr-mowbray-to-john-belford-esq) Afflicted at Clarissa's death; he has been brought to Lovelace and desires Belford to continue his accounts. ### [Letter 497: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-497-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mentioned as having been sent for to control Lovelace, who resents his arrival. ### [Letter 498: Mr. Belford, to Richard Mowbray, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-498-mr-belford-to-richard-mowbray-esq) Is with Lovelace during his frenzy. ### [Letter 509: Mr. Belford, to the Right Hon. Lord M.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-509-mr-belford-to-the-right-hon-lord-m) Recipient of the letter; mentioned in Clarissa's will with gratitude. ### [Letter 512: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-512-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mentioned in Lovelace's reference to 'Lord M.'s style' regarding wits going a-woolgathering. ### [Letter 513: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-513-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mentioned as having corresponded with Belford and Charlotte. ### [Letter 515: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-515-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Debates with Lovelace about legal and moral responsibility for Clarissa's death. ### [Letter 525: Lord M. to John Belford, Esq. M. Hall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-525-lord-m-to-john-belford-esq-m-hall) Writes to Belford about Lovelace's departure and his concerns about Morden. ### [Letter 527: Mr. Belford, to Lord M.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-527-mr-belford-to-lord-m) Recipient of the letter; invited Belford to M. Hall. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/lord_m - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters