# Mr. Solmes — Clarissa character guide > Mr. Solmes in Clarissa by Samuel Richardson. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Solmes, Mr. Solmes, Squire Solmes **First appearance:** 0001-clarissa ## Snapshot The wealthy, repulsive suitor the Harlowes have chosen for Clarissa, whose very name makes her recoil and whose courtship is enforced by family tyranny. ## Who they are Solmes is the rich, unattractive man the Harlowe family—especially Clarissa's brother and sister—insist she must marry for money and alliance, despite her open loathing. His awkward, grasping presence and the family's coercive tactics, including a staged fire to manipulate her, embody the domestic pressure that drives Clarissa toward desperation. He matters because his unwanted suit is the immediate engine of the plot: it forces Clarissa to consider escape, setting the whole tragedy in motion. ## Relationships ### [Sir Harry Downeton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/sir_harry_downeton) _social_ Solmes and Sir Harry are likely acquaintances within the same social or business circles. ### [Sir Harry Downeton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/sir_harry_downeton) _social_ Solmes and Sir Harry are likely acquaintances within the same social or business circles. ## In the story ### [Clarissa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/clarissa) The wealthy but odious suitor favored by Clarissa's family, whose proposal she vehemently rejects. ### [Letter 7: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-7-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Introduced as the proposed suitor; Clarissa finds him hideous and is disgusted by him. ### [Letter 8: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-8-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) The suitor favored by Clarissa's family; Clarissa finds him illiterate and unappealing. ### [Letter 9: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-9-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) The suitor Clarissa is pressured to accept; she refuses him absolutely. ### [Letter 10: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-10-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mentioned as the proposed suitor for Clarissa, whom Anna considers a preposterous match. ### [Letter 11: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-11-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as the man to whom Clarissa prefers Lovelace. ### [Letter 13: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-13-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) The suitor promoted by Clarissa's family; described as having great fortunes but poor character. ### [Letter 14: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-14-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) The suitor Clarissa is being forced to accept; she expresses hatred for him in that light. ### [Letter 15: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-15-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) The odious suitor proposed by the Harlowes, whom Clarissa is being pressured to marry. ### [Letter 16: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-16-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Described as confident, bold, and physically disagreeable; his presence at breakfast provokes Clarissa's aversion. ### [Letter 17: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-17-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Solmes is the suitor proposed by Clarissa's family; Clarissa expresses strong dislike for him. ### [Letter 19: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-19-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) The suitor Clarissa refuses to marry, citing moral and personal objections. ### [Letter 20: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-20-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Solmes is the proposed suitor, though he does not appear; his settlements are drawn and his match is the central point of contention. ### [Letter 21: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-21-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Arrives unexpectedly and is the object of Clarissa's disdain; he awkwardly attempts to engage her but is rebuffed. ### [Letter 22: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-22-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Boasts of his impending marriage to Clarissa, as reported by Lovelace. ### [Letter 26: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-26-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as the suitor Clarissa refuses to consider, and whom she would not marry even if Lovelace did not exist. ### [Letter 27: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-27-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Described as odious and physically repulsive, with a hideous smile and unappealing demeanor. ### [Letter 28: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-28-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Clarissa concedes his person is not as horrible as Anna paints him, but his mind is contemptible. ### [Letter 29: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-29-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) The man Clarissa is being forced to marry; she expresses strong antipathy toward him. ### [Letter 31: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-31-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) The rival suitor favored by the Harlowes; described as unpromising in person and qualities. ### [Letter 32: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-32-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Proposed suitor; Clarissa describes him as narrow, covetous, coarse, and indelicate, and declares she would never marry him even if Lovelace did not exist. ### [Letter 33: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-33-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Receives Clarissa's letter and responds, refusing to give up his pursuit and asserting his determination. ### [Letter 36: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-36-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as the suitor Clarissa's family is forcing upon her; Lovelace contrasts himself unfavorably with Solmes. ### [Letter 37: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-37-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mentioned as the suitor proposed by Clarissa's family, whom Anna dismisses as unworthy. ### [Letter 39: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-39-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Solmes is the suitor the family is forcing upon Clarissa; the treaty with him is said to be concluded, and he is willing to overlook Clarissa's reluctance. ### [Letter 40: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-40-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Reported by Betty Barnes as boasting that he is sure of Clarissa and that fear is a better security than love; Clarissa finds him horrid and degrading. ### [Letter 41: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-41-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Visits the Harlowes and asks to see Clarissa, but she refuses; he condescends to plead for her. ### [Letter 42: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-42-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as the suitor Clarissa refuses; his presence at the house prevented her father's anger. ### [Letter 44: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-44-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) The suitor Clarissa is being pressured to marry; she expresses strong aversion to him. ### [Letter 45: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-45-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Referenced as the suitor Clarissa refuses; his riches and settlements are urged by the family. ### [Letter 50: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-50-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) The suitor the family wants Clarissa to accept; the move to uncle Antony's is designed to force her to receive his visits. ### [Letter 51: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-51-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as the suitor Clarissa is being pressured to accept; he is said to be uneasy about her constraint and willing to give her freedom if she remains unmoved. ### [Letter 52: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-52-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as exulting over the letter and as the suitor Clarissa is pressured to accept. ### [Letter 53: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-53-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Overheard laughing with James and Arabella; declares he will persevere while James gives him hope. ### [Letter 55: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-55-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Clarissa notes that if he were like Mr. Hickman, her family would not have disagreed with her; she questions why Lovelace threatens him. ### [Letter 56: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-56-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Described as a 'wretch' who intends to govern by fear and values Clarissa's estate over her affection. ### [Letter 57: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-57-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Clarissa's suitor; she describes him as lacking generosity and manners, and fears his vengeance. ### [Letter 59: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-59-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Sends a letter to Clarissa requesting a meeting, claiming to have information about Lovelace's designs; Clarissa suspects it is a device to force her company. ### [Letter 60: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-60-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as the suitor Clarissa refuses; his ill qualities are glossed over by her uncle. ### [Letter 63: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-63-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) The suitor Clarissa is being forced to marry; she reiterates her determination to choose death over him. ### [Letter 64: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-64-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as the suitor Clarissa's family is forcing upon her, whom she continues to abhor. ### [Letter 66: Mr. Hickman, to Mrs. Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-66-mr-hickman-to-mrs-howe) Referenced as a comparison: Mr. Hickman notes he could not continue his addresses in the face of distaste, unlike Solmes with Clarissa. ### [Letter 67: Mrs. Howe, to Charles Hickman, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-67-mrs-howe-to-charles-hickman-esq) Referenced as a comparison for Hickman's doubts about Nancy's treatment. ### [Letter 68: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-68-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mentioned in the context of the impending interview with Clarissa; Anna doubts he can succeed in winning her. ### [Letter 69: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-69-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Referenced as an unwanted suitor, representing the 'sands' Clarissa fears striking upon. ### [Letter 73: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-73-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Clarissa believes he is as afraid of seeing her as she is of him, and she resists being forced to marry him. ### [Letter 76: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-76-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) The suitor Clarissa is being forced to meet; she finds his presumptuous preparations abhorrent. ### [Letter 77: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-77-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) The suitor Clarissa is being forced to meet; she expresses aversion and disdain for him. ### [Letter 78: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-78-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Presented as a suitor; awkward and persistent, despite Clarissa's clear rejection. ### [Letter 79: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-79-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Present in the house; Clarissa's brother forces her to see him, but she vehemently rejects him. ### [Letter 81: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-81-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe) Mentioned as the suitor Clarissa rejected; Anna criticizes his unworthiness. ### [Letter 82: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-82-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Solmes is the suitor Clarissa is being forced to marry; she would rather escape to London than become his wife. ### [Letter 84: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-84-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) The suitor Clarissa is being forced to marry; appears in her dream as part of a plot. ### [Letter 86: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-86-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Present at the Harlowe house, dining with his 'new relations'; Clarissa avoids him. ### [Letter 89: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-89-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Referenced in Clarissa's critique of his 'pitiful plea' and as the suitor her family presses upon her. ### [Letter 91: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-91-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Implied as the suitor Clarissa is being pressured to accept; the family hopes to force compliance before Wednesday. ### [Letter 94: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-94-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as the suitor Clarissa is being forced to marry; Lovelace warns of imminent wedding. ### [Letter 95: Mr. Lovelace, to Joseph Leman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-95-mr-lovelace-to-joseph-leman) Mentioned as the rival suitor whom Clarissa would be lost to if the plan fails. ### [Letter 102: To Miss Arabella Harlowe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-102-to-miss-arabella-harlowe) The man Clarissa was being forced to marry, which motivated her elopement. ### [Letter 106: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-106-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Mentioned as the hideous suitor Clarissa was to marry. ### [Letter 113: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-113-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as the intended victim of Lovelace's plan to abduct and hide him for a month or two. ### [Letter 114: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-114-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Lovelace had threatened him as well, but now claims it was not serious. ### [Letter 115: Mr. Lovelace, to John Belford, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-115-mr-lovelace-to-john-belford-esq) Referenced as a rival whom the Harlowes would give up; Lovelace menaces him. ### [Letter 137: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-137-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Mentioned as the suitor Clarissa fled to avoid. ### [Letter 139: To Robert Lovelace, Esq. His Honner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-139-to-robert-lovelace-esq-his-honner) Mentioned as the one who planned to tell Clarissa about Lovelace's past misdeeds, including the Miss Batirton affair. ### [Letter 143: Mr. Belford, to Robert Lovelace, Esq.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-143-mr-belford-to-robert-lovelace-esq) Referenced as a potential husband Clarissa risked being forced to marry, which Lovelace used as a pretext. ### [Letter 145: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-145-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Referenced as the disgustful suitor Clarissa was pressured to marry, against whom she felt an insuperable aversion. ### [Letter 173: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-173-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe) Referenced as the suitor Clarissa's family prefers; Colonel Morden advises her to marry him. ### [Letter 301: Mrs. Norton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-301-mrs-norton) Mentioned as part of a rumored journey with James and Captain Singleton, but Mrs. Norton has heard nothing of it. ### [Letter 504: Colonel Morden](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-504-colonel-morden) Reported to be in a remote part of the church, shedding tears. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters/mr_solmes - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clarissa_se/characters