# Rex Gascoigne — Daniel Deronda character guide

> Rex Gascoigne in Daniel Deronda by George Eliot.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Rex, the sweet-natured Rex, Poor Rex

**First appearance:** 0007-iii

## Snapshot

Gwendolen's sweet-natured cousin, whose honest heart and sudden infatuation with her collide with his father's stern plans for his career.

## Who they are

Rex Gascoigne is the rector's son, a decent, unremarkable young man whose life is mapped out in terms of terms at Cambridge and a respectable future, until he falls hopelessly in love with his dazzling cousin Gwendolen. His father's rebuke—that he is not 'loosened from all bonds of duty'—exposes the generational pressure and masculine code that surround him. His rejected devotion establishes Gwendolen's power over others early and gives the novel a portrait of ordinary goodness wounded by her ambition.

## In the story

### [Book I: The Spoiled Child](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/daniel_deronda_se/chapters/book-i-the-spoiled-child)

Gwendolen's cousin, who is infatuated with her and appears in the chapter as a hopeful suitor.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/daniel_deronda_se/chapters/vi)

Rex is described as a fine open-hearted youth, beloved by Anna, and expected to bring animation to Offendene.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/daniel_deronda_se/chapters/vii)

Follows Gwendolen on the hunt, falls from his horse, dislocates his shoulder, and is helped by a blacksmith.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/daniel_deronda_se/chapters/viii)

Lies ill and apathetic after Gwendolen's rejection, eventually rises but feels lost; argues with his father about going to the colonies but reluctantly agrees to try his father's plan.

### [Book IV: Gwendolen Gets Her Choice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/daniel_deronda_se/chapters/book-iv-gwendolen-gets-her-choice)

Previously rejected by Gwendolen, his absence underscores her choice.

### [Chapter XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/daniel_deronda_se/chapters/xxxvii)

Mentioned as a former student of Hans, with a sketch of his face among Hans's drawings.

### [LVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/daniel_deronda_se/chapters/lviii)

Rex is deeply shaken by the news of Grandcourt's death, struggling with renewed hope and shame over his persistent love for Gwendolen.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/daniel_deronda_se/characters/rex_gascoigne
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/daniel_deronda_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/daniel_deronda_se/characters