Democracy · Character

Mr. Carrington

A principled Virginia lawyer and former Confederate soldier whose quiet loyalty to Madeleine masks a deep, unspoken love and a painful past.

major

Also known as Carrington, John Carrington

First appearance: i

As a major figure in Democracy, Mr. Carrington is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Advises French that senators will not reform anything; present at the dinner and later invited to Schneidekoupon's event.

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Carrington is a gentleman of the old South, a pardoned rebel who now practices law in Washington and serves as Madeleine's most trusted friend and advisor. He carries the scars of the war and a hopeless devotion to Madeleine, which makes him both her protector and a silent rival to Ratcliffe. His moral clarity and personal sacrifice provide a counterweight to the political cynicism around him, and his warnings about Ratcliffe shape Madeleine's choices.

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See Mr. Carrington in i

Character Web

20 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Washington social insiders
Minor political and social figures
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of the story’s…

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In the story

Mr. Carrington appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

III
IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X
+3 more

III
Advises French that senators will not reform anything; present at the dinner and later invited to Schneidekoupon's event.
IV
Present at the gathering, he interjects critically about Ratcliffe, viewing him as obstructive to virtue.
V
Observes Ratcliffe's advances on Madeleine with anxiety, and subtly challenges Ratcliffe on his past corruption.
VI
Deliberately provokes Ratcliffe by praising Washington's virtue, and shares anecdotes about Washington's meticulousness.
VII
Laughs off Mrs. Lee's questions about political intrigue, saying such matters are private.
VIII
Mentioned by Mrs. Baker as 'dear Mr. Carrington' and 'a delicious man.'
IX
Refuses the Solicitor of the Treasury position offered through Ratcliffe, feeling it would compromise his integrity and put him under Ratcliffe's control. He is deeply in love with Mrs. Lee and tormented by his hopeless passion.
X
Pleads with Madeleine to leave Washington and avoid Ratcliffe's influence; later confesses his love for her.
XII
Writes the letter exposing Ratcliffe's betrayal of trust; asks Madeleine to keep the secret and show it only to Ratcliffe.
XIII
Referenced by Ratcliffe as having previously challenged him on the same moral grounds.
Conclusion
Recipient of Sybil's letter; Sybil hints he should try again with Madeleine after she returns from Europe.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. Carrington in i

See Mr. Carrington in III