Long, Long Ago
Our hero; a proud man of old family, he stood by his profligate brother Henry and later became guardian to Mary Thorne after the tragic events.
Dr. Thorne
Settles in Greshamsbury as a physician-apothecary, drawing criticism from peers for his low fees and hands-on dispensing. He advises Mr. Gresham on financial matters and raises his niece Mary.
Lessons from Courcy Castle
Confronts the squire's financial desperation, gently advising patience and reminding him that Frank can be happy without a vast income.
Frank Gresham's First Speech
Present at the dinner, becomes the focus of Frank's gaze during the speech, and is mentioned by Frank.
VII: The Doctor’s Garden
Deflects Mary's questions about marriage and class, then privately reflects on his decisions regarding her upbringing and future.
IX: Sir Roger Scatcherd
Visits Sir Roger Scatcherd to assess his health, advises against brandy and Winterbones' presence, and recommends sending for a London physician, but is rebuffed.
X: Sir Roger’s Will
Called back by Sir Roger after being dismissed; learns the details of Sir Roger's will and is troubled by the contingency involving Mary.
XI: The Doctor Drinks His Tea
Returns home troubled by Scatcherd's will, resolves to tell the truth, and shares tea with Mary.
When Greek Meets Greek, Then Comes the Tug of War
Appears unexpectedly at the end of the chapter, encountering Dr. Fillgrave in the hall.
The Two Uncles
Visits Sir Roger to negotiate a loan for Mr. Gresham and reveals the secret of Mary Thorne's parentage, determined to protect her from the potential instability of Sir Roger's wealth.
Sentence of Exile
Defends Mary's honor fiercely against Lady Arabella's insinuations, and reluctantly agrees to her banishment from Greshamsbury.
Retrospective
Dr. Thorne is burdened by the secret of Mary's birth and the need to tell her; he is also called to attend the dying Sir Roger Scatcherd.
Louis Scatcherd
Attends Sir Roger at Boxall Hill; stays the night and manages the case with professional discretion, though he knows there is no hope.
XXV: Sir Roger Dies
Attends Sir Roger in his final illness, promises to care for Lady Scatcherd, and learns the will's secret codicil.
War
Stands up to Lady Arabella, defending Mary's freedom and refusing to restrict her associations.
Miss Thorne Goes on a Visit
Regrets his impulsive anger toward Lady Arabella but remains indignant. He decides not to tell Mary about the confrontation.
XXVIII: The Doctor Hears Something to His Advantage
Dr. Thorne is horrified by Sir Louis's proposal to Mary and tries to dissuade him, but refuses to give outright consent.
Post Prandial
Mary's uncle, who is informed of the engagement and later tells Frank the full story of Mary's birth.
The Small End of the Wedge
Suffers from the estrangement with the Greshamsbury family; considers leaving the area; is eventually recommended by Sir Omicron Pie to attend Lady Arabella.
A Morning Visit
Seen briefly in his shop mixing a dose, as Beatrice leaves the house.
A Barouche and Four Arrives at Greshamsbury
Struggles with legal troubles from Sir Roger's will and his ward's defiance; receives a reconciliatory invitation from the squire but initially refuses.
Sir Louis Goes Out to Dinner
Accompanies Sir Louis to the dinner, manages his drunkenness, and is warmly greeted by the squire and Frank.
Will He Come Again?
Deals with Sir Louis's drunken outburst, expresses despair over his charge's condition, but finds solace in Mary.
Sir Louis Leaves Greshamsbury
Dr. Thorne firmly refuses Sir Louis's marriage proposal to Mary, manages the baronet's stay with difficulty, and later feels sympathy for him despite his rudeness.
The Two Doctors Change Patients
Reinstated as Lady Arabella's physician; maintains a calm and confident demeanor during their conversation.
Doctor Thorne Won't Interfere
Refuses to interfere in Frank and Mary's relationship, citing Mr. Gresham's own admission that wealth can atone for a mésalliance.
The Race of Scatcherd Becomes Extinct
Comforts Lady Scatcherd, reveals Mary's inheritance, and travels to London for legal advice.
Law Business in London
Dr. Thorne is in London after Sir Louis's funeral, consulting with lawyers. He is torn between revealing Mary's potential inheritance and keeping it secret, and he advises Frank to go home.
Our Pet Fox Finds a Tail
Dr. Thorne discloses the inheritance to the Greshams and later tells Mary directly, struggling with the emotional weight of the revelation.
How the Bride Was Received, and Who Were Asked to the Wedding
Supports Mary's decisions, reconciles with the Thornes of Ullathorne, and is rumored to be marrying Miss Dunstable.