Dr. Wortle’s School · Character

Robert Lefroy

A coarse, hungry, uninvited American who arrives at Bowick School claiming to be the brother-in-law of the usher's wife, and whose questions threaten to drag a buried past into daylight.

major

Also known as Ferdinand Lefroy, Lefroy, Ferdy, cousin Ferdy

First appearance: VII: Robert Lefroy

As a major figure in Dr. Wortle’s School, Robert Lefroy is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

See Robert Lefroy in VII: Robert Lefroy Book page

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Robert Lefroy turns up at the school unannounced, starved and demanding, and greets Peacocke with the easy insolence of a man who knows he has a hold. He presses the schoolmaster on whether he is brother-in-law or not, and on whether Mrs. Peacocke is truly Peacocke's wife — questions Peacocke refuses to answer. His arrival is the spark that ignites the novel's central scandal, and his crude persistence makes him a menace no gentleman can simply dismiss.

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The fuller portrait of Robert Lefroy sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Robert Lefroy in VII: Robert Lefroy

Character Web

10 connections

A slice of how Robert Lefroy sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Psychological
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Central school and clergy
Protagonist

+5 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional peak occurs as Dr. Wortle’s private defiance—his principled support of the Peacockes—collapses u…

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Relationships

Mr. Peacocke
psychological · negative
Robert Lefroy is the presumed-dead first husband of Mrs. How this plays out →
Dr. Wortle
rivalry · negative
Mr. Peacocke
psychological · negative
Robert Lefroy is the presumed-dead first husband of Mrs. How this plays out →
Mr. Peacocke
psychological · negative
Robert Lefroy is the presumed-dead first husband of Mrs. How this plays out →
Dr. Wortle
rivalry · negative
Dr. Wortle
rivalry · negative

Mr. Peacocke
Robert Lefroy is the presumed-dead first husband of Mrs. Peacocke, whose reappearance creates a psychological and moral crisis for Mr. Peacocke.
Dr. Wortle
Dr. Wortle sees Robert Lefroy as a threat to the reputation of his school and to Mr. Peacocke's position, and he opposes him.
Mr. Peacocke
Robert Lefroy is the presumed-dead first husband of Mrs. Peacocke, whose reappearance creates a psychological and moral crisis for Mr. Peacocke.
Mr. Peacocke
Robert Lefroy is the presumed-dead first husband of Mrs. Peacocke, whose reappearance creates a psychological and moral crisis for Mr. Peacocke.
Dr. Wortle
Dr. Wortle sees Robert Lefroy as a threat to the reputation of his school and to Mr. Peacocke's position, and he opposes him.
Dr. Wortle
Dr. Wortle sees Robert Lefroy as a threat to the reputation of his school and to Mr. Peacocke's position, and he opposes him.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Robert Lefroy in VII: Robert Lefroy

In the story

Robert Lefroy appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Lord Carstairs
The brother of Mrs. Peacocke's first husband, he arrives at Bowick and confronts Mr. Peacocke, setting the stage for the revelation of the secret.
VII: Robert Lefroy
Arrives at Bowick, attempts to extort money from Mr. Peacocke, and leaves to tell his version of the story to Dr. Wortle.
VIII: The Story Is Told
His accusations are the catalyst for the confrontation, though he is not present in this chapter.
Mr. Peacocke Goes
Hints that his brother Ferdinand might be dead, but refuses to confirm it. He agrees to travel with Mr. Peacocke to America for a thousand dollars, though his word is not trusted.
The Journey
Reveals that Ferdinand died in San Francisco, but is reluctant to travel further; he becomes increasingly hostile and demanding during the journey.
At Chicago
Attempts to blackmail Mr. Peacocke with a fabricated story about the identity of the buried man, but is ultimately paid and leaves.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Robert Lefroy unlock in the free preview.

See Robert Lefroy in VII: Robert Lefroy