# Lord Orville — Evelina character guide > Lord Orville in Evelina by Fanny Burney. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Orville, noble Lord Orville, Lord Orville—the happy Orville **First appearance:** 0011-letter-viii-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars ## Who they are A nobleman whose unfailing courtesy and quiet attention make him seem the one virtuous man in a corrupt world — and the standard Evelina measures everyone against. ## Relationships ### [Mrs. Selwyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/characters/mrs_selwyn) _friendship_ Lord Orville and Mrs. Selwyn share a respectful, witty friendship as intelligent social equals who often converse and ally in social settings. ### [Sir Clement Willoughby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/characters/sir_clement_willoughby) _rivalry_ Lord Orville and Sir Clement Willoughby are romantic and social rivals, with Orville's honor contrasting Willoughby's predatory pursuit of Evelina. ### [Lady Howard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/characters/lady_howard) _friendship_ Lady Howard and Lord Orville are warm, respectful friends and social allies who share mutual esteem and correspondence. ### [Captain Mirvan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/characters/captain_mirvan) _social_ Captain Mirvan and Lord Orville are polite acquaintances, with Mirvan's roughness tempered by Orville's civility. ### [Mr. Lovel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/characters/mr_lovel) _social_ Lord Orville and Mr. Lovel are distant social acquaintances, with Orville tolerating Lovel's foppishness out of politeness. ### [Mrs. Selwyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/characters/mrs_selwyn) _friendship_ Lord Orville and Mrs. Selwyn share a respectful, witty friendship as intelligent social equals who often converse and ally in social settings. ### [Sir Clement Willoughby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/characters/sir_clement_willoughby) _rivalry_ Lord Orville and Sir Clement Willoughby are romantic and social rivals, with Orville's honor contrasting Willoughby's predatory pursuit of Evelina. ### [Captain Mirvan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/characters/captain_mirvan) _social_ Captain Mirvan and Lord Orville are polite acquaintances, with Mirvan's roughness tempered by Orville's civility. ### [Mr. Lovel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/characters/mr_lovel) _social_ Lord Orville and Mr. Lovel are distant social acquaintances, with Orville tolerating Lovel's foppishness out of politeness. ### [Captain Mirvan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/characters/captain_mirvan) _social_ Captain Mirvan and Lord Orville are polite acquaintances, with Mirvan's roughness tempered by Orville's civility. ### [Lady Howard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/characters/lady_howard) _friendship_ Lady Howard and Lord Orville are warm, respectful friends and social allies who share mutual esteem and correspondence. ### [Lady Howard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/characters/lady_howard) _friendship_ Lady Howard and Lord Orville are warm, respectful friends and social allies who share mutual esteem and correspondence. ## In the story ### [Letter XI: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xi-evelina-in-continuation) Dances with Evelina, defends her from criticism, and shows gentlemanly concern. ### [Letter XII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xii-evelina-in-continuation) Lord Orville is overheard describing Evelina as a 'poor weak girl' and 'ignorant or mischievous,' though he later bows to her at Ranelagh and converses with Mrs. Mirvan at an auction. ### [Letter XIII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xiii-evelina-in-continuation) Appears at the ridotto; kindly understands Evelina's embarrassment and helps her escape. ### [Letter XV: Mr. Villars to Evelina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xv-mr-villars-to-evelina) Mr. Villars was gratified by his good nature when Evelina used his name, but hopes she never puts it to such a trial again. ### [Letter XVI: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xvi-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Joins the party at Ranelagh; his presence causes Evelina confusion and silence. ### [Letter XVIII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xviii-evelina-in-continuation) Pays a morning visit, inquires about the Ranelagh accident, and pays Evelina a memorable compliment. ### [Letter XX: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xx-evelina-in-continuation) Lord Orville joins the party in the box, defends Evelina against Mr. Lovel's sneers, and offers insightful commentary on the play and on natural versus artificial beauty. ### [Letter XXI: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xxi-evelina-in-continuation) Sees Evelina with Sir Clement and expresses surprise; his presence heightens Evelina's distress. ### [Letter XXII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xxii-evelina-in-continuation) Lord Orville privately visited Mr. Lovel to secure his future respect toward Evelina, demonstrating his quiet courage and delicacy. ### [Letter XXIII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xxiii-evelina-in-continuation) Present at the Pantheon, engages in polite conversation, visits Evelina's party to bid farewell, and expresses concern at their departure. ### [Letter XXIV: Mr. Villars to Evelina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xxiv-mr-villars-to-evelina) Mr. Villars praises Lord Orville as a man of sense and feeling, noting his spirited conduct toward Mr. Lovel and his honorable actions in ensuring Evelina's safety. ### [Letter XXV: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xxv-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Mentioned favorably by Evelina; she regrets not doing justice to his merit in her earlier account. ### [Letter XLI: Evelina to Miss Mirvan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-xli-evelina-to-miss-mirvan) Recalled with admiration as an object of ideal perfection, now seeming like a romantic illusion. ### [Letter LII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lii-evelina-in-continuation) Passes by Evelina while she is with the two women, but does not immediately recognize her; later approaches and asks for her address, showing politeness despite the circumstances. ### [Letter LIII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-liii-evelina-in-continuation) Lord Orville visits Evelina to express concern about her companions at Marybone and to offer his support. He behaves with grace and delicacy, pressing her hand to his lips as he leaves. ### [Letter LIV: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-liv-evelina-in-continuation) Mentioned as the owner of the carriage and the object of Evelina's anxiety; he politely grants use of his coach. ### [Letter LV: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lv-evelina-in-continuation) Calls on Evelina during her absence, leaving a card; she deeply regrets missing him. ### [Letter LVIII: Evelina to Miss Mirvan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lviii-evelina-to-miss-mirvan) Sends a letter to Evelina that she interprets as impertinent, causing her to feel deceived and humiliated. ### [Letter LIX: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lix-evelina-in-continuation) Evelina reflects on her disappointment in his character due to his mysterious and offensive letter. ### [Letter LX: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lx-evelina-in-continuation) Lord Orville is discussed as the author of a shocking letter that has deeply hurt Evelina; Mr. Villars speculates he may have been intoxicated. ### [Letter LXII: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxii-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Mentioned as the brother of Lady Louisa Larpent; expected to visit Bristol, causing Evelina great emotional turmoil. ### [Letter LXIII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxiii-evelina-in-continuation) Appears at Mrs. Beaumont's garden; behaves with politeness and charm, seemingly having forgotten the letter, and offers Evelina a ride in his phaeton. ### [Letter LXIV: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxiv-evelina-in-continuation) Shows marked politeness to Evelina, introduces her to his sister, and proposes a civil resolution to the wager dispute. ### [Letter LXV: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxv-evelina-in-continuation) Shows consistent attention and politeness to Evelina, engaging her in conversation, reading with her, and defending her from neglect. ### [Letter LXVI: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxvi-evelina-in-continuation) Lord Orville is visibly disturbed by Evelina's secret meeting with Mr. Macartney. He confronts her with restrained dignity, but his concern and jealousy are evident. He ultimately assists her when she appears unwell. ### [Letter LXVII: Mr. Villars to Evelina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxvii-mr-villars-to-evelina) The object of Evelina's affection; Mr. Villars warns that his presence is 'baneful to your repose' and urges separation. ### [Letter LXVIII: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxviii-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Observes Lord Merton's behavior, intervenes to escort Evelina away, and offers to be her friend and brother. ### [Letter LXIX: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxix-evelina-in-continuation) Lord Orville presents tickets to the assembly, dances with Evelina, and notices her distraction. ### [Letter LXX: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxx-evelina-in-continuation) Accompanies Evelina to the Hot Wells, questions her about Mr. Macartney, and offers to facilitate a meeting. ### [Letter LXXII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxii-evelina-in-continuation) Shows coldness and gravity after Evelina's withdrawal, yet continues to show polite concern for her health. ### [Letter LXXV: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxv-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Lord Orville behaves coldly toward Evelina but later defends her character to Sir Clement, expressing his esteem and concern for her welfare. ### [Letter LXXVI: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxvi-evelina-in-continuation) Confronts Evelina about her reserve, declares his love, and proposes to her. ### [Letter LXXVII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxvii-evelina-in-continuation) Requests a private meeting with Evelina; later discusses the planned visit to Sir John Belmont and urges immediate marriage. ### [Letter LXXVIII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxviii-evelina-in-continuation) Accompanies Evelina and Mrs. Selwyn to the meeting, offering kind encouragement, and later hands them from the carriage. ### [Letter LXXIX: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxix-evelina-in-continuation) Lord Orville is eager for the marriage, persuades Evelina to accept the accelerated timeline, and offers to visit Mr. Villars or allow a month at Berry Hill after the wedding. ### [Letter LXXX: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxx-evelina-in-continuation) Lord Orville arranges the meeting with Sir John, supports Evelina, and insists on treating the false Miss Belmont as a sister. ### [Letter LXXXI: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxxi-evelina-in-continuation) Continues marriage preparations; has a conversation with Evelina tracing their mutual sentiments. ### [Letter LXXXII: Evelina in Continuation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxxii-evelina-in-continuation) Accompanies Evelina to Bath; tenderly supports her upon receiving Villars' letter and declares his happiness. ### [Letter LXXXIV: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/chapters/letter-lxxxiv-evelina-to-the-rev-mr-villars) Evelina's new husband, the object of her eternal affection. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/characters/lord_orville - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/evelina_se/characters