Evelina · Character

Mr. Smith

A young man lodging with the Branghtons who shows interest in Evelina.

minor

Also known as Yesterday Mr. Smith

First appearance: letter xvi evelina to the rev mr villars

Mr. Smith's tie to Madame Duval is one of the pressures that moves Evelina—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

A lodger who refuses to lend his room for dinner but later flatters Evelina with elaborate compliments.

In the storyLetter XLII: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. VillarsOpen this moment free

See Mr. Smith in Letter XLII: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars Book page

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With Madame Duval (social): Madame Duval and Mr. Smith are social acquaintances within the Branghton circle, united by vulgarity and social climbing. With Madame Duval (social): Madame Duval and Mr. Smith are social acquaintances within the Branghton circle, united by vulgarity and social climbing. With Madame Duval (social): Madame Duval and Mr. Smith are social acquaintances within the Branghton circle, united by vulgarity and social climbing.

Continue beside the text

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See Mr. Smith in letter xvi evelina to the rev mr villars

Character Web

17 connections

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

Relationship types

Social
Other

Character groups

Evelina's social circle
Protagonist

+12 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

This is the story's dramatic climax because it represents the emotional and psychological peak of Evelina's cr…

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Relationships

Madame Duval
social · ambivalent
Madame Duval and Mr. How this plays out →
Madame Duval
social · ambivalent
Madame Duval and Mr. How this plays out →
Madame Duval
social · ambivalent
Madame Duval and Mr. How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Mr. Smith in letter xvi evelina to the rev mr villars

In the story

Mr. Smith appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Letter XLII: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars
A lodger who refuses to lend his room for dinner but later flatters Evelina with elaborate compliments.
Letter XLIII: Evelina in Continuation
Offers Evelina a ticket to the Hampstead assembly; persists despite her refusal and enlists Madame Duval's support.
Letter XLIV: Evelina in Continuation
Displays his pretentious gallantry, separates the ladies, and proposes an outing to the theatre.
Letter XLV: Evelina in Continuation
Ostentatiously polite but self-centered; tries to ingratiate himself with Evelina and leads the vote on evening plans.
Letter XLVI: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars
Forces his attentions on Evelina at Vauxhall; is humiliated by Sir Clement's superior manners and presence.
Letter XLVII: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars
Initially envious of Sir Clement; recovers conceit after Madame Duval's outburst.
Letter XLIX: Mr. Villars to Evelina
Dismissed along with the Branghtons as ill-bred and disagreeable.
Letter L: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars
Mr. Smith invites Evelina to the Hampstead assembly, attempts to pressure her into dancing with him, and makes conceited remarks about marriage and his own desirability.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. Smith in letter xvi evelina to the rev mr villars

See Mr. Smith in Letter XLII: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars