# Val Browne — Greene Ferne Farm character guide

> Val Browne in Greene Ferne Farm by Richard Jefferies.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Valentine Browne, Valentine Browne, Valentine, Mr. Browne

**First appearance:** 0002-ii-the-sweet-new-grass-with-flowers

## Who they are

A rival suitor whose easy charm and quick volunteering make him a constant, unsettling presence at Margaret's side.

## Relationships

### [Geoffrey Newton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greene_ferne_farm_se/characters/geoffrey_newton)

_friendship_

Geoffrey and Val are close friends or allies, with Val likely serving as a confidant or companion.

### [Margaret Estcourt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greene_ferne_farm_se/characters/margaret_estcourt)

_friendship_

Margaret and Val have a friendly relationship, possibly as mutual supporters within the social circle.

### [Augustus Basset](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greene_ferne_farm_se/characters/augustus_basset)

_rivalry_

Augustus and Val are antagonists, with frequent interactions hinting at competition or conflict.

### [Squire Thorpe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greene_ferne_farm_se/characters/squire_thorpe)

_rivalry_

Squire Thorpe and Val are antagonists, with class or personal conflict driving their interactions.

### [Margaret Estcourt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greene_ferne_farm_se/characters/margaret_estcourt)

_friendship_

Margaret and Val have a friendly relationship, possibly as mutual supporters within the social circle.

### [Geoffrey Newton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greene_ferne_farm_se/characters/geoffrey_newton)

_friendship_

Geoffrey and Val are close friends or allies, with Val likely serving as a confidant or companion.

### [Margaret Estcourt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greene_ferne_farm_se/characters/margaret_estcourt)

_friendship_

Margaret and Val have a friendly relationship, possibly as mutual supporters within the social circle.

### [Augustus Basset](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greene_ferne_farm_se/characters/augustus_basset)

_rivalry_

Augustus and Val are antagonists, with frequent interactions hinting at competition or conflict.

### [Augustus Basset](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greene_ferne_farm_se/characters/augustus_basset)

_rivalry_

Augustus and Val are antagonists, with frequent interactions hinting at competition or conflict.

### [Squire Thorpe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greene_ferne_farm_se/characters/squire_thorpe)

_rivalry_

Squire Thorpe and Val are antagonists, with class or personal conflict driving their interactions.

### [Squire Thorpe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greene_ferne_farm_se/characters/squire_thorpe)

_rivalry_

Squire Thorpe and Val are antagonists, with class or personal conflict driving their interactions.

## In the story

### [Up to Church](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greene_ferne_farm_se/chapters/i-up-to-church)

A visitor at Squire Thorpe's who has set up training-stables; he is seen with Geoffrey Newton and is the subject of gossip regarding his cottage rental near Greene Ferne.

### [II: “The Sweet New Grass with Flowers.”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greene_ferne_farm_se/chapters/ii-the-sweet-new-grass-with-flowers)

Accompanies May Fisher and the others to find Margaret. Shows jealousy towards Geoffrey and later stops at the Spotted Cow to inquire about hay and oats from Ruck.

### [III: The Nether Millstone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greene_ferne_farm_se/chapters/iii-the-nether-millstone)

Mentioned as the trainer backing a dark horse, with whom Andrew is heavily betting.

### [IV: The Wooden Bottle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greene_ferne_farm_se/chapters/iv-the-wooden-bottle)

Rival to Geoffrey in haymaking; recites a Bacchic poem and tries to impress Margaret.

### [A-Nutting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greene_ferne_farm_se/chapters/viii-a-nutting)

Secretly glad at Geoffrey's failure; removes the thorn from Margaret's thumb and kisses her hand; later hears gossip about Margaret from an old woman.

### [IX: Gleaning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greene_ferne_farm_se/chapters/ix-gleaning)

His dark horse dies suddenly during a private trial; the landlord suspects foul play by the trainer.

### [X: A Fray](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greene_ferne_farm_se/chapters/x-a-fray)

Jealous and bitter, deliberately fires at Geoffrey; after the shooting, is aghast and rushes to help.

### [XI: A Feast—Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greene_ferne_farm_se/chapters/xi-a-feast-conclusion)

Fights the duel, feels deep remorse; jealousy dissolves; sends wedding presents but does not attend.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greene_ferne_farm_se/characters/val_browne
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greene_ferne_farm_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/greene_ferne_farm_se/characters