# Cardinal Talacryn — Hadrian the Seventh character guide

> Cardinal Talacryn in Hadrian the Seventh by Frederick Rolfe.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Talacryn, Cardinals Talacryn, Francis Talacryn, Frank, the Lord Francis Talacryn

**First appearance:** 0007-iv

## Snapshot

Francis Talacryn, Bishop of Caerleon—a large, worldly prelate whom Hadrian secretly names cardinal and sends out to post letters and arrange an incoronation on foot.

## Who they are

Talacryn is the kind of churchman Hadrian both uses and quietly judges: capable, corpulent, useful for errands that require discretion and a big figure moving through Roman streets. Kneeling to receive a breve he must not disclose, pinched silent by the Pope's own fingers, he becomes the instrument of a plan he cannot yet announce. His tendency to flesh and his willingness to obey make him a perfect foil for a pontiff who intends to walk to the Lateran like a beggar.

## In the story

### [Hadrian the Seventh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadrian_the_seventh_se/chapters/hadrian-the-seventh)

A cardinal present during the conclave and early days of Hadrian's papacy.

### [Prooimion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadrian_the_seventh_se/chapters/prooimion)

The cardinal who interviews George about his vocation and offers him the subdiaconate.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadrian_the_seventh_se/chapters/iv)

Bishop of Caerleon, secretly appointed cardinal by Hadrian, serves as a trusted assistant.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadrian_the_seventh_se/chapters/vii)

Discusses the Edward Lancaster situation with Hadrian.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadrian_the_seventh_se/chapters/viii)

Annoyed by Hadrian's sarcastic query, and later arraigns Hadrian on the question of superstition.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadrian_the_seventh_se/chapters/xi)

Cardinal involved in the discussion about the requiem for King Umberto.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadrian_the_seventh_se/chapters/xix)

Suggests paying for silence or using his own methods to silence the blackmailers, but is rebuked by Hadrian.

### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadrian_the_seventh_se/chapters/xxi)

Appointed Archbishop of Pimlico by Hadrian, discusses the succession for Caerleon, and is rebuked for his habit of suspicion and officious lying.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadrian_the_seventh_se/characters/cardinal_talacryn
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadrian_the_seventh_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/hadrian_the_seventh_se/characters