# Hugh Stanbury — He Knew He Was Right character guide > Hugh Stanbury in He Knew He Was Right by Anthony Trollope. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Mr. Hugh Stanbury, Stanbury, Mr. Stanbury, poor Hugh, young Stanbury **First appearance:** 0003-iv-hugh-stanbury ## Snapshot A hard-working London journalist with rough hands and rougher manners, he loves Nora Rowley but cannot offer her the fortune her family expects. ## Who they are Hugh Stanbury earns his living by his pen, which places him awkwardly between the genteel Rowleys and his own proud, impoverished family in Devon. He is drawn to Nora but hesitates to propose, knowing that marriage on a journalist's income means genteel poverty and the disapproval of those who hoped she would marry a lord. His honest, impatient courtship — and his willingness to defy his formidable aunt Jemima — makes him the story's testing ground for whether love can survive without money. ## Relationships ### [Nora Rowley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters/nora_rowley) _romantic_ Hugh and Nora are lovers who overcome obstacles to be together, forming a key romantic pair. ### [Louis Trevelyan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters/louis_trevelyan) _friendship_ Hugh is a loyal friend to Louis, often trying to mediate and support him during his marital crisis. ### [Dorothy Stanbury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters/dorothy_stanbury) _family_ Dorothy and Hugh are siblings, with a close and supportive bond despite their different life paths. ### [Brooke Burgess](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters/brooke_burgess) _friendship_ Brooke and Hugh are good friends, with Brooke eventually becoming Hugh's brother-in-law through marriage to Dorothy. ### [Mr. Gibson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters/mr_gibson) _rivalry_ Hugh and Mr. Gibson are rivals for Dorothy's affection, though Hugh ultimately supports his sister's choice of Brooke. ### [Dorothy Stanbury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters/dorothy_stanbury) _family_ Dorothy and Hugh are siblings, with a close and supportive bond despite their different life paths. ### [Louis Trevelyan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters/louis_trevelyan) _friendship_ Hugh is a loyal friend to Louis, often trying to mediate and support him during his marital crisis. ### [Nora Rowley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters/nora_rowley) _romantic_ Hugh and Nora are lovers who overcome obstacles to be together, forming a key romantic pair. ### [Louis Trevelyan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters/louis_trevelyan) _friendship_ Hugh is a loyal friend to Louis, often trying to mediate and support him during his marital crisis. ### [Nora Rowley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters/nora_rowley) _romantic_ Hugh and Nora are lovers who overcome obstacles to be together, forming a key romantic pair. ### [Dorothy Stanbury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters/dorothy_stanbury) _family_ Dorothy and Hugh are siblings, with a close and supportive bond despite their different life paths. ### [Brooke Burgess](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters/brooke_burgess) _friendship_ Brooke and Hugh are good friends, with Brooke eventually becoming Hugh's brother-in-law through marriage to Dorothy. ## In the story ### [IV: Hugh Stanbury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/iv-hugh-stanbury) Described as a plain, awkward-mannered man with a sweet temper; works as a journalist for the Daily Record; former college friend of Trevelyan. ### [Showing How Reconciliation Was Made](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/vi-showing-how-reconciliation-was-made) Walks with Nora Rowley in the park, engaging in light conversation about his work at the Daily Record. ### [Miss Jemima Stanbury, of Exeter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/vii-miss-jemima-stanbury-of-exeter) Mentioned as the nephew who has fallen out of favor with his aunt due to his employment as a writer for a radical penny newspaper. ### [I Know It Will Do](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/viii-i-know-it-will-do) Advises Dorothy to accept the offer, calling Aunt Stanbury 'a most excellent woman'; sends money for travel and wardrobe. ### [IX: Showing How the Quarrel Progressed Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/ix-showing-how-the-quarrel-progressed-again) Visits the Trevelyans to discuss his sister Dorothy's letter, but becomes entangled in the marital quarrel. Agrees to speak to Trevelyan, though he doubts his ability to help. ### [Miss Stanbury’s Generosity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xii-miss-stanbury-s-generosity) Defended by Dorothy; his work for a penny newspaper is condemned by Miss Stanbury; he is planning to visit Nuncombe Putney and is involved in arranging for Mrs. Trevelyan and Nora to live there. ### [The Clock House at Nuncombe Putney](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xiv-the-clock-house-at-nuncombe-putney) Acts as intermediary between Trevelyan and the women, arranges the Clock House for his mother and the sisters, and guarantees financial support. ### [Showing How Miss Stanbury Behaved to Her Two Nieces](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xxii-showing-how-miss-stanbury-behaved-to-her-two-nieces) Blamed by Miss Stanbury for the family's troubles, but Dorothy does not defend him in this chapter. ### [Colonel Osborne and Mr. Bozzle Return to London](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xxiii-colonel-osborne-and-mr-bozzle-return-to-london) Confronts Colonel Osborne at the station, accusing him of causing mischief by visiting Emily Trevelyan. ### [Niddon Park](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xxiv-niddon-park) Travels to Nuncombe Putney, thinking of Nora Rowley; confronts the situation with Colonel Osborne; struggles with whether to propose to Nora. ### [Hugh Stanbury Smokes His Pipe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xxv-hugh-stanbury-smokes-his-pipe) Smokes his pipe on the church wall, discusses Mrs. Trevelyan with Priscilla, and reflects on love, freedom, and his Bohemian nature. ### [A Third Party Is So Objectionable](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xxvi-a-third-party-is-so-objectionable) Confronts Trevelyan about Bozzle and defends Emily's innocence. ### [Mr. Trevelyan's Letter to His Wife](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xxvii-mr-trevelyan-s-letter-to-his-wife) Trevelyan reflects on Stanbury's defense of Emily and his failure to uncover facts, contrasting him with the detective Bozzle. ### [XXXII: The “Full Moon” at St. Diddulph’s](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xxxii-the-full-moon-at-st-diddulph-s) Returns the child to Emily, then confronts Trevelyan, telling him he is wrong; they quarrel and part. ### [Hugh Stanbury Smokes Another Pipe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xxxiii-hugh-stanbury-smokes-another-pipe) Visits St. Diddulph's to deliver news about Trevelyan's disappearance; has a private, emotionally charged moment with Nora Rowley, hinting at his love; later smokes a pipe and resolves to declare his feelings honestly. ### [Verdict of the Jury—'Mad, My Lord'](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xxxviii-verdict-of-the-jury-mad-my-lord) Learns Trevelyan's address from the Acrobats' Club porter and forwards Sir Marmaduke's letter to Trevelyan, using the visit as an excuse to go to St. Diddulph's. ### [Miss Nora Rowley Is Maltreated](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xxxix-miss-nora-rowley-is-maltreated) Visits the parsonage, gains trust, and proposes to Nora Rowley, pressing her for an answer despite her reluctance. ### [Showing What Took Place at St. Diddulph's](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xli-showing-what-took-place-at-st-diddulph-s) Proposes to Nora with violent passion; leaves after being rebuffed by Nora and Mrs. Outhouse. ### [XLIII: Laburnum Cottage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xliii-laburnum-cottage) Argues against the move, wanting his mother and sisters to stay at the Clock House; feels ashamed of the cottage's condition and its impact on his prospects with Nora. ### [Mr. Brooke Burgess After Supper](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xlix-mr-brooke-burgess-after-supper) Visits Brooke at his office; dines with him and learns of Brooke's intentions toward Dorothy. ### [Hugh Stanbury Is Shown to Be No Conjuror](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/liii-hugh-stanbury-is-shown-to-be-no-conjuror) Hugh writes a letter to Nora, reaffirming his love and seeking her commitment, leading to her acceptance. ### [Sir Marmaduke at Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lxiii-sir-marmaduke-at-home) Visits Nora after a ten-day delay; learns of the child's abduction and offers to help find the boy. ### [Showing What Nora Rowley Thought About Carriages](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lxx-showing-what-nora-rowley-thought-about-carriages) Proposes to Nora, pleading his case before Lady Rowley and Mrs. Trevelyan; admits to having no savings and an uncertain income, but argues for marriage based on energy and mutual confidence. ### [Showing What Hugh Stanbury Thought About the Duty of Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lxxi-showing-what-hugh-stanbury-thought-about-the-duty-of-man) Receives Sir Marmaduke's refusal letter, responds defiantly, and argues passionately for the dignity of his profession during an interview at the D.R. office. ### [The Rowleys Go Over the Alps](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lxxv-the-rowleys-go-over-the-alps) Learns from Bozzle that Trevelyan has gone to Florence; receives a letter from Dorothy expressing hope that Nora will become her sister. ### [The Baths of Lucca](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lxxxv-the-baths-of-lucca) Nora writes to him about her decision to stay in England and her plans to join him. ### [Mr. Glascock's Marriage Completed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lxxxvii-mr-glascock-s-marriage-completed) Nora's intended; discussed in relation to Nora's future plans. ### [I Wouldn't Do It, if I Was You](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lxxxix-i-wouldn-t-do-it-if-i-was-you) Invited to Dorothy's wedding; left a legacy in Miss Stanbury's will. ### [Lady Rowley Conquered](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xc-lady-rowley-conquered) Visits Nora at the hotel, discusses their future, and gains Lady Rowley's approval for the marriage. ### [Four O'Clock in the Morning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xci-four-o-clock-in-the-morning) Volunteers to travel to Siena to assist the Trevelyans; bids a passionate farewell to Nora and receives Sir Marmaduke's reluctant blessing. ### [XCII: Trevelyan Discourses on Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xcii-trevelyan-discourses-on-life) Travels to Florence and Siena to visit Trevelyan; discusses Nora and his engagement with Emily Trevelyan. ### [XCIII: “Say That You Forgive Me”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xciii-say-that-you-forgive-me) Accompanies Emily to Casalunga; attempts to reason with Trevelyan, warns him of Italian authorities, and tries to persuade him to return to England. ### [XCIV: A Real Christian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xciv-a-real-christian) Nora's fiancé; currently in Italy; letters and telegrams from him are received during the chapter. ### [Trevelyan Back in England](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xcv-trevelyan-back-in-england) Travels with Trevelyan from Dover; discusses Trevelyan's condition with Nora and the doctor. ### [Monkhams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xcvi-monkhams) Accompanies Nora to the train; discusses the delay of their marriage due to Trevelyan's condition. ### [Mrs. Brooke Burgess](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xcvii-mrs-brooke-burgess) Dorothy's brother, who gives her away at the wedding and is engaged to Nora Rowley. ### [XCVIII: Acquitted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xcviii-acquitted) Visits the cottage that evening to see Nora, but Emily declines to meet him. ### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xcix-conclusion) Marries Nora Rowley in a well-attended ceremony at Monkhams, and insists on living modestly without relying on Trevelyan's income. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters/hugh_stanbury - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters