# Louis Trevelyan — He Knew He Was Right character guide > Louis Trevelyan in He Knew He Was Right by Anthony Trollope. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Trevelyan, young Trevelyan, Louis, Poor Louis, Poor dear Louis **First appearance:** 0000-i-showing-how-wrath-began ## Snapshot A proud, jealous husband whose suspicion of his wife's friendship with an older man hardens into obsession and destroys his marriage. ## Who they are Louis Trevelyan is a man of principle and property who cannot bear the thought that his authority has been slighted. When his wife Emily refuses to break off a harmless acquaintance with Colonel Osborne, he demands submission rather than explanation, and his demand becomes a fixed idea. His refusal to admit the possibility of his own error — and his fatal decision to employ the ex-policeman Bozzle — drives the novel's central tragedy. ## Relationships ### [Hugh Stanbury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters/hugh_stanbury) _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) _family_ Louis is married to Nora's sister Emily, making Nora his sister-in-law, though their relationship is strained by his jealousy. ### [Lady Rowley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters/lady_rowley) _family_ Lady Rowley is Louis's mother-in-law, and she is deeply concerned about his deteriorating marriage to her daughter. ### [Colonel Osborne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters/colonel_osborne) _rivalry_ Colonel Osborne is the object of Louis's pathological jealousy, seen as a rival for Emily's affection, though he is mostly a flirt. ### [Sir Marmaduke Rowley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters/sir_marmaduke_rowley) _family_ Sir Marmaduke is Louis's father-in-law, and their relationship is strained by Louis's obsessive behavior toward Emily. ### [Mr. Bozzle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters/mr_bozzle) _professional_ Mr. Bozzle is a private detective hired by Louis to spy on his wife, embodying Louis's paranoid obsession. ### [Emily Trevelyan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters/emily_trevelyan) _family_ Emily and Louis are a married couple whose relationship is destroyed by Louis's irrational jealousy and possessiveness. ### [Hugh Stanbury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters/hugh_stanbury) _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) _family_ Louis is married to Nora's sister Emily, making Nora his sister-in-law, though their relationship is strained by his jealousy. ### [Hugh Stanbury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters/hugh_stanbury) _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) _family_ Louis is married to Nora's sister Emily, making Nora his sister-in-law, though their relationship is strained by his jealousy. ### [Colonel Osborne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters/colonel_osborne) _rivalry_ Colonel Osborne is the object of Louis's pathological jealousy, seen as a rival for Emily's affection, though he is mostly a flirt. ## In the story ### [Showing How Wrath Began](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/i-showing-how-wrath-began) Struggles with pride and jealousy over Colonel Osborne's visits; considers apologizing to his wife but cannot bring himself to do so. ### [Lady Milborough’s Dinner Party](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/iii-lady-milborough-s-dinner-party) Broods over his jealousy of Colonel Osborne during the carriage ride; is cross and vexed; later confronts Emily angrily, demanding she promise not to see Osborne again. ### [IV: Hugh Stanbury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/iv-hugh-stanbury) Troubled by his marital quarrel; meets Stanbury in the street but decides not to confide in him; goes to consult his lawyer. ### [Showing How the Quarrel Progressed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/v-showing-how-the-quarrel-progressed) Finds Colonel Osborne's letter to Emily, becomes increasingly possessive and resentful, recites his grievances, and resolves to assert his mastery. ### [Showing How Reconciliation Was Made](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/vi-showing-how-reconciliation-was-made) Seeks reconciliation but feels weak and disgraced by his own vacillation; his love for Emily is impaired. ### [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) Leaves the house in a huff after finding Emily closeted with Colonel Osborne. Later, he rejects Stanbury's interference and resolves to confront his wife the next morning. ### [Hard Words](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/x-hard-words) Discovers Emily's letter to Osborne, confronts her, and issues ultimatums, ultimately threatening separation. ### [Lady Milborough as Ambassador](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xi-lady-milborough-as-ambassador) Insists on his right to general submission; writes a letter to Emily and sends Lady Milborough as ambassador, but his efforts are counterproductive. ### [The Honourable Mr. Glascock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xiii-the-honourable-mr-glascock) Driven to despair by his wife's continued correspondence with Colonel Osborne; consults Lady Milborough but rejects her suggestions. ### [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) Decides to live apart from his wife, arranges for her maintenance through Hugh Stanbury and Mr. Bideawhile, and moves into lodgings. ### [Showing How Colonel Osborne Went to Cockchaffington](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xx-showing-how-colonel-osborne-went-to-cockchaffington) Mentioned as having broken up his household and sent Emily away; his jealousy is the cause of the situation. ### [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) Receives Bozzle's report, pays his bill, and feels degraded and despairing about his actions. ### [Niddon Park](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xxiv-niddon-park) Mentioned as having sent Hugh to learn the truth about Colonel Osborne's visit; his suspicions and oath are discussed. ### [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) Consumed by jealousy, believes Bozzle's report and plans to separate from Emily. ### [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) Sits alone for hours, contemplating his misery and justifying his actions. He writes a stern letter to his wife, threatening to take their son if she continues contact with Colonel Osborne. ### [Great Tribulation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xxviii-great-tribulation) Referenced as the author of the accusatory letter; his actions drive the chapter's conflict, though he does not appear directly. ### [Mr. and Mrs. Outhouse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xxix-mr-and-mrs-outhouse) Visits the Outhouse parsonage, insists he makes no charge against his wife but refuses to have her back, and offers to pay expenses. ### [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) Feels isolated and defiant, rejects Stanbury's advice for reconciliation, and plans to leave for Paris with only Bozzle as confidant. ### [Hugh Stanbury Smokes Another Pipe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xxxiii-hugh-stanbury-smokes-another-pipe) Has fled to Italy, leaving only Bozzle with his address; feels isolated and betrayed by everyone except Bozzle; continues to employ Bozzle to watch his wife. ### [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) Alone in Turin, consumed by jealousy and paranoia; he relies on Bozzle and begins to hope for evidence of his wife's guilt, showing signs of madness. ### [Trevelyan at Venice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xlv-trevelyan-at-venice) In Venice, consumed by jealousy and paranoia, he reads Bozzle's letters and writes threatening letters to Mr. Outhouse and others. ### [Mr. Outhouse Complains That It’s Hard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lii-mr-outhouse-complains-that-it-s-hard) Not physically present, but his written authority drives the conflict; is described as 'mad' by Outhouse; intends to return to England to enforce his claim. ### [Mr. Bozzle at Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lix-mr-bozzle-at-home) Now friendless and desperate, Trevelyan relies solely on Bozzle. He is haggard, ill-dressed, and aware of his own degradation, having taken to drinking brandy in the morning. ### [Another Struggle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lx-another-struggle) Arrives at the parsonage, seeking to see his wife; his presence causes consternation. ### [LXI: Parker’s Hotel, Mowbray Street](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lxi-parker-s-hotel-mowbray-street) Orchestrates the kidnapping of his son from the cab, using a decoy hotel and a disguised accomplice. ### [Lady Rowley Makes an Attempt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lxii-lady-rowley-makes-an-attempt) Meets with Lady Rowley, insisting on Emily's complete submission and penitence. He appears thin, pale, haggard, and pompous, showing a changed character. After the meeting, he tells Bozzle he will make no further attempts at reconciliation. ### [Sir Marmaduke at Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lxiii-sir-marmaduke-at-home) Referenced as the father who kidnapped the child and communicates through detective Bozzle. ### [Sir Marmaduke at His Club](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lxiv-sir-marmaduke-at-his-club) Referenced as the jealous husband who has taken Emily's child and is considered mad by Colonel Osborne. ### [River's Cottage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lxvii-river-s-cottage) Living at River's Cottage with his son; appears haggard, paranoid, and physically deteriorated; refuses to let Emily take the child and demands she admit to a sin. ### [Sir Marmaduke at Willesden](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lxix-sir-marmaduke-at-willesden) Confronted by Sir Marmaduke; appears physically and mentally broken, with sunken cheeks, glowing eyes, and nervous twitching; refuses to answer charges but insists on his love for Emily and his son; plans to escape to America. ### [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) Has fled to Italy with his son, leaving a note for his wife and arranging for her income. ### [We Shall Be So Poor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lxxvi-we-shall-be-so-poor) Louis Trevelyan is reported to have gone to Siena with his son, and Sir Marmaduke is attempting to locate him. ### [I Can Sleep on the Boards](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lxxix-i-can-sleep-on-the-boards) Haggard and paranoid; allows Emily to see Louey but insists on a confession of fault; refuses to let her stay. ### [Self-Sacrifice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lxxxiv-self-sacrifice) Sits in silent reflection, acknowledging his own madness and the curse upon him; decides to send Louey back to Emily and sacrifice himself. ### [The Baths of Lucca](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lxxxv-the-baths-of-lucca) Living in seclusion near Siena; his letter to Mr. Glascock prompts a possible journey. ### [Mr. Glascock as Nurse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lxxxvi-mr-glascock-as-nurse) Shows clear signs of mental instability, paranoia, and bitterness, but ultimately allows his son to leave with Mr. Glascock. ### [Mr. Glascock's Marriage Completed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/lxxxvii-mr-glascock-s-marriage-completed) Mentioned as likely to end up in an asylum or grave due to his condition. ### [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) Reported to be withering away, with hollow eyes and frail limbs; refuses medical help and insists Emily return to England. ### [XCII: Trevelyan Discourses on Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xcii-trevelyan-discourses-on-life) Found at Casalunga in a disheveled state, wearing a bright dressing-gown and cap; speaks cynically about life and idleness; his reason appears affected. ### [XCIII: “Say That You Forgive Me”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xciii-say-that-you-forgive-me) Paranoid and physically declining; fears being placed in a madhouse, accuses his wife and Sir Marmaduke, and resists leaving Casalunga. ### [XCIV: A Real Christian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xciv-a-real-christian) Emily's husband; his illness and the preparations for his return are mentioned; Lady Milborough reflects on his earlier refusal to go to Naples. ### [Trevelyan Back in England](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xcv-trevelyan-back-in-england) Very weak physically and mentally; shows signs of suspicion and monomania; barely speaks. ### [Monkhams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xcvi-monkhams) In declining health; maintains his belief that he was wronged; refuses to say a kind goodbye to Nora. ### [XCVIII: Acquitted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xcviii-acquitted) Dying and bedridden, he continues to allude to past wrongs but ultimately kisses Emily's hand in a gesture of acquittal before his death. ### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/chapters/xcix-conclusion) Dies as a maniac, but makes reparation to Emily with a touch of his lips before death. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/he_knew_he_was_right_se/characters/louis_trevelyan - 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