Ivanhoe · Character

Brian de Bois-Guilbert

A celebrated Templar knight whose reputation for valor and prudence collapses when he becomes obsessed with a Jewish woman, dragging his order's honor into scandal.

major

Also known as Bois-Guilbert, Sir Brian, the Templar, brother Brian

First appearance: Chapter II

As a major figure in Ivanhoe, Brian de Bois-Guilbert is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A proud Templar knight, antagonist to Ivanhoe, who shows interest in Rebecca.

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Brian de Bois-Guilbert is a Preceptor of the Knights Templar, renowned for his crusading exploits and considered a possible future Grand Master. His forbidden fascination with Rebecca leads him to defend her against his own brethren and to violate the strict rules of his order, as the Grand Master publicly enumerates. His inner conflict between ambition and desire makes him a dangerous, unpredictable antagonist whose obsession threatens both his own standing and Rebecca's life.

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See Brian de Bois-Guilbert in Chapter II

Character Web

42 connections

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Relationship types

Psychological
Other

Character groups

Central characters and antagonists
Protagonist

+37 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

In this passage, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when Rebecca defies her father’s religious scrupl…

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Relationships

Rebecca
psychological · negative
Bois-Guilbert is obsessively infatuated with Rebecca, torn between lust and his Templar… How this plays out →
Rebecca
psychological · negative
Bois-Guilbert is obsessively infatuated with Rebecca, torn between lust and his Templar… How this plays out →
Rebecca
psychological · negative
Bois-Guilbert is obsessively infatuated with Rebecca, torn between lust and his Templar… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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See Brian de Bois-Guilbert in Chapter II

In the story

Brian de Bois-Guilbert appears across 31 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Ivanhoe
A proud Templar knight, antagonist to Ivanhoe, who shows interest in Rebecca.
Chapter II
The Templar knight who displays arrogance and a warlike demeanor, contrasting with the Prior's diplomacy.
Chapter III
The Templar knight arrives as a guest at Rotherwood, described by Cedric as valiant but stained with pride, arrogance, cruelty, and voluptuousness.
Chapter IV
Speaks French, displays haughty demeanor, and toasts Lady Rowena.
Chapter V
The Templar who scorns Isaac, challenges Ivanhoe's reputation, and wagers his gold chain.
Chapter VI
Mentioned by Isaac as a fierce and savage Templar who might pursue him.
VIII
The Templar is the leading challenger; his shield is struck by the Disinherited Knight.
The Disinherited Knight's Generosity and Isaac's Lament
His squire offers ransom, but Ivanhoe refuses, escalating their mortal quarrel.
Chapter XI
The Templar is noted as an enemy of the Disinherited Knight, and his ransom is refused by Ivanhoe, who seeks only his life's blood.
Chapter XII
Implied as a challenger; part of the opposing party in the tournament.
Chapter XIV: The Banquet at Ashby
The Templar sullenly refuses to drink to King Richard's health, showing his disdain.
XV
The Templar is mentioned as the co-conspirator who helped devise the abduction plan and will pose as an outlaw.
Chapter XXI
Engages in dialogue with De Bracy, revealing his own designs on Rebecca and his disdain for De Bracy's interference.
XXII
The Templar to whom Rebecca has been given, mentioned as a threat to her honor.
XXIII
Bois-Guilbert is mentioned as one of the confederates in the council that planned the prisoners' fates.
Chapter XXIV
Reveals his bitter sacrifice of personal life for Templar power and his furious ambition to rise to Grand Master; attempts to seduce and coerce Rebecca.
XXV
The Templar discusses his failed love suit with De Bracy and reads the defiant letter from the allies.
XXVI
Advises Front-de-Boeuf not to trust the friar and suggests sending a written order to De Bracy's company.
Chapter XXVII
The Templar joins the discussion, insisting that Isaac and Rebecca are excluded from any ransom agreement.
XXVIII
Passes Rebecca on the road, fixing his bold and ardent look upon her, foreshadowing his later actions.
XXIX
Mentioned as one of the commanders within the castle.
The Siege of Torquilstone
Coordinates defense with De Bracy, scorns surrender, and remains resolute despite the siege.
XXXI
Attempts to abduct Rebecca amidst the chaos.
Chapter XXXV
The Templar knight holding Rebecca; mentioned in Prior Aymer's letter as being bewitched by her.
Chapter XXXVI
Furious at Rebecca's rejection; torn between love and ambition; ultimately decides to abandon her.
The Trial of Rebecca
The Templar knight who is visibly tormented and remains silent when Rebecca appeals to him.
Chapter XXXVIII
Named as the Templar's champion in the trial by combat.
Chapter XXXIX
Bois-Guilbert is torn between his desire for Rebecca and his fear of dishonor, ultimately choosing to proceed with the trial despite his internal conflict.
XLIII
Offers Rebecca escape; reluctantly fights Ivanhoe; falls mysteriously in the lists.
Chapter XLIV
Dies during the combat, struck down by Heaven; his body is left to Ivanhoe's will.
Endnotes
Mentioned in the context of the Templars' use of African slaves, defended by the author as plausible.

Chapter companion notes

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See Brian de Bois-Guilbert in Chapter II

See Brian de Bois-Guilbert in Ivanhoe