Lavengro · Character

The Old Man

An elderly figure who appears in various contexts, often offering wisdom or guidance.

minor

Also known as old man

First appearance: i

The Old Man shows up with force in IV. The page is where that presence becomes real.

An elderly viper-hunter and herbalist who catches a viper with his bare hand, later becomes acquainted with the narrator, and tells him about the king of the vipers.

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In IV: An elderly viper-hunter and herbalist who catches a viper with his bare hand, later becomes acquainted with the narrator, and tells him about the king of the vipers. Later, in XV: The Quaker who criticizes the…

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See The Old Man in i

Character Web

1 connection

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Diverse characters from Lavengro's world
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because it reveals the protagonist’s hidden linguistic ability—his sudden de…

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In the story

The Old Man appears across 17 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

IV
An elderly viper-hunter and herbalist who catches a viper with his bare hand, later becomes acquainted with the narrator, and tells him about the king of the vipers.
XV
The Quaker who criticizes the narrator's fishing and offers to lend Hebrew books.
XXII
An elderly yeoman who, with his wife, gives the narrator a strange book left by shipwrecked Danes, asking only a handshake and a kiss for his wife in return.
XXIII
The elderly individual, a German teacher and philosopher, smokes a clay pipe, defends German culture, and offers the youth three pieces of advice before parting.
XL
The apple-woman, who recounts the theft of her book and shows it to the narrator.
XLIV
The apple-woman, who gives the narrator her book, regrets learning to read, and wishes for a Bible.
XLVI
The pickpocket who attempts to steal the merchant's pocketbook; previously tried to cheat Lavengro in a coach-yard.
LII
The old apple-woman is the same character from earlier chapters; she speaks with Lavengro about her improved condition and the comforting voices she now hears.
Chapter XXI
An elderly man who is tricked out of his donkey by a thief using stones as payment; he weeps by the roadside until the narrator helps him.
XXIV
The old ostler shares stories of highwaymen, especially Jerry Abershaw and Richard Ferguson, and teaches the narrator about horse grooming.
XXV
The ostler who delivers a detailed lecture on horse care and gentlemanly travel.
XXXI
The elderly man whose gig frightened the horse; he brings Lavengro to his house and checks on the horse's condition.
XXXII
The elderly host who shows great hospitality and shares his lifelong study of Chinese porcelain inscriptions.
XXXIV
Narrates his story of loss, despair, and his journey to learn Chinese through the inscriptions on porcelain.
XXXV
Has finally deciphered the Chinese inscription; admits he cannot tell the exact time despite his erudition.
A Word for Lavengro
A rich gentleman who touches objects to avert evil chance, exemplifying selfishness and God's providence.
The Old Radical
The old Radical himself, the primary antagonist of the chapter, who obtained a government appointment through jobbery.

Chapter companion notes

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See The Old Man in i

See The Old Man in IV