# Gilbert Imlay — Letters Written During a Short Residence in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark character guide

> Gilbert Imlay in Letters Written During a Short Residence in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark by Mary Wollstonecraft.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Imlay, Gilbert Imlay

**First appearance:** 0002-letter-i

## Snapshot

The estranged lover and business partner addressed in Mary's letters, whose silence and betrayal weigh on her as heavily as any foreign shore.

## Who they are

Imlay is the 'you' of the letters, the man for whom Mary undertakes this Scandinavian voyage and to whom she confesses exhaustion, sorrow, and hope. He is both business partner and former lover, and the strain between them colors her solitude, making her feel 'like the lone shrub at random cast.' His indirect presence drives the early arc, as she travels partly to serve his affairs and partly to outrun the pain he has caused.

## Relationships

### [Mary Wollstonecraft](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_written_during_a_short_residence_in_swed_se/characters/mary_wollstonecraft)

_romantic_

Gilbert Imlay was Mary Wollstonecraft's lover and the father of her child, but their relationship was marked by his neglect and betrayal.

### [Young](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_written_during_a_short_residence_in_swed_se/characters/young)

_social_

Gilbert Imlay and Young were likely business associates or mutual acquaintances, with limited direct interaction.

## In the story

### [Letters Written During a Short Residence in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_written_during_a_short_residence_in_swed_se/chapters/letters-written-during-a-short-residence-in-sweden-norway-and-denmark)

The addressee of the letters, whose relationship with Wollstonecraft is a source of personal reflection and tension.

### [Letter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_written_during_a_short_residence_in_swed_se/chapters/letter-i)

Addressee of the letter; Mary references him as 'you' and alludes to shared experiences and disappointments.

### [Letter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_written_during_a_short_residence_in_swed_se/chapters/letter-v)

Addressee of the letter; Wollstonecraft writes to him throughout.

### [Letter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_written_during_a_short_residence_in_swed_se/chapters/letter-vi)

Referred to as 'another' from whom fate has separated her; his 'fire of whose eyes' still warms her breast.

### [Letter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_written_during_a_short_residence_in_swed_se/chapters/letter-vii)

The recipient of the letter, addressed as 'you' throughout.

### [Letter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_written_during_a_short_residence_in_swed_se/chapters/letter-viii)

Addressee of the letter; Wollstonecraft shares her personal reflections and experiences with him.

### [Letter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_written_during_a_short_residence_in_swed_se/chapters/letter-x)

Implied as the 'friend' to whom the letter is addressed, and source of sorrow.

### [Letter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_written_during_a_short_residence_in_swed_se/chapters/letter-xi)

Addressee of the letter; Wollstonecraft writes to him, sharing her experiences and thoughts.

### [Letter XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_written_during_a_short_residence_in_swed_se/chapters/letter-xiv)

Implied addressee of the letter; Wollstonecraft mentions 'calls of business and affection' related to him.

### [Letter XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_written_during_a_short_residence_in_swed_se/chapters/letter-xvi)

Addressee of the letter; Wollstonecraft yearns for letters from him and reflects on her daughter's lack of paternal care.

### [Letter XVIII: Copenhagen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_written_during_a_short_residence_in_swed_se/chapters/letter-xviii-copenhagen)

Implied as the recipient of the letter, addressed as 'you' throughout.

### [Letter XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_written_during_a_short_residence_in_swed_se/chapters/letter-xix)

Implied as the recipient of the letter ('you').

### [Letter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_written_during_a_short_residence_in_swed_se/chapters/letter-xx)

Addressee of the letter, implied by 'God bless you!' and the personal tone.

### [Letter XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_written_during_a_short_residence_in_swed_se/chapters/letter-xxii)

Addressee of the letter; Wollstonecraft's spirits have languished since returning to Gothenburg, alluding to him.

### [Letter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_written_during_a_short_residence_in_swed_se/chapters/letter-xxiii)

Addressed directly by Wollstonecraft, who reproaches him for his alteration due to commerce.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_written_during_a_short_residence_in_swed_se/characters/gilbert_imlay
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_written_during_a_short_residence_in_swed_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/letters_written_during_a_short_residence_in_swed_se/characters