Little Lord Fauntleroy · Character

Earl of Dorincourt

A proud, ailing English nobleman who despises his American grandson's very existence until the boy's fearless affection begins to undo him.

major

Also known as the old Earl, the Earl, Earl, Lord Dorincourt, VIII Lord Dorincourt

First appearance: II

As a major figure in Little Lord Fauntleroy, Earl of Dorincourt is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Described as a lonely, bitter old man who dislikes America and refuses to see Mrs.

In the storyIIOpen this moment free

The Earl of Dorincourt is staggeringly wealthy, widely feared, and estranged from the son whose American marriage he never forgave. When that son dies and the title passes to a New York child, the Earl summons the boy out of duty and spite, expecting to be disgusted. Instead, Cedric's trust and his mother's quiet dignity start working on him, and the novel's middle arc watches a hard old man discover, uneasily, that he can still love.

See Earl of Dorincourt in II Book page

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Character Web

28 connections

A slice of how Earl of Dorincourt sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Family
Professional
Social
Other

Character groups

New York friends
Protagonist
Extended cast

+23 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

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it reveals the Earl’s internal reversal: his pride in Fauntlero…

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Relationships

Cedric Errol
family · positive
Grandfather and grandson; the Earl initially cold and proud, but gradually softened by… How this plays out →
Mr. Havisham
professional · ambivalent
Mr. Hobbs
social · ambivalent
Mrs. Errol
family · positive
Dick
social · positive
Thomas
professional · ambivalent
Lady Lorridaile
family · positive
Cedric Errol
family · positive
Grandfather and grandson; the Earl initially cold and proud, but gradually softened by… How this plays out →
Cedric Errol
family · positive
Grandfather and grandson; the Earl initially cold and proud, but gradually softened by… How this plays out →
Mr. Havisham
professional · ambivalent
Mr. Hobbs
social · ambivalent
Mrs. Errol
family · positive

Cedric Errol
Grandfather and grandson; the Earl initially cold and proud, but gradually softened by Cedric's innocent goodness.
Mr. Havisham
Earl and his lawyer; Havisham manages the Earl's legal affairs and mediates between him and Cedric.
Mr. Hobbs
The Earl meets Cedric's American friend Mr. Hobbs, initially with disdain but later with grudging respect.
Mrs. Errol
Father-in-law and daughter-in-law; the Earl initially rejects her but later accepts her due to Cedric's influence.
Dick
Dick meets the Earl when visiting England; the Earl is impressed by his honesty and industry.
Thomas
The Earl's head footman, who serves him with formal deference.
Lady Lorridaile
Brother and sister; Lady Lorridaile is the Earl's sister and a supportive presence in the family.
Cedric Errol
Grandfather and grandson; the Earl initially cold and proud, but gradually softened by Cedric's innocent goodness.
Cedric Errol
Grandfather and grandson; the Earl initially cold and proud, but gradually softened by Cedric's innocent goodness.
Mr. Havisham
Earl and his lawyer; Havisham manages the Earl's legal affairs and mediates between him and Cedric.
Mr. Hobbs
The Earl meets Cedric's American friend Mr. Hobbs, initially with disdain but later with grudging respect.
Mrs. Errol
Father-in-law and daughter-in-law; the Earl initially rejects her but later accepts her due to Cedric's influence.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

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In the story

Earl of Dorincourt appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

II
Described as a lonely, bitter old man who dislikes America and refuses to see Mrs. Errol.
IV
Shows prejudice against Americans and Mrs. Errol, reacts angrily to her refusal of money, but is secretly anxious about meeting Cedric.
V
Observes Cedric with surprise and growing interest, feels novel emotions of pleasure and bewilderment at the boy's unselfishness and confidence.
VI
Suffering from gout and in a bad mood, but is won over by Cedric's charm during a game, showing a rare moment of amusement and softening.
VII
Observes Cedric in church and during the encounter with Higgins, showing a grim smile at Cedric's innocent praise.
VIII
Begins to soften and take pride in Cedric; provides a carriage for Mrs. Errol; laughs at Cedric's stories and allows him to help tenants.
IX
The Earl begins to soften, taking pride in Cedric and starting to care about his tenantry, spurred by Cedric's influence.
Chapter X
Invites Lady Lorridaile to show off Cedric; begins to change due to Cedric's trust, ordering new cottages at Earl's Court.
XII
Visits Mrs. Errol in distress, admits his love for Cedric, and vows to protect the boy's future.
XIV
The Earl confronts the fraudulent claimant alongside Mr. Havisham, Dick, and Ben. After the exposure, he goes directly to Court Lodge to reconcile with Mrs. Errol and confirm Cedric's title.
XV
The Earl is satisfied with Cedric's behavior and begins to appreciate Cedric's mother and the loving upbringing that shaped the boy.

Chapter companion notes

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See Earl of Dorincourt in II