# Earl of Dorincourt — Little Lord Fauntleroy character guide > Earl of Dorincourt in Little Lord Fauntleroy by Frances Hodgson Burnett. **Role:** major **Also known as:** the old Earl, the Earl, Earl, Lord Dorincourt, VIII Lord Dorincourt **First appearance:** 0001-ii ## Snapshot A proud, ailing English nobleman who despises his American grandson's very existence until the boy's fearless affection begins to undo him. ## Who they are 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. ## Relationships ### [Cedric Errol](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/cedric_errol) _family_ Grandfather and grandson; the Earl initially cold and proud, but gradually softened by Cedric's innocent goodness. ### [Mr. Havisham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/mr_havisham) _professional_ Earl and his lawyer; Havisham manages the Earl's legal affairs and mediates between him and Cedric. ### [Mr. Hobbs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/mr_hobbs) _social_ The Earl meets Cedric's American friend Mr. Hobbs, initially with disdain but later with grudging respect. ### [Mrs. Errol](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/mrs_errol) _family_ Father-in-law and daughter-in-law; the Earl initially rejects her but later accepts her due to Cedric's influence. ### [Dick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/dick) _social_ Dick meets the Earl when visiting England; the Earl is impressed by his honesty and industry. ### [Thomas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/thomas) _professional_ The Earl's head footman, who serves him with formal deference. ### [Lady Lorridaile](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/lady_lorridaile) _family_ Brother and sister; Lady Lorridaile is the Earl's sister and a supportive presence in the family. ### [Cedric Errol](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/cedric_errol) _family_ Grandfather and grandson; the Earl initially cold and proud, but gradually softened by Cedric's innocent goodness. ### [Cedric Errol](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/cedric_errol) _family_ Grandfather and grandson; the Earl initially cold and proud, but gradually softened by Cedric's innocent goodness. ### [Mr. Havisham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/mr_havisham) _professional_ Earl and his lawyer; Havisham manages the Earl's legal affairs and mediates between him and Cedric. ### [Mr. Hobbs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/mr_hobbs) _social_ The Earl meets Cedric's American friend Mr. Hobbs, initially with disdain but later with grudging respect. ### [Mrs. Errol](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/mrs_errol) _family_ Father-in-law and daughter-in-law; the Earl initially rejects her but later accepts her due to Cedric's influence. ## In the story ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/chapters/ii) Described as a lonely, bitter old man who dislikes America and refuses to see Mrs. Errol. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/chapters/iv) Shows prejudice against Americans and Mrs. Errol, reacts angrily to her refusal of money, but is secretly anxious about meeting Cedric. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/chapters/v) Observes Cedric with surprise and growing interest, feels novel emotions of pleasure and bewilderment at the boy's unselfishness and confidence. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/chapters/vii) Observes Cedric in church and during the encounter with Higgins, showing a grim smile at Cedric's innocent praise. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/chapters/ix) The Earl begins to soften, taking pride in Cedric and starting to care about his tenantry, spurred by Cedric's influence. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/chapters/x) Invites Lady Lorridaile to show off Cedric; begins to change due to Cedric's trust, ordering new cottages at Earl's Court. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/chapters/xii) Visits Mrs. Errol in distress, admits his love for Cedric, and vows to protect the boy's future. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/chapters/xv) The Earl is satisfied with Cedric's behavior and begins to appreciate Cedric's mother and the loving upbringing that shaped the boy. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters/earl_of_dorincourt - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/little_lord_fauntleroy_se/characters