I: Elements of Education
Narrator and protagonist; introduces himself as a yeoman and former student at Blundell's School.
An Important Item
Narrator and protagonist; turns twelve years old on the day of the chapter; recounts his school fight with Robin Snell and the arrival of John Fry.
The Warpath of the Doones
Narrates his journey home from school, showing bravery and curiosity despite fear.
A Very Rash Visit
Narrator and eldest son, reflecting on his father's murder and his mother's subsequent journey.
An Illegal Settlement
Narrator and churchwarden, reflecting on the Doones' history and his father's murder.
Necessary Practice
Narrates his purchase of gunpowder and his determination to avenge his father.
Hard It Is to Climb
Narrates his boyhood fishing expedition on St. Valentine's Day, 1675/6, reflecting on his courage and obedience to his father's words.
A Boy and a Girl
Narrator and protagonist; a yeoman's boy who meets Lorna in the Doone Valley and hides in the water to avoid detection.
IX: There Is No Place Like Home
Narrates his escape from Doone Valley, his fear, and his resolve to practice shooting.
A Brave Rescue and a Rough Ride
Narrator and protagonist, about fifteen years old, outgrowing his strength, rescues the drake and later rides Tom Faggus's mare Winnie.
Tom Deserves His Supper
Attempts to ride Winnie, is thrown, but earns Tom Faggus's praise for his courage and riding skill.
A Man Justly Popular
Narrator, now twenty-one, reflects on his cousin Tom Faggus and the Doones, showing his gentle and forgiving nature.
Master Huckaback Comes In
Narrator and rescuer; carries Uncle Reuben home on his back after finding him tied to a wild horse.
A Motion Which Ends in a Mull
John responds calmly to Uncle Reuben's insults, offering to grease his boots, which later earns him a legacy.
Quo Warranto?
John escorts Uncle Reuben to the justice and later agrees to guide him to the Doone Valley.
Lorna Growing Formidable
Returns to the Doone Valley on St. Valentine's Day, seven years after his first meeting with Lorna. He is now twenty-one, self-conscious about his size, and deeply enamored with Lorna.
John Is Bewitched
John is lovesick and distracted, unable to focus on farm work. He thrashes John Fry for spreading a rumor about a mad dog bite, and decides to consult Mother Melldrum about his chapped hands as a pretext to see Lorna.
XVIII: Witchery Leads to Witchcraft
Visits Mother Melldrum seeking advice about Lorna Doone, despite his fear of witchcraft.
XIX: Another Dangerous Interview
John returns to the Doone Valley, bringing eggs to Lorna and struggling with his emotions and desire to treat her with respect.
Lorna Begins Her Story
Listens attentively to Lorna's story, tries to comfort her, and learns about her background.
A Long Spring Month
Narrator and protagonist; returns home troubled by Lorna's story and class concerns, then intervenes to protect Annie's honor.
A Royal Invitation
Receives a royal summons and is torn between duty and his desire to see Lorna before leaving.
A Safe Pass for King's Messenger
Narrator and protagonist, traveling to London as a King's messenger, struggling with legal delays and homesickness.
A Great Man Attends to Business
Narrator and protagonist; he witnesses Lord Russell's execution, navigates the legal system in London, and finally confronts Lord Jeffreys.
John Is Drained and Cast Aside
Dismissed by Lord Jeffreys, left without funds, and rescued by Jeremy Stickles's loan.
Home Again at Last
Returns home after walking from London, footsore and weary, but filled with joy at seeing his family and the familiar landscape.
John Has Hope of Lorna
Returns from London, reflects on his love for home and Lorna, and confesses his love to Lorna in the Doone Valley.
Reaping Leads to Revelling
Leads the harvest reaping, wielding his father's sickle, and is preoccupied with thoughts of Lorna.
Annie Gets the Best of It
John confronts Annie in the churchyard, learns of her secret engagement to Tom Faggus, and is tricked into revealing his love for Lorna Doone.
John Fry's Errand
Narrator and protagonist; returns home from London, observes a mysterious figure in the courtyard, and later questions John Fry about his errand.
Feeding of the Pigs
Narrator and protagonist; grows uneasy about Lorna and political conspiracies; demonstrates strength by carrying pig's wash; attempts to visit Lorna but fails.
An Early Morning Call
John rises early and climbs to the Bagworthy water, where he meets Lorna and confesses his love.
Two Negatives Make an Affirmative
John is overjoyed by Lorna's love and determined to confess to his mother, showing his loyalty and sense of duty.
Ruth Is Not Like Lorna
John navigates his mother's plans and his love for Lorna, receiving a ring from her as a token.
John Returns to Business
Returns home to find Stickles stationed at the farm; learns of Stickles' secret mission; becomes distressed by Lorna's silence and resolves to act.
A Very Desperate Venture
Makes his will at Porlock, then ventures into Doone valley to find Lorna, sneaking past guards.
A Good Turn for Jeremy
Narrator; works in the copse, keeps watch on Doone Valley, and saves Jeremy Stickles from an ambush.
A Troubled State and a Foolish Joke
John refuses to join Stickles' attack on the Doones, citing his love for Lorna and his unwillingness to take revenge in cold blood.
XL: Two Fools Together
John boldly declares his love for Lorna before Sir Ensor, and later expresses concern over Tom Faggus's actions.
XLI: Cold Comfort
Narrates the chapter; stays with Sir Ensor on his deathbed, then leads efforts to save sheep in the snowstorm.
The Great Winter
Leads the rescue of the sheep, carrying them home two at a time through deepening snow.
Not Too Soon
John crosses the snow-covered hills to spy on the Doone Glen and then slides down into the valley to visit Lorna, bringing food and planning her rescue.
Brought Home at Last
Narrator and rescuer; devises the escape via the waterslide, pulls Lorna home on a sled, and tenderly cares for her upon arrival.
A Change Long Needed
Narrator and farmer, working to protect the farm and livestock from flooding while cherishing Lorna's company.
Squire Faggus Makes Some Lucky Hits
Narrator; defends Lorna's honor and is proud of her beauty and grace; reflects on his own temper and the folly of satire.
Jeremy in Danger
Narrator; reflects on his London journey and the book he found; helps care for Jeremy's horse.
XLVIII: Every Man Must Defend Himself
John prepares to defend his home and confront Carver Doone, but falls asleep in the rick yard from exhaustion.
XLIX: Maiden Sentinels Are Best
Defends the farm, wrestles Carver Doone, and is wounded in the skirmish. He reflects on the burden of killing and defends women against Stickles' cynicism.
L: A Merry Meeting a Sad One
Narrator and protagonist, planning to marry Lorna and manage the farm.
A Visit from the Counsellor
Returns home to find the Counsellor visiting; confronts the Counsellor about the revelation of mutual killings between their fathers.
LII: The Way to Make the Cream Rise
John is concerned about the loss of the necklace and its implications for his family's land and livelihood.
Jeremy Finds Out Something
Listens to Jeremy's tale and interjects with comments.
Mutual Discomfiture
Narrator; reflects on his character and deduces Lorna's origins; participates in the attack on the Doone stronghold.
Getting Into Chancery
Narrates the chapter, reflects on the pain of war, cares for the wounded, and grapples with how to handle the Chancery writs concerning Lorna.
John Becomes Too Popular
Narrates his journey to Watchett and his reflections on Lorna's past.
Lorna Knows Her Nurse
Travels to Watchett to find Benita Odam and brings her back to Plover's Barrows; helps Lorna with her plan to give Annie a wedding gift.
Master Huckaback's Secret
John accompanies Uncle Reuben to the secret mine, breaks a large gold-bearing boulder with a heavy hammer, and learns about the mining operation.
Lorna Gone Away
Returns from Cornwall with prize money, only to discover Lorna has left. He investigates the mine and confronts Simon Carfax about his daughter.
LX: Annie Luckier Than John
Visits Annie to discuss Lorna's departure and his feelings of isolation.
LXI: Therefore He Seeks Comfort
Narrator and protagonist; visits Dulverton and rescues Ruth Huckaback from his horse Kickums.
LXII: The King Must Not Be Prayed For
Narrator; returns home from mowing, reflects on Lorna's absence and the King's death, and comforts Annie.
John Is Worsted by the Women
Reluctantly agrees to search for Tom Faggus after Annie secures a Doone promise of safety for the farm; prepares and departs on his journey.
Slaughter in the Marshes
Narrator; travels to Bridgwater, is awakened by the landlady, and rides out to witness the battle.
Falling Among Lambs
Narrator and protagonist; captured by Colonel Kirke's men and nearly executed, but rescued by Jeremy Stickles.
Suitable Devotion
John is the narrator and protagonist, captured after the battle but determined to stand trial rather than flee. He receives a love letter from Lorna and learns more about her noble birth, which deepens his internal conflict.
LXVII: Lorna Still Is Lorna
Visits Lorna in Kensington, confronts the misunderstanding about the letters, and reaffirms his love.
John Is John No Longer
Narrator; describes his happy state and receives a letter from home; defends Earl Brandir from robbers and gains public acclaim.
Not to Be Put Up with
Narrates the chapter, reflects on justice, receives a knighthood, and yearns to return to Exmoor.
Compelled to Volunteer
Returns from London and is compelled by the community to lead an expedition against the Doones, despite their having spared his farm.
A Long Account Settled
Leads the night assault on the Doone valley, organizing the attack and climbing the waterslide; later hesitates to fire but ultimately participates in the slaughter.
The Counsellor and the Carver
John leads the aftermath of the attack, recovers Lorna's necklace from the Counsellor, and learns that Carver killed his father.
How to Get Out of Chancery
Overjoyed at Lorna's return, struggles with feelings of unworthiness, and resolves to trust in God.
Blood Upon the Altar
Narrator and protagonist; prepares for his wedding, then pursues Carver Doone after Lorna is shot.
Give Away the Grandeur
Narrates the chapter, reflecting on the peaceful aftermath of the Doone conflict and recounting the death of Carver Doone.
Endnotes
Mentioned in notes regarding his longevity and his catching of all the loach in the Lynn.