# Geoffrey Delamayn — Man and Wife character guide > Geoffrey Delamayn in Man and Wife by Wilkie Collins. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Mr. Delamayn, Mr. Geoffrey Delamayn, The Honorable Geoffrey **First appearance:** 0001-prologue-the-irish-marriage ## Snapshot A celebrated athlete and gentleman whose easy charm conceals a ruthless selfishness, especially when marriage threatens his freedom. ## Who they are Geoffrey Delamayn moves through drawing rooms and sporting circles with the confidence of a man who has never been denied. When a legal flaw in a marriage threatens to bind him, he circles the problem like a man trapped, furious at any obstacle to his will. His cold calculation and casual cruelty toward women set the novel's central scandal in motion. ## Relationships ### [Anne Silvester](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/anne_silvester) _romantic_ Anne is secretly married to Geoffrey, who cruelly abandons and manipulates her, creating a toxic romantic bond. ### [Sir Patrick Lundie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/sir_patrick_lundie) _rivalry_ Sir Patrick is a moral adversary to Geoffrey, opposing his deceit and cruelty at every turn. ### [Arnold Brinkworth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/arnold_brinkworth) _rivalry_ Arnold and Geoffrey are rivals, with Arnold opposing Geoffrey's dishonorable treatment of Anne. ### [Hester Dethridge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/hester_dethridge) _psychological_ Geoffrey psychologically torments and exploits Hester, who is his mute, abused servant and victim. ### [Mrs. Glenarm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/mrs_glenarm) _romantic_ Geoffrey pursues Mrs. Glenarm as a wealthy romantic prospect, using her for social and financial gain. ### [Blanche Lundie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/blanche_lundie) _rivalry_ Blanche despises Geoffrey for his mistreatment of her friend Anne, viewing him as a villain. ### [Julius Delamayn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/julius_delamayn) _family_ Geoffrey and Julius are brothers, but Geoffrey treats Julius with contempt and rivalry. ### [Lady Lundie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/lady_lundie) _social_ Geoffrey and Lady Lundie are social acquaintances, with Lady Lundie disapproving of his character. ### [Sir Patrick Lundie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/sir_patrick_lundie) _rivalry_ Sir Patrick is a moral adversary to Geoffrey, opposing his deceit and cruelty at every turn. ### [Anne Silvester](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/anne_silvester) _romantic_ Anne is secretly married to Geoffrey, who cruelly abandons and manipulates her, creating a toxic romantic bond. ### [Anne Silvester](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/anne_silvester) _romantic_ Anne is secretly married to Geoffrey, who cruelly abandons and manipulates her, creating a toxic romantic bond. ### [Arnold Brinkworth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/arnold_brinkworth) _rivalry_ Arnold and Geoffrey are rivals, with Arnold opposing Geoffrey's dishonorable treatment of Anne. ## In the story ### [Man and Wife](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/man-and-wife) Anne's husband, whose actions and denials drive the conflict. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/iii) The rising solicitor who coldly states the law regarding Vanborough's invalid marriage, showing no moral qualms. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/vi) Leaves his law firm, becomes a barrister, wins a famous case, and enters Parliament through the patronage of a grateful client. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/vii) Mentioned as one of the sons of Mr. Delamayn, at college when their father rises to prominence. ### [The Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/the-story) Anne's secret husband, whose refusal to acknowledge their marriage sets the conflict in motion. ### [First Scene: The Summerhouse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/first-scene-the-summerhouse) Meets Anne in the summerhouse; he is the driving force behind the plan for a secret marriage, revealing his manipulative and self-serving nature. ### [The Guests](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/ii-the-guests) A physically impressive but intellectually dull young man, reluctant to play croquet; he receives a secret summons from Anne. ### [III: The Discoveries](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/iii-the-discoveries) Geoffrey appears at the summerhouse entrance while Sir Patrick and Arnold are talking, but vanishes unnoticed; his expression shows relief that the place is occupied. ### [The Two](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/iv-the-two) Sullen and evasive, tries to laugh off Anne's accusations, shows physical strength and composure but is ultimately frightened by her threat of suicide. ### [The Plan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/v-the-plan) Reluctantly agrees to Anne's plan, raising objections but ultimately giving in. ### [The Suitor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/vi-the-suitor) Mentioned as having recently left Anne; his presence is detected by Sir Patrick through the smell of tobacco. ### [VII: The Debt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/vii-the-debt) Reveals his secret affair with Anne Silvester to Arnold and pressures him to act as messenger, prioritizing his inheritance over his promise to marry Anne. ### [Second Scene: The Inn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/second-scene-the-inn) Arrives at the inn, involved in secret plans with Anne. ### [XIV: Geoffrey as a Letter-Writer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xiv-geoffrey-as-a-letter-writer) Struggles with indecision about writing to Anne; seeks physical remedies; visits his father's house but is turned away; kicks his mother's dog. ### [Geoffrey in the Marriage Market](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xv-geoffrey-in-the-marriage-market) Anxiously awaits news of his father's recovery; writes a brief letter to Anne Silvester to prevent a scandal that could ruin his inheritance. ### [Geoffrey as a Public Character](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xvi-geoffrey-as-a-public-character) Geoffrey is the center of public attention due to his athletic fame. He receives an offer from his brother to marry Mrs. Glenarm and regain his father's favor, but he is troubled by the obstacle of Anne Silvester. ### [XVII: Near It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xvii-near-it) Contemplates a fraudulent marriage to pacify Anne; evasive with Arnold; receives a letter from his brother about Mrs. Glenarm. ### [Nearer Still](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xviii-nearer-still) Overhears the discussion on Scottish marriage law and begins to scheme, considering Arnold's role at the inn as a way out. ### [Close on It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xix-close-on-it) Confronted by Sir Patrick and guests; defends athleticism but is warned by the surgeon about his health. ### [XX: Touching It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xx-touching-it) Consults Sir Patrick under false pretenses, claiming the case involves a friend; shows relief at the legal ambiguity and decides to desert Anne. ### [XXI: Done!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxi-done) Enters the library and confronts Anne; coldly denies his promise to marry her, having made up his mind to abandon her. ### [Backward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxiv-backward) Geoffrey is identified as the person who knows Anne's secret; he is observed sleeping and later leaves for the billiard-room. ### [XXV: Forward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxv-forward) Cold and evasive; he denies knowing Anne's whereabouts and leaves for his brother's house. ### [Fifth Scene: Glasgow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/fifth-scene-glasgow) Geoffrey's actions in Glasgow continue to drive the plot, as he deals with the legal and personal fallout of his relationship with Anne. ### [Anne in the Newspapers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxx-anne-in-the-newspapers) Named by Anne in her delirium as the man who prevents her from posting her letter. ### [Sixth Scene: Swanhaven Lodge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/sixth-scene-swanhaven-lodge) Present at Swanhaven Lodge, dealing with the fallout of his actions. ### [XXXI: Seeds of the Future (First Sowing)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxxi-seeds-of-the-future-first-sowing) Geoffrey is at Swanhaven Lodge, training for a race under Perry's discipline. He resists Mrs. Glenarm's attempts to distract him, demonstrating his physical strength and willfulness. ### [Seeds of the Future (Second Sowing)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxxii-seeds-of-the-future-second-sowing) Absent from the party; Mrs. Delamayn explains he is focused on his training. ### [Seeds of the Future (Third Sowing)](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxxiii-seeds-of-the-future-third-sowing) Seen at exercise; reacts with fury when Bishopriggs spies on him. ### [Seventh Scene: Ham Farm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/seventh-scene-ham-farm) Involved in secret plans and legal consultations, contributing to the conflict. ### [XXXIV: The Night Before](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxxiv-the-night-before) Discussed as the subject of a marriage rumor and as someone who possesses information about Anne Silvester's troubles. ### [XXXVI: The Truth at Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxxvi-the-truth-at-last) Referred to as a greater scoundrel than Sir Patrick thought; Arnold's letter implicates him in the scheme that led to the possible marriage. ### [The Way Out](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-way-out) Mentioned as the potential antagonist who may exploit the situation to prove Arnold and Anne are married. ### [XXXVIII: The News from Glasgow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxxviii-the-news-from-glasgow) His planned marriage to Mrs. Glenarm is announced in the newspaper; he is compromised by letters that Anne may use against him. ### [Eighth Scene: The Pantry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/eighth-scene-the-pantry) Geoffrey is involved in the tense dynamics of the pantry scene, his actions driven by ambition and a desire to control the situation. ### [XXXIX: Anne Wins a Victory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xxxix-anne-wins-a-victory) Referred to as Jaffray Delamayn in the letter; his past relationship with Anne is central to the conflict. ### [Julius Makes Mischief](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xl-julius-makes-mischief) Referenced as the subject of the dispute; Anne claims he promised to marry her, while Mrs. Glenarm insists he will marry her after the race. ### [Tenth Scene: The Bedroom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/tenth-scene-the-bedroom) Absent but central to Anne's thoughts; his abandonment drives her crisis. ### [Lady Lundie Does Her Duty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xli-lady-lundie-does-her-duty) Confessed to a flirtation with Anne Silvester and claimed she is privately married to Arnold Brinkworth. ### [Eleventh Scene: Sir Patrick's House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/eleventh-scene-sir-patrick-s-house) Key antagonist, involved in the dispute with Anne. ### [XLIV: The Letter and the Law](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xliv-the-letter-and-the-law) Referenced as the villain to whom Anne is married; described as refusing to see Mr. Speedwell and reacting with fury upon seeing Anne. ### [Thirteenth Scene: Fulham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/thirteenth-scene-fulham) Geoffrey is central to the unfolding drama, facing the repercussions of his actions and the legal binds of marriage. ### [XLV: The Footrace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xlv-the-footrace) Competes in the footrace and collapses from exhaustion; narrowly escapes a paralytic stroke. ### [Fourteenth Scene: Portland Place](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/fourteenth-scene-portland-place) Now Lord Holchester, he is confronted about his secret marriage and denies it, showing arrogance and defiance. ### [A Scotch Marriage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xlvi-a-scotch-marriage) Silently furious at the legal outcome, he asserts his marital authority and forces Anne to accompany him home. ### [Fifteenth Scene: Holchester House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/fifteenth-scene-holchester-house) Under pressure from his brother to acknowledge his marriage to Anne and face his responsibilities. ### [XLVII: The Last Chance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xlvii-the-last-chance) Mentioned as the younger son whose marriage to Anne is revealed, and whose father's codicil remains unsigned. ### [Sixteenth Scene: The Inn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/sixteenth-scene-the-inn) Geoffrey is present at the inn, plotting the secret marriage with Anne and dealing with the consequences of their actions. ### [XLVIII: The Place](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xlviii-the-place) The tenant at Salt Patch, staying after the footrace and awaiting his marriage to Mrs. Glenarm. ### [XLIX: The Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xlix-the-night) Takes Anne to Fulham, consults lawyers, declares he does not forgive her, and later despairs at being unable to divorce her. ### [The Morning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/l-the-morning) Displays uncharacteristic gentleness but reveals manipulative control, using his father's death to isolate Anne and locking the gate to prevent visitors. ### [LI: The Proposal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/li-the-proposal) Refuses the separation proposal, claims he is 'fond of' Anne, and exhibits aggressive, drunken behavior. ### [LII: The Apparition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/lii-the-apparition) Delirious, feverish, and running in the garden as if in a footrace; frightened by Hester Dethridge. ### [LIII: What Had Happened in the Hours of Darkness?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/liii-what-had-happened-in-the-hours-of-darkness) Obsessed with murdering Anne, reads about crimes, grows suspicious of Hester, and steals her hidden manuscript. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/xii) Reads Hester Dethridge's confession and decides to use it to control her. ### [LV: The Signs of the End](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/lv-the-signs-of-the-end) Shows suspicious behavior at night with Hester Dethridge; is warned by Mr. Speedwell about his health; agrees to take Anne to Lady Holchester but remains distrustful. ### [LVI: The Means](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/lvi-the-means) Manipulates Hester Dethridge by leveraging her confession, demanding she replicate a murder technique on the wall. ### [LVII: The End](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/lvii-the-end) Returns to the cottage with Anne, writes a letter to Mrs. Glenarm, drinks brandy despite medical advice, and attempts to murder Anne with a pillow before being attacked by Hester and suffering a stroke. ### [Epilogue A Morning Call](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/chapters/epilogue) His role in the events is revisited, highlighting the outcome of his deceit. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters/geoffrey_delamayn - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/man_and_wife_se/characters