# George Sherston — Memoirs of a Foxhunting Man character guide > George Sherston in Memoirs of a Foxhunting Man by Siegfried Sassoon. **Role:** major **Also known as:** myself, me, I, Sherston, Mr. Sherston, Mr. G. Sherston **First appearance:** 0001-memoirs-of-a-foxhunting-man ## Snapshot A shy, solitary boy raised by his aunt and a groom, he discovers in foxhunting a whole world of belonging — until the Great War requisitions his horse. ## Who they are George Sherston grows up motherless in a quiet country house, educated by a gentle tutor and a sportsman groom who between them make him a rider. Awkward with children his own age and happiest alone, he finds in hunting the companionship and competence that ordinary life denies him. His shyness and his devotion to one horse, Cockbird, shape the book's early arc, as does the shadow of a war that will take both from him. ## In the story ### [Memoirs of a Foxhunting Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/memoirs-of-a-foxhunting-man) The protagonist and narrator, reflecting on his formative years and love for foxhunting. ### [Early Days](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/i-early-days) The narrator, a nervous and dreamy boy, experiences his first pony ride and first day of foxhunting. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/i) The narrator reflects on his childhood loneliness and his imaginary companion. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/ii) The narrator recalls his childhood and the influence of Dixon on his early riding experiences. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/iii) Recalls his childhood with Rob Roy, his nervousness about jumping, and his humiliating solo ride. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/iv) The narrator, reflecting on his childhood and his growth as a boy, including his attachment to his pony Rob Roy and his acquisition of a new pony, Sheila. ### [First Day with the Hounds](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/v) The narrator, experiencing his first foxhunt, feeling nervous and awed. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/vi) Returns home late from hunting, feels proud of his exploits, attends a dance, and re-encounters Denis Milden. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/vii) Narrator and protagonist, anxious to impress Denis Milden and fit in with the hunting crowd. ### [The Flower Show Match](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/ii-the-flower-show-match) Returns home from school for the summer holidays and is selected to play in the Flower Show cricket match for the first time. ### [Home for the Holidays](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/i) Returns home from school, excited about playing in the Flower Show Match. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/ii) The narrator, a young schoolboy, plays in the Butley Flower Show cricket match and indulges in superstitious rituals. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/iii) The narrator and young cricketer, anxious and self-conscious, who ultimately helps tie the match. ### [A Fresh Start](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/iii-a-fresh-start) Reflects on his early foxhunting education and his internal conflict between duty and passion. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/i) The narrator, a young man of twenty-two, drifting through life after Cambridge, preoccupied with cricket and the present moment. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/ii) Embarrassed by Aunt Evelyn's tea-making in a first-class carriage, he sulks and refuses her offer of tea, later feeling guilty. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/iii) Narrator reflecting on his post-Cambridge life, golf at Amblehurst, and book collecting. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/iv) Narrates his anxieties about hunting, his purchase of Harkaway, and his daily walks. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/v) Narrator; eager to learn about riding and hunting, attends the Ringwell Point-to-Point races alone, feeling adventurous. ### [A Day with the Potford](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/iv-a-day-with-the-potford) The narrator and protagonist, eager to prove himself as a sportsman during his day with the Potford Hounds. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/i) The narrator, a young foxhunter, travels to London to try on new hunting clothes and boots, and attends a Kreisler concert. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/ii) The narrator reflects on his disappointing hunting experiences and decides to try the Potford Hounds. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/iii) Narrator and protagonist; reflects on his foxhunting experience and his need for validation from Dixon and Stephen. ### [At the Rectory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/v-at-the-rectory) Travels to Sussex to hunt with the Ringwell Hounds, buys Cockbird, and receives financial help from Aunt Evelyn. ### [Arrival at Hoadley Rectory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/i) Arrives by train in Sussex, reads about the Ringwell Hounds, and is met by Stephen Colwood. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/ii) Visits Colonel Hesmon with Stephen, feels like an outsider at church, and reflects on his identity. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/iii) The narrator attends the Ringwell Hunt, buys a horse from Young Lewison, and later discusses the hunt at the Rectory. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/iv) Returns home with Cockbird, feels complacent and independent, asks Aunt Evelyn for money. ### [VI: The Colonel's Cup](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/vi-the-colonel-s-cup) The protagonist and narrator, who wins the Colonel's Cup and reflects on his achievement. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/i) The narrator reflects on his diary entry from his first stag-hunting day, his riding insecurities, and his efforts to appear as a seasoned hunting man. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/ii) The narrator, anxious and inexperienced, trains Cockbird for the point-to-point while daydreaming about winning. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/iii) The narrator, preparing for his first point-to-point race, buys a racing cap and weight-cloth, walks the course, and feels daunted by the competition. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/iv) The protagonist and rider of Cockbird, winner of the Colonel's Cup. ### [VII: Denis Milden as Master](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/vii-denis-milden-as-master) Narrator; spends summer playing cricket, visits Denis Milden, and learns about the realities of managing a hunt. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/i) Reflects on his summer of cricket and anticipation for hunting; attends a cubbing meet and re-encounters Denis Milden. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/ii) The narrator attends the opening meet in a new red coat, rides with the hunt, and accepts Milden's invitation to stay at the kennels. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/iii) The narrator, who stays at the Kennels for the first time and reflects on his sporting education. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/iv) Narrator and protagonist; learns hound names, gains status in the Hunt, buys Sunny Jim, and grapples with Denis Milden's departure. ### [Migration to the Midlands](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/viii-migration-to-the-midlands) Narrator and protagonist; moves to Packlestone, buys horses, hunts, and worries about debt. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/i) Narrator and protagonist, adjusting to life at Packlestone and grappling with financial concerns. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/ii) Observes the Packlestone Hunt hierarchy and rides Cockbird and Sunny Jim. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/iii) The narrator reflects on his youth and experiences his first authentic intoxication at Denis's dinner party. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/iv) Reflects on his winter of hunting, financial troubles, and fantasies about London society. ### [IX: In the Army](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/ix-in-the-army) Serves as a trooper in the Yeomanry, then pursues a commission in the Flintshire Fusiliers; reflects on his incompetence and desire for a fresh start. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/i) The narrator and protagonist, reflecting on his service as a trooper in the Yeomanry and his feelings about the war. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/ii) Reflects on his injury, his decision to enlist, and his resolve to join the infantry. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/iii) Narrator; resolves to join the Flintshire Fusiliers, orders uniform, and arrives at the training depot. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/iv) Arrives at Clitherland Camp, feels awestruck and isolated, begins infantry training. ### [At the Front](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/x-at-the-front) Reflects on his time at the front, riding the black mare, and the contrast between war and peace. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/i) Arrives in France with Dick and Mansfield, reports to battalion headquarters, and reflects on his transition from hunting to war. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/ii) The narrator describes his experiences during the battalion's move, including his observations of the landscape and his interactions with fellow officers. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/iii) The narrator enjoys a peaceful interlude at Montagne, rides a one-eyed black mare, and is appointed Transport Officer, keeping him out of the trenches. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/iv) Narrator and transport officer at Morlancourt; reflects on the war and past. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/v) Returns from leave, reflects on the war's impact, delivers supplies to the front line. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/chapters/vi) Reflects on trench life, memories of home, and the psychological toll of war. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/characters/narrator - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/memoirs_of_a_foxhunting_man_se/characters