Nicholas Nickleby · Character

Lord Frederick Verisopht

A young nobleman with a title, a stammer, and no judgment, trailing after Sir Mulberry Hawk into behaviour he is too weak to question or stop.

supporting

Also known as Richard, Lord Frederick, Verisopht, Alfred

First appearance: xvii

As a supporting figure in Nicholas Nickleby, Lord Frederick Verisopht is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A young nobleman among the guests, stares at Kate with surprise and makes dismissive comments.

In the storyDescriptive of a Dinner at Mr. Ralph Nickleby's, and of the manner in which the company entertained themselves, before dinner, at dinner, and after dinnerOpen this moment free

Lord Frederick Verisopht is rich, idle, and easily led, spending his days in the orbit of Sir Mulberry Hawk, who flatters and steers him for his own amusement. His infatuation with Kate Nickleby is less malice than vanity and weakness, but it makes him a tool in a game far crueller than he understands. He matters because he shows how rank without character can be as dangerous as open villainy, and because his fate shadows the novel's moral accounting.

See Lord Frederick Verisopht in Descriptive of a Dinner at Mr. Ralph Nickleby's, and of the manner in which the company entertained themselves, before dinner, at dinner, and after dinner Book page

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Character Web

32 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Sir Mulberry's social circle
Cheeryble circle and allies
Extended cast of actors, students, and townsfolk

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this scene, the emotional peak is the rare, unguarded happiness of the group, particularly John Browdie’s e…

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In the story

Lord Frederick Verisopht appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Descriptive of a Dinner at Mr. Ralph Nickleby's, and of the manner in which the company entertained themselves, before dinner, at dinner, and after dinner
A young nobleman among the guests, stares at Kate with surprise and makes dismissive comments.
Chapter XXVI
Pressures Ralph for Kate's address, intending to pursue her secretly behind Sir Mulberry's back, and joins in escorting Mrs. Nickleby.
Mrs. Nickleby Becomes Acquainted with Messrs. Pyke and Pluck, Whose Affection and Interest Are Beyond All Bounds
Present at the theater, he is left to talk with Mrs. Wititterly while Sir Mulberry escorts Kate.
XXXVIII
Defends Nicholas and Kate Nickleby with unusual vehemence, condemning cowardly attacks and asserting Kate's virtue.
Mr. Ralph Nickleby cuts an old acquaintance. It would also appear from the contents hereof, that a joke, even between husband and wife, may be sometimes carried too far.
Lord Frederick has also left for France, accompanying Sir Mulberry.
Chapter L
Shows signs of remorse and conflict, questioning Sir Mulberry's plans and reflecting on his wasted life.

Chapter companion notes

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See Lord Frederick Verisopht in xvii

See Lord Frederick Verisopht in Descriptive of a Dinner at Mr. Ralph Nickleby's, and of the manner in which the company entertained themselves, before dinner, at dinner, and after dinner