# Captain Wragge — No Name character guide > Captain Wragge in No Name by Wilkie Collins. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Wragge, the wary Wragge, Horatio Wragge, Horace **First appearance:** 0026-i ## Snapshot A shameless, endlessly resourceful swindler who reinvents himself, his wife, and his niece on command — and enjoys every minute of the fraud. ## Who they are Captain Wragge lives by his wits, staging elaborate domestic fictions with his addle-headed wife Matilda recast as 'Mrs. Bygrave' and Magdalen as his niece 'Miss Bygrave.' He is a rogue with a relish for the game, coaching Magdalen in deceit while privately applauding his own audacity, and his running battle with Mrs. Lecount is a duel of con artists. His cheerful amorality gives the novel its comic energy — and makes him the engine of Magdalen's descent into disguise. ## Relationships ### [Magdalen Vanstone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/characters/magdalen_vanstone) _psychological_ Captain Wragge manipulates and aids Magdalen in her schemes for revenge, acting as a cunning ally and mentor in deception. ### [Mrs. Lecount](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/characters/mrs_lecount) _rivalry_ Captain Wragge and Mrs. Lecount engage in a tense, adversarial game of manipulation and counter-manipulation. ### [Noel Vanstone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/characters/noel_vanstone) _psychological_ Captain Wragge deceives Noel as part of Magdalen's plot, presenting a false persona to gain his trust. ### [Magdalen Vanstone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/characters/magdalen_vanstone) _psychological_ Captain Wragge manipulates and aids Magdalen in her schemes for revenge, acting as a cunning ally and mentor in deception. ### [Mrs. Lecount](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/characters/mrs_lecount) _rivalry_ Captain Wragge and Mrs. Lecount engage in a tense, adversarial game of manipulation and counter-manipulation. ### [Magdalen Vanstone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/characters/magdalen_vanstone) _psychological_ Captain Wragge manipulates and aids Magdalen in her schemes for revenge, acting as a cunning ally and mentor in deception. ### [Noel Vanstone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/characters/noel_vanstone) _psychological_ Captain Wragge deceives Noel as part of Magdalen's plot, presenting a false persona to gain his trust. ### [Mrs. Lecount](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/characters/mrs_lecount) _rivalry_ Captain Wragge and Mrs. Lecount engage in a tense, adversarial game of manipulation and counter-manipulation. ### [Noel Vanstone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/characters/noel_vanstone) _psychological_ Captain Wragge deceives Noel as part of Magdalen's plot, presenting a false persona to gain his trust. ## In the story ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/ii) The mysterious stranger who inquires about the Vanstone family, leaves his card, and later follows the women on their walk. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/iii) Introduced as a disreputable step-relative who has been extorting money from Mrs. Vanstone under false pretenses. ### [Between the Scenes: Progress of the Story Through the Post](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/between-the-scenes-progress-of-the-story-through-the-post) Sends a letter of condolence to Miss Garth, claiming a family connection and inquiring about the reading of the will; Norah dismisses him as unworthy of notice. ### [I: From Norah Vanstone to Mr. Pendril](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/i-from-norah-vanstone-to-mr-pendril) Sends a letter of condolence to Miss Garth, claiming family connection and inquiring about the will. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/i) Searches for Magdalen in York, manipulates her into trusting him, and leads her away from discovery. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/ii) Displays his orderly nature and commercial library, explaining his systematic approach to swindling. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/iii) Proposes to train Magdalen for the stage; devises an escape plan from York; manages Mrs. Wragge's behavior; impressed by Magdalen's acting. ### [Between the Scenes: Chronicle of Events: Preserved in Captain Wragge's Dispatch-Box](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/between-the-scenes-chronicle-of-events-preserved-in-captain-wragge-s-dispatch-box) Narrates the chronicle; devises a scheme for a dramatic entertainment; sends an anonymous letter to Noel Vanstone to hedge his bets. ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/i) Narrates the chapter; orchestrates the retreat, trains Magdalen in disguise, and writes anonymous letters to Pendril. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/ii) Narrates the chronicle, managing the Entertainment and seeking funds. ### [Chronicle for December. First Fortnight.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/iii) Narrates the chronicle, expresses frustration at being outwitted by the music-seller, and takes charge of Magdalen's stage name. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/iv) Organizes the performance, handles the aftermath, and becomes concerned about Magdalen's unwavering focus on her inquiries. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/v) Records the chronicle; gathers intelligence on Michael Vanstone and notes Magdalen's obstinacy and secrecy. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/vi) The narrator of the chronicle; he is depressed about the future, feeling at the mercy of Magdalen's whims despite being the architect of her fortunes. ### [Chronicle for March](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/vii) Narrates the chronicle, expressing dismay at Magdalen's newfound eagerness for money and his inability to cheat her. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/viii) Chronicles the events, considers his alternatives, and agrees to go to Brighton to conduct inquiries for Magdalen. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/ix) Chronicles events, discovers Magdalen's secret disguise, and considers his own approach to Noel Vanstone. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/i) Referenced as Mrs. Wragge's husband, whose absence allows her to relax; his suspicions about Magdalen's costume are confirmed. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/iv) Sends a threatening letter to Noel Vanstone, warning of a plot to rob him. ### [Between the Scenes: Progress of the Story Through the Post](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/between-the-scenes-progress-of-the-story-through-the-post) Writes to Magdalen offering his services and reporting on Noel Vanstone's whereabouts; later receives instructions from Magdalen to arrange a house. ### [From Captain Wragge to Magdalen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/ii-from-captain-wragge-to-magdalen) Writes the letter, offering his services and expressing his loyalty to Magdalen's interests. ### [VII: From Mrs. Wragge to Her Husband](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/vii-from-mrs-wragge-to-her-husband) The absent husband to whom Mrs. Wragge's desperate letter is addressed. ### [XI: From Magdalen to Captain Wragge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/xi-from-magdalen-to-captain-wragge) Recipient of Magdalen's letter; tasked with disposing of costumes, finding a house, and initiating contact with Noel Vanstone and Mrs. Lecount. ### [From Captain Wragge to Magdalen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/xii-from-captain-wragge-to-magdalen) Writes the letter detailing his successful arrangements and his plan to deceive Mrs. Lecount. ### [The Fourth Scene](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/the-fourth-scene) Acting as Mr. Bygrave, he orchestrates the plot with Magdalen in Aldborough. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/i) Accepts Magdalen's terms, motivated by malice toward Noel Vanstone and the promise of two hundred pounds, though he is visibly shaken by her plan. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/iii) Plans to manage Mrs. Wragge's identity and insists on her confinement to avoid compromising the scheme. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/iv) Orchestrates the meeting, using scientific lectures from Joyce to divert Mrs. Lecount's attention and secure a social foothold. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/v) Orchestrates a feigned neuralgic attack to rescue Magdalen from Mrs. Lecount's probing and later strategizes about the housekeeper's brother. ### [Chapter VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/vi) Receives Mrs. Lecount coldly, then manipulates Noel Vanstone by accusing Lecount of jealousy and arranging a secret morning walk to advance the conspiracy. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/vii) Devises a plan to paint over Magdalen's moles and advises Noel to avoid Mrs. Lecount. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/viii) Receives Noel's message, corresponds with Magdalen, and skillfully manipulates Noel into proposing a secret marriage to avoid Mrs. Lecount. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/ix) Watches Mrs. Lecount's window; posts a forged letter; agrees to take Magdalen away for two days; returns to Aldborough and visits Noel Vanstone. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/x) His plan to deceive Mrs. Lecount is partially successful; he takes his morning bath at sea. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/xi) Observes Mrs. Lecount's departure, investigates at the post office, and confronts Magdalen about the wedding date. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/xii) Orchestrates the marriage plans, secretly reads Mrs. Lecount's letter, and arranges for a safe address in London. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/xiii) Absent from Aldborough; his departure leaves Magdalen isolated and the alpaca dress's secret undiscovered. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/xiv) Informs Mrs. Wragge of the marriage, warns Magdalen about her age, and refuses to help Noel choose a honeymoon location. ### [X: From Miss Garth to Mr. Pendril](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/x-from-miss-garth-to-mr-pendril) Identified as the scoundrel who assisted Magdalen's imposture as Mr. Bygrave. ### [The Fifth Scene: Baliol Cottage, Dumfries](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/the-fifth-scene) Also at Baliol Cottage, likely assisting Magdalen in her plans. ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/i) Referred to as Mr. Bygrave; blamed by Noel for sending Mrs. Lecount to Zurich and accused of deception. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/iii) Briefly referenced by Noel Vanstone in comparison to Mrs. Lecount's cleverness. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/chapters/ii) Visits Magdalen, reveals his new pill business, and explains how Mr. Kirke came to care for her. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/characters/captain_wragge - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/no_name_se/characters