Frank Clare

Magdalen Vanstone

Frank is Magdalen's first love and fiancé, but his weakness and abandonment leave her heartbroken and bitter.

Noel Vanstone

Frank and Noel are distant cousins with little direct interaction, but their lives are linked through Magdalen.

Norah Vanstone

Frank is a former suitor of Norah before turning his attentions to Magdalen, creating mild tension.

Magdalen Vanstone

Frank is Magdalen's first love and fiancé, but his weakness and abandonment leave her heartbroken and bitter.

Magdalen Vanstone

Frank is Magdalen's first love and fiancé, but his weakness and abandonment leave her heartbroken and bitter.

Noel Vanstone

Frank and Noel are distant cousins with little direct interaction, but their lives are linked through Magdalen.

Norah Vanstone

Frank is a former suitor of Norah before turning his attentions to Magdalen, creating mild tension.

Noel Vanstone

Frank and Noel are distant cousins with little direct interaction, but their lives are linked through Magdalen.

Norah Vanstone

Frank is a former suitor of Norah before turning his attentions to Magdalen, creating mild tension.

IV

Returns from a failed engineering career in Canada; visits Combe-Raven and is warmly received by Mr. Vanstone and Magdalen.

V

Reluctantly cast as Falkland; appears helpless and incapable, relying entirely on Magdalen's coaching; makes feeble attempts at compliments.

VI

The last of the dramatic company to leave; waits in the hall with Magdalen's cloak and arranges to meet her the next morning in the shrubbery.

VII

Seen with Magdalen in the shrubbery, prompting Norah's intervention.

Chapter VIII

Receives a second chance through a wealthy cousin; leaves for a commercial position; displays sentimental melancholy and helplessness.

IX

Is kissed by Magdalen in the summerhouse; remains silent during the confrontation with Miss Garth.

Chapter X

Referenced as Magdalen's fiancé; his father has consented to the match, though Norah and Miss Garth remain skeptical.

Chapter XI

Brings messages from his father and inquires after Magdalen.

XII

Mr. Clare's son, anxious about his prospects and his relationship with Magdalen after Mr. Vanstone's death.

Chapter XV

Mentioned as the obstacle; Magdalen pleads with Mr. Clare not to ask her to give him up.

Between the Scenes: Progress of the Story Through the Post

Visits Magdalen to take his leave; after a private interview, she falls into hysterics and Norah pushes him out of the room.

I: From Norah Vanstone to Mr. Pendril

Visits to take leave; his interview with Magdalen ends in her hysterics, and Norah pushes him out of the room.

II: From Miss Garth to Mr. Pendril

Mentioned as having left England; Miss Garth believes Magdalen was secretly sustained by hope of seeing him again until his departure.

Chronicle for December. First Fortnight.

His son is in China; Mr. Clare will forward letters between Magdalen and Frank.

Between the Scenes: Progress of the Story Through the Post

Writes from China to break off his engagement with Magdalen, citing his failed prospects.

From Francis Clare, Jun., to Magdalen

Writes a self-pitying letter from Shanghai, releasing Magdalen from their engagement due to his failed prospects and self-imposed exile.

VI: From Francis Clare, Sen., to Magdalen

Mentioned as having left his employers under disgraceful circumstances, as reported by his father.

VIII: From Norah to Magdalen

Referenced as the cowardly villain who stole into Magdalen's heart.

IX: From Magdalen to Norah

Mentioned as the man who deceived and deserted Magdalen; she still struggles with her feelings for him despite his betrayal.

X: From Magdalen to Miss Garth

Magdalen mentions he has left her, along with her better thoughts.

I

Referenced through the lock of hair Magdalen casts away, representing his betrayal of their engagement.

III

Mentioned in Magdalen's thoughts as the cause of her sorrow and the object of her lingering love.

III

Mentioned in Mr. Clare's letter as having married an older woman and seeking an estate.