North and South · Character

Frederick Hale

Margaret's beloved brother, a naval officer living in exile after a mutiny, whose secret visits home threaten the family's fragile safety.

supporting

Also known as Master Frederick, Frederick, Frederick Hale, poor Frederick Hale, Poor Frederick, Master Fred, Fred

First appearance: Frederick

As a supporting figure in North and South, Frederick Hale is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Frederick is revealed as a fugitive living in Spain under the name Dickenson, wanted for mutiny against Captain Reid on the HMS Russell.

In the storyXIV: The MeetingOpen this moment free

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Frederick is the absent heart of the Hale family — the son whose disgrace drove them from Helstone and whose name cannot be spoken aloud. His mother dreams of him with terror as much as longing, and Margaret guards his secret like a lioness, ready to bolt the door against any caller. His conversion to Rome and his dangerous past make him both a scandal and a tender memory, and his rare appearances test every loyalty the family has.

Continue beside the text

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Character Web

27 connections

A slice of how Frederick Hale sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Family
Other

Character groups

Major characters and family
Background and supporting characters
Minor family members
Protagonist

+22 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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Relationships

Margaret Hale
family · positive
A close sibling relationship marked by Margaret's protective love for her exiled brother… How this plays out →
Mr. Hale
family · positive
Margaret Hale
family · positive
A close sibling relationship marked by Margaret's protective love for her exiled brother… How this plays out →
Mr. Hale
family · positive
Margaret Hale
family · positive
A close sibling relationship marked by Margaret's protective love for her exiled brother… How this plays out →
Mr. Hale
family · positive

Margaret Hale
A close sibling relationship marked by Margaret's protective love for her exiled brother and her efforts to reunite the family.
Mr. Hale
A father-son relationship strained by Frederick's exile, but filled with longing and a brief, secret reunion before Mr. Hale's death.
Margaret Hale
A close sibling relationship marked by Margaret's protective love for her exiled brother and her efforts to reunite the family.
Mr. Hale
A father-son relationship strained by Frederick's exile, but filled with longing and a brief, secret reunion before Mr. Hale's death.
Margaret Hale
A close sibling relationship marked by Margaret's protective love for her exiled brother and her efforts to reunite the family.
Mr. Hale
A father-son relationship strained by Frederick's exile, but filled with longing and a brief, secret reunion before Mr. Hale's death.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Frederick Hale in Frederick

In the story

Frederick Hale appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XIV: The Meeting
Frederick is revealed as a fugitive living in Spain under the name Dickenson, wanted for mutiny against Captain Reid on the HMS Russell.
XVI: The Shadow of Death
Mentioned by Mrs. Hale in her hysterical outburst, longing for her absent firstborn son.
Frederick
The fugitive brother whom Mrs. Hale longs to see; his safety is jeopardized by the letter Margaret sends.
XXIX: A Ray of Sunshine
Discussed in the context of his impending secret visit, with plans to keep his presence hidden from others.
XXX: Home at Last
Arrives unexpectedly at the Hale home, anxious about his mother's condition, and is warmly received by Margaret.
XXXI: “Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot”
Frederick is deeply affected by his mother's death but forces cheerfulness. He agrees to leave Milton for safety and plans to travel to London to secure passage on a ship.
XXXII: Mischances
Visits his family after his mother's death; overpowers Leonards and escapes by train to London.
Peace
Sends a letter to Margaret explaining his delayed return to London and his decision not to return to Milton due to the risk of being tracked by Leonards.
False and True
Frederick is absent but a source of intense worry for Margaret and Mr. Hale; his safety is uncertain after the encounter with Leonards.
XXXV: Expiation
Writes a letter from safety, mentioning his consultation with Henry Lennox and his escape.
XLI: The Journey’s End
Marries Dolores Barbour; renounces England after Henry Lennox's letter dashes hopes of a court-martial clearance, but is now happy as a junior partner in a Spanish firm.
XLV: Not All a Dream
Mentioned as the subject of the legal proceedings; now happy and secure in his wife's country.
XLVI: Once and Now
Mentioned as having given up hope of clearing his name and returning to England.

Chapter companion notes

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See Frederick Hale in Frederick

See Frederick Hale in XIV: The Meeting