Orley Farm · Character

Mr. Chaffanbrass

The great, feared cross-examiner of the criminal bar, whose silken cruelty can make an honest witness look like a perjurer.

supporting

Also known as Chaffanbrass, the great Chaffanbrass, Mr. Chaffanbrass⁠—either

First appearance: What the Four Lawyers Thought About It

As a supporting figure in Orley Farm, Mr. Chaffanbrass is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

An elderly barrister who finds the congress tedious and skeptical of reform.

In the storyXVII: Von BauhrOpen this moment free

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Mr. Chaffanbrass is the advocate whom solicitors call when a case must be won by shredding reputations rather than proving facts. His fame rests on the wreckage of witnesses — a reputation Trollope treats with grim, half-admiring humor. When he is retained for the defense of Lady Mason, his presence signals that the Orley Farm trial will be fought not on documents alone but on the nerves and characters of everyone who takes the stand.

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See Mr. Chaffanbrass in What the Four Lawyers Thought About It

Character Web

37 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Legal professionals and family
Extended cast and servants

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it depicts the emotional and psychological peak of Madeline and…

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In the story

Mr. Chaffanbrass appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XVII: Von Bauhr
An elderly barrister who finds the congress tedious and skeptical of reform.
Mr. Furnival Looks for Assistance
Agrees to take a brief in the case, though he appears convinced of Lady Mason's guilt.
LXI: The State of Public Opinion
A key defense lawyer; attorneys believe if he cannot secure an acquittal, things must be much altered in English criminal court.
What the Four Lawyers Thought About It
Discusses trial strategy with Aram; expresses skepticism about the case and laments that he cannot cross-examine both key witnesses.
LXV: Felix Graham Returns to Noningsby
Mentioned as a barrister involved in the case, whose presence at a country assize is unusual.
LXXI: Showing How John Kenneby and Bridget Bolster Bore Themselves in Court
Co-counsel for Lady Mason, aggressively cross-examines Bridget Bolster, shifting from shaking her to implying she is a rogue.
Mr. Furnival's Speech
Whispers a comment during Furnival's speech, audible throughout the court.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. Chaffanbrass in What the Four Lawyers Thought About It

See Mr. Chaffanbrass in XVII: Von Bauhr