Orley Farm · Character

Mr. Round

The sharp young solicitor of Bedford Row who inherits the Mason family's old grievance and must decide how far to push it.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Round junior, The Mr. Round, Mr. Matthew, Mr. Round senior, Mr. Matthew Round, the Mr. Round, Round, Mat, this Mat, old Round, old Mr. Round, Old Mr. Round

First appearance: Mr. Dockwrath in Bedford Row

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

The London attorney for Joseph Mason of Groby; he listens to Dockwrath's information but refuses to treat him as a colleague or pay him as an attorney.

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Mr. Matthew Round is the working brain of a firm that has carried the Groby Park side of the Orley Farm dispute for twenty years, while his father grows peaches at Isleworth and Mr. Crook handles the dirtier business. Cool, ceremonious, and unimpressed by Dockwrath's eagerness, he weighs the codicil's chances with professional caution rather than passion. His negotiations with Dockwrath and the Mason heirs set the legal machinery of the novel in motion — and his judgment about what is provable will shape everything that follows.

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Character Web

38 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 Exposition.

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. Round appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Mr. Dockwrath in Bedford Row
The London attorney for Joseph Mason of Groby; he listens to Dockwrath's information but refuses to treat him as a colleague or pay him as an attorney.
Mr. Furnival Again at His Chambers
Matthew Round, the attorney, meets with Furnival and discloses the plan to potentially indict Lady Mason for forgery.
How Sir Peregrine Did Business with Mr. Round
The attorney; Sir Peregrine consults him about returning the property, but he refuses to act without authorization; privately concludes Lady Mason is guilty.

Chapter companion notes

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