Phineas Finn · Character

Laurence Fitzgibbon

An Irish MP and Phineas's genial, perpetually broke friend, whose cheerful advice runs to marrying money and dodging creditors.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Fitzgibbon, Fitzgibbon, Mr. Laurence Fitzgibbon, Laurence, poor Laurence Fitzgibbon

First appearance: The New Government

As a supporting figure in Phineas Finn, Laurence Fitzgibbon is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

An experienced MP and friend of Phineas, who downplays the significance of Phineas's election and shares cynical views about Parliament.

In the storyPhineas Finn Takes His SeatOpen this moment free

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Laurence Fitzgibbon is Phineas's easygoing compatriot in the House, always true to him after a fashion and never quite solvent. When Phineas's career wobbles, Laurence's counsel is characteristically practical: pop the question to Madame Max, whose money is all true. His cheerful recklessness and his own scrapes with debt make him both a comfort and a warning, the friend who shows Phineas what a parliamentary life without discipline can become.

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See Laurence Fitzgibbon in The New Government

Character Web

33 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Political and Social Circle
Minor Characters and Extras
Landlords and Adversaries

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this chapter, Phineas reaches his emotional and psychological peak by definitively choosing principle over…

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Relationships

Phineas Finn
friendship · positive
Fitzgibbon is a fellow Irish MP and friend who introduces Phineas to London political and… How this plays out →
Phineas Finn
friendship · positive
Fitzgibbon is a fellow Irish MP and friend who introduces Phineas to London political and… How this plays out →
Phineas Finn
friendship · positive
Fitzgibbon is a fellow Irish MP and friend who introduces Phineas to London political and… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Laurence Fitzgibbon in The New Government

In the story

Laurence Fitzgibbon appears across 17 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Phineas Finn Takes His Seat
An experienced MP and friend of Phineas, who downplays the significance of Phineas's election and shares cynical views about Parliament.
Lord Brentford's Dinner
Dines at Lord Brentford's; comments on the decency of voting despite personal loss.
Mr. and Mrs. Bunce
Phineas's friend at the Reform Club; gives a romancing description of the political crisis and potential successors.
The News About Mr. Mildmay and Sir Everard
Walks with Phineas towards Portman Square but turns into Brooks's; later arrives at Lady Laura's with the Bonteens.
The New Government
Becomes a junior Lord of the Treasury; claims a promise from Phineas to assist at his reelection in Mayo.
Autumnal Prospects
Professes friendship to Phineas and then asks him to endorse a bill for £250.
XIII: Saulsby Wood
Laurence teases Phineas about his invitations to Saulsby and Loughlinter, and mentions Violet Effingham as a potential heiress.
The Debate on the Ballot
Seen by Phineas in the lobby after the debate, but Phineas avoids him.
Do Be Punctual
Avoids responsibility for the bill he endorsed, promises to settle but is evasive.
Mr. Turnbull’s Carriage Stops the Way
Accompanies Phineas out of the hall and comments on Mr. Turnbull's carriage arrangements.
The Second Reading Is Carried
Dismisses Phineas's complaint about Clarkson; leaves with Barrington Erle after the division.
Finn for Loughton
Quips that Phineas will marry an heiress and become Secretary for Ireland.
A Rough Encounter
Phineas seeks him out for advice but cannot find him; later seen at Lady Laura's gathering.
The Duel
Serves as Phineas's second in the duel; lies to Lady Laura about his and Phineas's whereabouts.
Promotion
Mentioned as having been offered the Undersecretary for the Colonies position, which Phineas initially covets; Phineas views him as a poor creature who has eaten the bread of idleness.
What the People in Marylebone Thought
Shows no animosity toward Phineas despite being superseded at the Colonial Office; comments that the party is rotten.
Job’s Comforters
Jokingly advises Phineas to propose to Madame Goesler as a way out of his troubles.

Chapter companion notes

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See Laurence Fitzgibbon in The New Government

See Laurence Fitzgibbon in Phineas Finn Takes His Seat