Phineas Redux · Character

Mr. Daubeny

Mr. Daubeny is the Conservative leader who will carry a bill he disbelieves to keep power, and everyone in Westminster knows it.

supporting

Also known as Daubeny, V Mr. Daubeny

First appearance: Mr. Daubeny’s Great Move

As a supporting figure in Phineas Redux, Mr. Daubeny is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The Conservative Prime Minister who dissolves Parliament and delays the election for political advantage.

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See Mr. Daubeny in Temptation Book page

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Daubeny is the cool, calculating head of the Tory party, willing to outbid the Liberals on their own reform measure because he can and they cannot. His strategy forces Phineas and the Duke to confront whether politics is a contest of principles or of maneuver, and whether a man should support a bill he thinks destructive. He never appears as a villain, only as the system's most honest operator, and that is what makes him unsettling.

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See Mr. Daubeny in Mr. Daubeny’s Great Move

Character Web

31 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Political and social circle
Election and legal advisors
Minor characters and background figures

+26 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene represents the dramatic climax because it depicts the emotional and psychological peak of Mr. Kenne…

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In the story

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

Temptation
The Conservative Prime Minister who dissolves Parliament and delays the election for political advantage.
Mr. Daubeny’s Great Move
Delivers a speech at East Barsetshire hinting at disestablishing the Church, causing political uproar.
The Address
Sits mute during the reading of the Speech and the moving of the Address; later rises to defend himself with badinage, waving to his Conservative supporters.
The Debate
Praised for excellent strategy; his government survives with only two resignations despite proposing Church disestablishment.
The Deserted Husband
His success in the debate on Church disestablishment grieves Phineas.
I Have Got the Seat
Described as having played his game with consummate skill; his Church reform proposal is a central topic of political discussion.
Phineas Again in London
Mentioned as the Minister introducing the Church Reform Bill, criticized for retaining power unconstitutionally.
The Two Gladiators
Delivers the ministerial speech, attacking Mr. Gresham personally and advocating for Church reform, using erudite references and strategic timing to embarrass his opponent.
The Universe
Conservative Prime Minister; his Church Bill is being opposed on factional grounds.
Cagliostro
Resigns as Prime Minister after defeat on his great measure, delivers a scathing speech against the House and opposition, then leaves.
The Browborough Trial
As Prime Minister, he initially ignores the prosecution recommendation, leaving it to his successor.
What the Lords and Commons Said About the Murder
Opposition leader; asks Gresham about the arrest of a member for the murder.
Phineas Finn Returns to His Duties
Delivers a speech in the House congratulating Phineas on his acquittal; criticized by Phineas for being insincere and theatrical.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. Daubeny in Mr. Daubeny’s Great Move

See Mr. Daubeny in Temptation