# Phineas Finn — Phineas Redux character guide > Phineas Finn in Phineas Redux by Anthony Trollope. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Mr. Finn, Mr. Phineas Finn, Finn, Phineas, poor Phineas **First appearance:** 0000-i-temptation ## Snapshot An Irish MP climbing London's political ladder, Phineas Finn risks everything for ambition, love, and a seat among men who will not forgive him. ## Who they are Phineas has risen from a Dublin lodging to a parliamentary career, charming his way into Whig drawing-rooms while juggling loyalty to patrons, debts, and two women who love him differently. His fatal gift is earnestness in a world of calculation: he believes in measures and men, and both betray him. When a political quarrel curdles into deadly accusation, his survival depends on friends he never fully counted. ## Relationships ### [Lady Laura Kennedy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/characters/lady_laura_kennedy) _romantic_ Laura is deeply in love with Phineas, but their relationship is complicated by her marriage to Mr. Kennedy and her obsessive, unrequited passion. ### [Madame Max Goesler](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/characters/madame_max_goesler) _romantic_ Madame Max is a devoted and loyal friend to Phineas, eventually becoming his wife after a courtship marked by mutual admiration and support. ### [Lord Chiltern](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/characters/lord_chiltern) _friendship_ Chiltern and Phineas share a deep, loyal friendship forged through shared adventures and mutual respect, despite their contrasting temperaments. ### [Mr. Bonteen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/characters/mr_bonteen) _rivalry_ Bonteen is a bitter political enemy of Phineas, constantly undermining him and eventually becoming a central figure in the murder plot against Phineas. ### [Mr. Low](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/characters/mr_low) _professional_ Mr. Low is Phineas's former legal mentor and employer, offering him professional guidance and occasional support throughout his political career. ### [Barrington Erle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/characters/barrington_erle) _professional_ Barrington Erle is a political colleague and party whip who works closely with Phineas, often helping him navigate parliamentary affairs. ### [Lady Baldock](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/characters/lady_baldock) _social_ Lady Baldock is a society matron who disapproves of Phineas, viewing him as an unsuitable suitor for her granddaughter and a social climber. ### [Duchess of Omnium](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/characters/duchess_of_omnium) _friendship_ The Duchess is a warm and influential friend to Phineas, using her social power to support his political ambitions and personal welfare. ### [George Kennedy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/characters/george_kennedy) _rivalry_ George Kennedy, Laura's husband, is a jealous and paranoid man who views Phineas as a threat to his marriage, leading to violent confrontation. ### [Mr. Gresham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/characters/mr_gresham) _professional_ Mr. Gresham is a senior political leader who employs and mentors Phineas, offering him cabinet positions and political advancement. ### [Lady Laura Kennedy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/characters/lady_laura_kennedy) _romantic_ Laura is deeply in love with Phineas, but their relationship is complicated by her marriage to Mr. Kennedy and her obsessive, unrequited passion. ### [Madame Max Goesler](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/characters/madame_max_goesler) _romantic_ Madame Max is a devoted and loyal friend to Phineas, eventually becoming his wife after a courtship marked by mutual admiration and support. ## In the story ### [Temptation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/i-temptation) A widower and former MP, now living in Ireland, who resigns his government post to pursue a return to Parliament. ### [Harrington Hall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/ii-harrington-hall) Returns to London and visits Harrington Hall; preparing for election at Tankerville; reflects on past with Lady Laura and Mr. Kennedy. ### [Gerard Maule](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/iii-gerard-maule) Visits Harrington Hall, discusses Gerard Maule and Lady Laura Kennedy, prepares to stand for Tankerville. ### [Tankerville](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/iv-tankerville) The candidate, reluctantly fighting a difficult election in Tankerville, forced to adopt Church disendowment as his platform. ### [Mr. Daubeny’s Great Move](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/v-mr-daubeny-s-great-move) Mentioned as a 'rash young friend' who took a line at Tankerville, referenced in the political discussion. ### [Phineas and His Old Friends](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/vi-phineas-and-his-old-friends) Returns to London from Tankerville, optimistic about petition; lodges with the Bunces; visits the Lows; receives letter from Lady Laura. ### [Coming Home from Hunting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/vii-coming-home-from-hunting) Mentioned by Gerard Maule as an example of an ambitious man who will starve according to Lord Chiltern. ### [The Deserted Husband](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/x-the-deserted-husband) Visits Loughlinter at Robert Kennedy's request, feeling obligated despite the discomfort. ### [The Truant Wife](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xi-the-truant-wife) Visits Lady Laura in Dresden after traveling from Loughlinter; recounts his interview with Mr. Kennedy and shares news of mutual friends. ### [Königstein](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xii-k-nigstein) Visits Dresden, reports on Mr. Kennedy's condition, and receives Lady Laura's confession of love and vow of lifelong friendship. ### [I Have Got the Seat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xiii-i-have-got-the-seat) Returns to London after regaining his seat; determined to devote himself to politics despite financial concerns. ### [XIV: Trumpeton Wood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xiv-trumpeton-wood) Expected at Harrington Hall; discussed by the ladies as an old friend, a widower, and a returning MP. ### [Copperhouse Cross and Broughton Spinnies](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xvi-copperhouse-cross-and-broughton-spinnies) Reluctantly agrees to hunt, feels out of place among wealthy friends, and sits next to Madame Goesler in the carriage. ### [Madame Goesler's Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xvii-madame-goesler-s-story) Rides with Madame Goesler after being separated from the hunt; listens to her story and questions her motives. ### [Spooner of Spoon Hall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xviii-spooner-of-spoon-hall) A guest at Harrington Hall; he is questioned by Mr. Spooner about Gerard Maule and prepares to return to London for the upcoming parliamentary session. ### [Something Out of the Way](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xix-something-out-of-the-way) Listens to Mr. Spooner's confidences about proposing but declines to help arrange a private meeting. ### [Phineas Again in London](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xx-phineas-again-in-london) Returns to London, receives Lady Laura's letter, answers it cautiously, and reenters parliamentary life. ### [Purity of Morals, Finn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xxii-purity-of-morals-finn) Visited by Quintus Slide, who shows him a libelous letter from Robert Kennedy; Phineas is torn between his desire to kick Slide out and his duty to protect Lady Laura from public exposure. ### [Macpherson's Hotel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xxiii-macpherson-s-hotel) Visits Mr. Kennedy to stop the publication of a letter; survives an assassination attempt. ### [An Editor's Wrath](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xxvii-an-editor-s-wrath) The MP who obtained the injunction against Slide, now the target of Slide's wrath. ### [The First Thunderbolt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xxviii-the-first-thunderbolt) Deeply wounded by the article in the People's Banner, he seeks advice from Mr. Low and discusses the matter with Lord Cantrip. ### [XXX: Regrets](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xxx-regrets) Visits Madame Goesler in London; offers condolences on the Duke's death; shares a warm, intimate moment with her. ### [The World Becomes Cold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xxxii-the-world-becomes-cold) Feels unjustly treated by his party and the press; seeks comfort from Madame Goesler; determined to speak in the debate despite growing isolation. ### [The Universe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xxxiv-the-universe) Feels insulted by Bonteen's accusation of disloyalty; writes a letter demanding an apology. ### [Political Venom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xxxv-political-venom) Distressed by Bonteen's accusation and the political animosity; seeks advice from Mr. Monk and considers consulting Lord Cantrip; feels his enemy is triumphing. ### [Seventy-Two](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xxxvi-seventy-two) Delivers a speech defending himself, alludes to his past resignation, and feels anxious and isolated from his party. ### [The Conspiracy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-conspiracy) Visits Lord Cantrip for advice, calls on Madame Goesler, and reflects on his political misfortunes and the conspiracy to aid his career. ### [Once Again in Portman Square](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xxxviii-once-again-in-portman-square) Visits Portman Square at Lady Laura's summons; resists her efforts to secure him a political position; struggles with his feelings for her. ### [Cagliostro](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xxxix-cagliostro) Observes the proceedings and discusses Daubeny's performance with Mr. Monk. ### [XL: The Prime Minister Is Hard Pressed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xl-the-prime-minister-is-hard-pressed) Despondent over his exclusion from office, he confides in Madame Goesler about his financial struggles and defends Lady Laura Kennedy. ### [The Second Thunderbolt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xliii-the-second-thunderbolt) Central figure in the quarrel with Bonteen; subject of scandalous rumors and a newspaper attack by Quintus Slide. ### [The Browborough Trial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xliv-the-browborough-trial) Not present at the trial, but his qualifications as MP for Tankerville are roughly treated by witnesses. ### [Some Passages in the Life of Mr. Emilius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xlv-some-passages-in-the-life-of-mr-emilius) Mentioned with disdain by Lady Eustace, who blames him for Mr. Bonteen's political troubles; he is also linked to various women in society. ### [The Quarrel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xlvi-the-quarrel) Dines at Madame Goesler's, feels heartened by cordial treatment, then quarrels with Mr. Bonteen at The Universe club over an insulting remark. ### [What Came of the Quarrel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xlvii-what-came-of-the-quarrel) The prime suspect in Bonteen's murder; his anger and proximity to the scene are key evidence. ### [Mr. Maule's Attempt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xlviii-mr-maule-s-attempt) Mentioned as being in peril and in prison, suspected of murdering Mr. Bonteen. ### [XLIX: Showing What Mrs. Bunce Said to the Policeman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xlix-showing-what-mrs-bunce-said-to-the-policeman) Hosts Lord Chiltern and Mr. Low; learns of Bonteen's murder; produces life-preserver and coat; arrested and gives testimony at Bow Street. ### [What the Lords and Commons Said About the Murder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/l-what-the-lords-and-commons-said-about-the-murder) Arrested and in custody on suspicion of murdering Bonteen; many members believe him guilty but some sympathize. ### [Mr. Kennedy’s Will](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lii-mr-kennedy-s-will) Survives Kennedy's attack; is now in prison, facing murder charges for Bonteen's death, with evidence mounting against him. ### [None but the Brave Deserve the Fair](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/liii-none-but-the-brave-deserve-the-fair) Mentioned as being in prison, accused of murdering another member of Parliament. ### [The Duchess Takes Counsel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/liv-the-duchess-takes-counsel) Committed to Newgate for the murder of Mr. Bonteen; confined with the glory of a State prisoner. ### [Phineas in Prison](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lv-phineas-in-prison) The protagonist, imprisoned and accused of murder, struggles with despair but maintains dignity; receives visits from friends and family. ### [The Beginning of the Search for the Key and the Coat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lvii-the-beginning-of-the-search-for-the-key-and-the-coat) The accused; discussed as the defendant whose trial is imminent, with a defense strategy focusing on his character and popularity. ### [The Two Dukes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lviii-the-two-dukes) The subject of much discussion; the Duchess believes him innocent, while the Duke of Omnium is uncertain, and the Duke of St. Bungay seems to think him guilty. ### [Mrs. Bonteen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lix-mrs-bonteen) Accused by Mrs. Bonteen of murdering her husband; she insists on his guilt and demands his execution. ### [Two Days Before the Trial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lx-two-days-before-the-trial) Imprisoned and preparing for trial, he insists on a defense based on truth and rejects legal quibbling. ### [LXI: The Beginning of the Trial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lxi-the-beginning-of-the-trial) The prisoner at the bar, described as thin and pale but handsome, maintains a composed demeanor throughout the opening of the trial. ### [Lord Fawn's Evidence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lxii-lord-fawn-s-evidence) The defendant, on trial for murder; his life-preserver and grey coat are key evidence. ### [Mr. Chaffanbrass for the Defence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lxiii-mr-chaffanbrass-for-the-defence) The defendant in the murder trial, whose character is defended by Mr. Chaffanbrass and supported by witnesses. ### [Confusion in the Court](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lxiv-confusion-in-the-court) Despondent and broken after the trial, he feels crushed by the injustice of the system and the dependence on friends for his salvation. ### [LXV: “I Hate Her!”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lxv-i-hate-her) The object of Lady Laura's devotion; his acquittal and potential marriage to Madame Goesler torment her. ### [The Foreign Bludgeon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lxvi-the-foreign-bludgeon) Remains in custody but is expected to be acquitted following the discovery of the key and bludgeon. ### [The Verdict](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lxvii-the-verdict) Acquitted of murder, he is pale, haggard, and emotionally drained. He refuses offers of hospitality and returns to his lodgings alone. ### [Phineas After the Trial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lxviii-phineas-after-the-trial) Secluded after trial, resigns his seat, visits Lady Laura. ### [I Will Not Go to Loughlinter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lxx-i-will-not-go-to-loughlinter) Declines Lady Laura's invitation to Loughlinter, citing his own emotional state and the impropriety of visiting her so soon after her husband's death. He reveals his plan to go to Matching. ### [Phineas Finn Is Reelected](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lxxi-phineas-finn-is-reelected) Reelected for Tankerville without opposition after his acquittal; receives gifts from local ladies; subject of Quintus Slide's attacks. ### [Phineas Finn Returns to His Duties](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lxxiii-phineas-finn-returns-to-his-duties) Returns to his parliamentary duties after re-election, struggling with the psychological aftermath of his trial and acquittal. ### [At Matching](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lxxiv-at-matching) Arrives at Matching Priory, greets Madame Goesler with an embrace, and dines with Adelaide Palliser. ### [The Trumpeton Feud Is Settled](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lxxv-the-trumpeton-feud-is-settled) Present at the gathering, jokingly considered for a hypothetical Foxmaster-General position, receives an invitation from Lady Chiltern. ### [Madame Goesler's Legacy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lxxvi-madame-goesler-s-legacy) Briefly appears at Matching, greeting Gerard and declining to discuss his acquittal. ### [Phineas Finn's Success](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lxxvii-phineas-finn-s-success) Receives a summons from Mr. Gresham to accept office; conflicted about accepting due to past grievances; decides to visit Lady Laura at Saulsby before deciding. ### [The Last Visit to Saulsby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lxxviii-the-last-visit-to-saulsby) Resolved to refuse Mr. Gresham's offer and to propose to Madame Goesler; feels bound to be honest with Lady Laura. ### [At Last—At Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lxxix-at-last-at-last) Refuses Mr. Gresham's offer, returns to Matching, proposes to Madame Goesler, and is accepted. ### [LXXX: Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lxxx-conclusion) Acquitted, refuses office, marries Madame Goesler, and travels abroad before returning to London. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/characters/phineas_finn - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/characters