# Robert Kennedy — Phineas Redux character guide

> Robert Kennedy in Phineas Redux by Anthony Trollope.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Kennedy, Kennedy, poor Mr. Kennedy, Robert

**First appearance:** 0009-x-the-deserted-husband

## Snapshot

Lady Laura's estranged husband, a rich, rigid, increasingly unhinged man who has barricaded himself at Loughlinter with his money and his grievances.

## Who they are

Once a powerful MP and master of the magnificent Loughlinter estate, Kennedy now lives in near-total seclusion, his rivers unfished and his moors unshot, while his wife remains abroad to escape him. His marriage to Lady Laura was a transaction she came to loathe, and his hatred of Phineas Finn festers in the dark. His brooding isolation makes him a quiet, dangerous presence in the background of Phineas's return to political life.

## In the story

### [Harrington Hall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/ii-harrington-hall)

Lives alone at Loughlinter; still in Parliament but rarely appears; no reconciliation with Lady Laura.

### [The Deserted Husband](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/x-the-deserted-husband)

The deserted husband, who summons Phineas to Loughlinter and accuses him of causing the rift with Lady Laura.

### [The Truant Wife](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xi-the-truant-wife)

Described by Phineas as eccentric, gloomy, and strange; devoted to religion and saving money; Lady Laura is advised not to return to him.

### [Königstein](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xii-k-nigstein)

Discussed as being mentally unstable and religiously fanatical; Lady Laura refuses to live with him again.

### [Phineas Again in London](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xx-phineas-again-in-london)

Threatens Lady Laura with publicity and legal action, and accuses her of having a lover.

### [Purity of Morals, Finn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xxii-purity-of-morals-finn)

Writes a letter to the People's Banner detailing his grievances against his wife and Phineas Finn, accusing Phineas of betraying his friendship and influencing Lady Laura to leave him.

### [Macpherson's Hotel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xxiii-macpherson-s-hotel)

In a maddened state, fires a pistol at Phineas after refusing to withdraw his letter.

### [An Editor's Wrath](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xxvii-an-editor-s-wrath)

The former MP who wrote the letter and shot at Finn; his actions are the subject of the suppressed story.

### [The First Thunderbolt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xxviii-the-first-thunderbolt)

Mentioned as the husband who fired a pistol at Phineas; his mental state is questioned.

### [Once Again in Portman Square](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/xxxviii-once-again-in-portman-square)

Reported to be truly mad; keeps all of Lady Laura's money and has published accusations against her.

### [Mr. Kennedy’s Will](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/chapters/lii-mr-kennedy-s-will)

Attempts to shoot Phineas Finn, then sinks into madness and petty tyranny at Loughlinter; dies before the chapter ends.

### [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 lying dead at Loughlinter.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/characters/robert_kennedy
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/phineas_redux_se/characters