Clarence Copperhead

Phoebe Tozer

Clarence is deeply infatuated with Phoebe, pursuing her despite her mixed feelings and social maneuvering.

Reginald May

Clarence and Reginald are romantic rivals for Phoebe Tozer's affections, leading to tension and jealousy.

Ursula May

Clarence and Ursula are acquaintances who move in the same social circles, but share little direct interaction.

Sir Robert Dorset

Sir Robert Dorset is Clarence's father, a wealthy baronet who disapproves of Clarence's pursuit of Phoebe.

Phoebe Beecham

Clarence and Phoebe Beecham are acquaintances, with Phoebe often serving as a go-between for Clarence and Phoebe Tozer.

Phoebe Tozer

Clarence is deeply infatuated with Phoebe, pursuing her despite her mixed feelings and social maneuvering.

Phoebe Tozer

Clarence is deeply infatuated with Phoebe, pursuing her despite her mixed feelings and social maneuvering.

Reginald May

Clarence and Reginald are romantic rivals for Phoebe Tozer's affections, leading to tension and jealousy.

Sir Robert Dorset

Sir Robert Dorset is Clarence's father, a wealthy baronet who disapproves of Clarence's pursuit of Phoebe.

Reginald May

Clarence and Reginald are romantic rivals for Phoebe Tozer's affections, leading to tension and jealousy.

Ursula May

Clarence and Ursula are acquaintances who move in the same social circles, but share little direct interaction.

Phoebe Beecham

Clarence and Phoebe Beecham are acquaintances, with Phoebe often serving as a go-between for Clarence and Phoebe Tozer.

The Leading Member

The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Copperhead, a large, mild Oxford student who is useless in business but valued by his father as a costly ornament.

Mr. Copperhead's Ball

Initially despairs at the ball but becomes a hopeless victim to Phoebe's fascinations, scarcely leaving her side.

IV: A Country Party

Young Mr. Copperhead, who danced with Ursula at the ball and made a favorable impression on her, though the Dorsets dismiss him as a heavy young man.

VI: A Morning Call

Sits beside Ursula, flattered by her notice of his dancing, and shows a mix of pride and apology about his father's ball.

XI: Phoebe’s Preparations

Shows interest in Phoebe; his mother worries he might marry her; Phoebe refuses to give him her Carlingford address.

XVII: A Public Meeting

Mentioned as a young gentleman who has appeared in the cricket-field and is offered a chaplaincy sinecure, criticized by Mr. Northcote.

XX: That Tozer Girl!

Clarence is mentioned as having danced with Ursula twice at the ball and as a potential pupil coming to the parsonage.

A New Friend

Expected as a pupil at the Parsonage, causing speculation about his intentions.

XXII: A Desperate Expedient

Mentioned as a reason Mr. May permitted Ursula's acquaintance with Phoebe, out of curiosity.

A Visit

Mentioned as the new pupil coming to stay with the Mays; described as a 'cub' and not brilliant.

XXVI: The Hall

Clarence is the wealthy, self-satisfied pupil who views Mr. May as a mere coach and dismisses Ursula. He enjoys the gentry at the Hall and feels contempt for the 'parson'.

A Pair of Natural Enemies

Plans to invite both Reginald and Northcote to dinner for his own amusement, relishing the idea of forcing them to be civil together.

XXVIII: The New Pupil

Arrives as a new pupil at the parsonage, bringing Mr. Northcote; engages in lighthearted but condescending banter with the women about their limited activities.

Ursula's Entrées

Arrives at the parsonage for dinner; asks Phoebe to play music and offers to bring his violin, showing his interest in her.

Society at the Parsonage

Acts as a heavy floating balance in the society; considers himself sweet on both girls, plays the fiddle with cheerful confidence, and is oblivious to boring others.

XXXI: Society

Finds it agreeable to maintain a mental possibility of marrying either Ursula or Phoebe; calls the younger children 'the kids' and is bored by Phoebe's absence from skating.

XXXII: Lovemaking

Clarence is making up his mind to propose to Phoebe, driven by jealousy of Reginald May and practical considerations: she would save him trouble, coach him for parliament, and outshine others in society.

XXXIV: An Extravagance

Clarence discusses his lavish spending with Reginald, boring him with tales of his expensive possessions.

The Millionaire

Arrives in Carlingfield and tours the town with Mr. May, insulting the College, the clergy, and the town itself. He makes crude jokes about women and boasts about his wealth.

The Millionaire

Accompanies his father and laughs at his jokes, though he earlier warned Mr. May that his father is 'queer' and likes his own way.

Father and Son

Shows rare defiance against his father, refusing to leave Carlingford despite Mr. Copperhead's orders.

A Pleasant Evening

Absent from the evening, having gone to the Hall with his father and Sir Robert, leaving Phoebe uncertain about his intentions.

XXXVIII: An Expedition

His threatened withdrawal is the source of Mr. May's anxiety, though his dull spirit is said to be roused.

XXXIX: A Catastrophe

Mentioned as expected back soon; Mr. May notes his affection for Phoebe.

XLI: A Morning's Work

Arrives early to propose to Phoebe, declaring his love and disregarding his father's opposition.

The Conflict

Proud of his proposal, boasts about expensive horses and his father's wealth; enjoys the homage from Tozer.

XLIV: Phoebe’s Last Trial

Defies his father, declares his love for Phoebe, and asserts his independence by physically embracing and kissing her.

XLV: The Last

Brags about Phoebe's powers; gets into Parliament; his mother is sad to lose him.