# Jasper Tarkington — Pimpernel and Rosemary character guide > Jasper Tarkington in Pimpernel and Rosemary by Baroness Orczy. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Jasper, Tarkington, Dear old Jasper **First appearance:** 0003-i ## Snapshot A grave, adoring Englishman whose selfless devotion to Rosemary becomes both her refuge and the cage she cannot bring herself to rattle. ## Who they are Jasper marries Rosemary knowing she does not love him, and his magnanimity—cushions, footstools, tears kissed away on a train to Budapest—only deepens her guilt. He is kind, sensible, and clear-thinking, yet his coolness toward the plight of Philip and Anna chills Rosemary and leaves her unable to ask his advice. His unselfish love is the moral counterweight to Peter's passion, and his blindness to what Rosemary truly feels shapes the quiet tragedy of her marriage. ## Relationships ### [Rosemary Fowkes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/rosemary_fowkes) _romantic_ Jasper is deeply in love with Rosemary, and their interactions are frequent and emotionally charged, forming the central romantic plot. ### [Elza Imrey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/elza_imrey) _friendship_ Elza and Jasper share a friendly bond, often discussing Rosemary and supporting each other. ### [Peter Blakeney](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/peter_blakeney) _rivalry_ Jasper and Peter are romantic rivals for Rosemary's affection, leading to frequent conflict. ### [General Naniescu](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/general_naniescu) _rivalry_ General Naniescu views Jasper as an obstacle to his plans, creating an adversarial dynamic. ### [Anna Heves](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/anna_heves) _friendship_ Anna and Jasper are friendly allies, both invested in Rosemary's well-being. ### [Rosemary Fowkes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/rosemary_fowkes) _romantic_ Jasper is deeply in love with Rosemary, and their interactions are frequent and emotionally charged, forming the central romantic plot. ### [Rosemary Fowkes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/rosemary_fowkes) _romantic_ Jasper is deeply in love with Rosemary, and their interactions are frequent and emotionally charged, forming the central romantic plot. ### [General Naniescu](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/general_naniescu) _rivalry_ General Naniescu views Jasper as an obstacle to his plans, creating an adversarial dynamic. ### [Elza Imrey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/elza_imrey) _friendship_ Elza and Jasper share a friendly bond, often discussing Rosemary and supporting each other. ### [Peter Blakeney](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/peter_blakeney) _rivalry_ Jasper and Peter are romantic rivals for Rosemary's affection, leading to frequent conflict. ### [Anna Heves](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/anna_heves) _friendship_ Anna and Jasper are friendly allies, both invested in Rosemary's well-being. ### [Elza Imrey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/elza_imrey) _friendship_ Elza and Jasper share a friendly bond, often discussing Rosemary and supporting each other. ## In the story ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/i) Announces his engagement to Rosemary to Peter at Lord's during the luncheon interval; described as grave, impassive, and kind. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/iii) Rosemary's fiancé, a wealthy peer and former journalist; his past as a correspondent in Hungary is noted, and he is described as able to provide Rosemary with wealth and position. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/iv) Referenced as Rosemary's fiancé and Peter's best friend, the obstacle to Peter and Rosemary's love. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/v) Rosemary sits with him in the car after the ball; he whispers tender words and she resolves to be loyal to him. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/vi) Listens to Rosemary's plans, expresses concern, and asks her to marry him before she leaves for Transylvania. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/vii) Shows extraordinary kindness and consideration before and after the wedding; cares for Rosemary during the journey. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/viii) Retrieves passports for Naniescu's inspection; discusses censorship and politics with the general. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/ix) Accompanies Rosemary to Cluj. He observes Rosemary's interaction with Anna and later wins Anna's confidence with his kind and tactful manner. ### [Chapter X: The Hospitality of Kis-Imre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/x) Jasper finds Maurus an interesting if not genial companion, and initially pronounces Philip effeminate. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xi) Grave and supportive; holds Rosemary's face and gazes into her eyes, revealing a deep, almost terrifying passion. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xii) Advises Rosemary not to interfere in local politics, arguing that the Hungarian rebels are foolish and the Romanian government is within its rights. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xiii) Absent but invoked by Rosemary; she fears his pragmatic, sportsmanlike attitude would hinder her plea. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xiv) Jasper returns from a walk, apologetic for leaving Rosemary alone with Naniescu. He appears distracted and unsympathetic when Rosemary tells him about Philip and Anna's arrest and Naniescu's ultimatum. He questions why Rosemary didn't tell him Peter Blakeney is in Transylvania, revealing he overheard Naniescu mention Peter. He suggests Rosemary tell Elza about the provisional release without mentioning the condition. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xv) Shows intense possessiveness and jealousy, extracting a promise from Rosemary not to discuss the affair with Peter. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xvi) Mentioned indirectly through Rosemary's recollection of his insistence that she not speak to Peter about Philip and Anna's affairs. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxi) Referenced as the one who extracted a promise from Rosemary and who suspects Peter. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxii) Rosemary feels he was right to warn her against discussing grave events with Peter. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxvii) Telephones to say he is coming in the afternoon; Elza relays the message to Rosemary. ### [Chapter XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxviii) Argues pragmatically for accepting Naniescu's deal, reveals Peter's option on Kis-Imre, and tries to sway Rosemary with a mix of tenderness and harsh logic. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxix) Provides notes for the articles, kisses Rosemary goodnight, and later discusses with Elza at dinner. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxxi) Appears meek and remorseful; Rosemary feels sorry for him and tries to comfort him, but later dreads a future of forced affection. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxxii) Confronts Rosemary with his knowledge of her love for Peter; alternates between tenderness and violent possessiveness. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxxiii) Found on the floor of the smoking-room after a scuffle; claims Peter attacked him and stole the manuscript, but his demeanor shifts from rage to a wolfish cunning. ### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxxiv) Mentioned indirectly as Lady Tarkington's husband; Rosemary is referred to as Lady Tarkington. ### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxxvi) Offers to travel to London for Rosemary, shows kindness and practicality, but Rosemary's trust in him is shaken by his past outbursts. ### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxxviii) Brings news from Naniescu, accompanies Rosemary, and is puzzled by Maurus's calm demeanor. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xxxix) Remains calm and attentive, tries to reassure Rosemary and arranges for beds. ### [XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xl) He appears dejected, advises Rosemary to accept the inevitable delay, and meekly offers to arrange rooms and luggage at the local hotel. ### [XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xli) Sent by Rosemary to see after luggage; not present in the main scene. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xlii) Anxiously searches for Rosemary, shows tenderness and remorse, tries to win her affection with kindness and talk of their future. ### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xliii) Revealed as the spy 'Number Ten'; orchestrates pursuit of the escapees and shows cruel, wolf-like demeanor when confronted by Rosemary. ### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xlv) Reveals his past as a spy hunter, his manipulation of Rosemary, and his threats to ruin Peter Blakeney; shows cruelty and contempt. ### [XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xlvi) Returns to his room late at night and is surprised to find Maurus waiting; reluctantly agrees to help him find lodging. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/chapters/xlviii) Deceased; his body was conveyed to England; his secret dual identity remains unresolved. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters/jasper_tarkington - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/pimpernel_and_rosemary_se/characters