Rachel Ray · Character

Mr. Prong

The Dissenting minister courting Dorothea Prime, whose mild authority over his intended bride reveals the quiet power struggles inside Baslehurst's pious set.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Samuel Prong, IX Mr. Prong

First appearance: IX: Mr. Prong at Home

As a supporting figure in Rachel Ray, Mr. Prong is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

See Mr. Prong in IX: Mr. Prong at Home Book page

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Mr. Prong sits among the Dorcas meetings and tea-table devotions, pressing Rachel's hand and gently urging Dorothea to accept her mother's dinner invitation. His soft command meets his betrothed's sniff of contempt, exposing how little sway even a clergyman holds over a woman as stubborn as Mrs. Prime. He matters because his engagement to Dorothea sharpens the contrast between the sisters' worlds and feeds the gossip that colors Rachel's reputation.

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The fuller portrait of Mr. Prong sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Mr. Prong in IX: Mr. Prong at Home

Character Web

22 connections

A slice of how Mr. Prong sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Psychological
Other

Character groups

Brewery dispute central figures
Community and peripheral characters
Protagonist

+17 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 is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Rachel’s internal c…

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Relationships

Mrs. Ray
psychological · negative
Rachel Ray
psychological · negative
Rachel Ray
psychological · negative
Mrs. Ray
psychological · negative
Mrs. Ray
psychological · negative
Rachel Ray
psychological · negative

Mrs. Ray
Mr. Prong is a manipulative evangelical minister who exerts undue influence over Mrs. Ray, exploiting her religious guilt.
Rachel Ray
Mr. Prong attempts to impose his religious authority on Rachel, creating tension as she resists his interference.
Rachel Ray
Mr. Prong attempts to impose his religious authority on Rachel, creating tension as she resists his interference.
Mrs. Ray
Mr. Prong is a manipulative evangelical minister who exerts undue influence over Mrs. Ray, exploiting her religious guilt.
Mrs. Ray
Mr. Prong is a manipulative evangelical minister who exerts undue influence over Mrs. Ray, exploiting her religious guilt.
Rachel Ray
Mr. Prong attempts to impose his religious authority on Rachel, creating tension as she resists his interference.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Mr. Prong in IX: Mr. Prong at Home

In the story

Mr. Prong appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Preparations for Mrs. Tappitt's Party
Advises Mrs. Prime, criticizes Mr. Comfort's leniency, and supports her stance against the party.
IX: Mr. Prong at Home
Proposes to Mrs. Prime, emphasizing spiritual duty and downplaying material wealth, though he secretly values money; arranges a meeting to discuss the proposal further.
XII: Rachel Ray Thinks “She Does Like Him”
Mentioned as having proposed to Mrs. Prime, who is considering his offer.
Electioneering
Urges Mrs. Prime to investigate Luke's character and influence her mother.
XX: Showing What Rachel Ray Thought When She Sat on the Stile, and How She Wrote Her Letter Afterwards
Present at Mrs. Prime's lodgings; attempts to assert authority over Mrs. Prime regarding the visit.
Mrs. Ray Goes to Exeter, and Meets a Friend
Visits with Mrs. Prime and Miss Pucker; speaks to Mrs. Ray about his proposed marriage to Dorothea, expressing gratification at becoming part of the family.
The Election at Baslehurst
Defends his decision to vote for Mr. Hart, leading to a rift with Mrs. Prime.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mr. Prong unlock in the free preview.

See Mr. Prong in IX: Mr. Prong at Home