# O'Brien — Romance character guide > O'Brien in Romance by Joseph Conrad. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Señor O'Brien, Señor Juez O'Brien, the Juez, Don Patricio O'Brien **First appearance:** 0004-part-i-the-quarry-and-the-beach ## Snapshot The smiling Intendente of Rio Medio, whose courteous gestures — a shaken finger, a whispered word — command more terror than any weapon could. ## Who they are O'Brien enters rooms like an official who owns them, his eternal smile fixed over lips that tremble and eyes ringed with dark marks, and his slightest gesture — a forefinger shaken at two frightened maids — empties a gallery. He manages the dying Don Balthasar's affairs, controls the old judge with a whisper, and quietly assembles an Act of Accusation against the narrator under the name of Nikola el Escoces. His power is the kind that never raises its voice, and it is the true obstacle between the narrator and Seraphina. ## In the story ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/iv) Referred to as 'that pestilent Irishman' by Carlos; mismanages the uncle's affairs. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/ii) Irish adventurer and judge of the Marine Court; seeks to marry Seraphina and holds great influence in Rio Medio. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/iii) O'Brien, the senior judge of the Marine Court of Havana, reveals himself as a conspirator organizing privateers under the Mexican flag; he pressures Kemp to join, citing Irish grievances and Kemp's compromised position. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/iv) Intendant who orchestrates the kidnapping; speaks velvety to Kemp; treats Don Balthasar with insolence. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/vii) Revealed as a dangerous, crafty schemer aiming to marry Seraphina and seize the Riego fortune. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/ii) The manipulative intendente; aims to control the Riego fortune and Seraphina through cunning and influence. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/iv) Antagonistic figure; confronts Juan and Seraphina, demanding the candlestick as a symbol of surrender, but is defied. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/v) Charged with organizing memorial masses; controls the household through fear and manipulation. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/vi) Antagonist who has gone to Havana; left orders to kill Kemp and watch the house. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/i) The Juez; Seraphina fears the rabble will carry her to the Casa out of fear of him; Juan wishes to kill him. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned in Manuel's speech as having secret conferences with him. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/vii) Referred to as a formidable enemy; Seraphina warns Juan against confronting him; Castro mentions his wealth and intrigues. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/ix) Referenced as the Juez who holds the Lugareños' lives in his hand, and who stirred their hate against the Inglez. ### [The Escape Plan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/xi) Mentioned as a threat; his agents monitor the port, but a feast day and consular protest limit his actions. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/i) Appears as the lieutenant of Manuel-del-Popolo, interrogates the protagonist, shows emotional turmoil and desperation over Seraphina's fate. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/chapters/ii) The Juez; interrogates Kemp about Seraphina, then is stabbed by Salazar. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/characters/obrien - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/romance_se/characters