# Martin Yorke — Shirley character guide

> Martin Yorke in Shirley by Charlotte Brontë.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Martin, Yorke

**First appearance:** 0008-ix-briarmains

## Who they are

Mr. Yorke's clever, mischievous son, whose restless wit and taste for quiet trouble-making make him a sly observer of the adults around him.

## Relationships

### [Caroline Helstone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/shirley_se/characters/caroline_helstone)

_friendship_

Martin, a mischievous but good-hearted boy, becomes Caroline's ally and secretly helps her communicate with Robert.

### [Robert Moore](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/shirley_se/characters/robert_moore)

_friendship_

Martin admires Robert and acts as a secret messenger and helper in Robert's romantic pursuit of Caroline.

### [Louis Moore](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/shirley_se/characters/louis_moore)

_friendship_

Louis and Martin share a mentor-student friendship, with Louis teaching Martin and appreciating his sharp mind.

### [Robert Moore](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/shirley_se/characters/robert_moore)

_friendship_

Martin admires Robert and acts as a secret messenger and helper in Robert's romantic pursuit of Caroline.

### [Caroline Helstone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/shirley_se/characters/caroline_helstone)

_friendship_

Martin, a mischievous but good-hearted boy, becomes Caroline's ally and secretly helps her communicate with Robert.

### [Louis Moore](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/shirley_se/characters/louis_moore)

_friendship_

Louis and Martin share a mentor-student friendship, with Louis teaching Martin and appreciating his sharp mind.

### [Caroline Helstone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/shirley_se/characters/caroline_helstone)

_friendship_

Martin, a mischievous but good-hearted boy, becomes Caroline's ally and secretly helps her communicate with Robert.

### [Robert Moore](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/shirley_se/characters/robert_moore)

_friendship_

Martin admires Robert and acts as a secret messenger and helper in Robert's romantic pursuit of Caroline.

### [Louis Moore](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/shirley_se/characters/louis_moore)

_friendship_

Louis and Martin share a mentor-student friendship, with Louis teaching Martin and appreciating his sharp mind.

## In the story

### [The Schoolboy and the Wood-Nymph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/shirley_se/chapters/xxxii-the-schoolboy-and-the-wood-nymph)

A schoolboy of fifteen, seen alone in a wood reading fairy tales and observing a mysterious lady.

### [Martin's Tactics](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/shirley_se/chapters/xxxiii-martin-s-tactics)

The mastermind behind the meeting, he manipulates his mother and Hortense to clear the house and ensures the rendezvous stays within strict time limits.

### [Case of Domestic Persecution—Remarkable Instance of Pious Perseverance in the Discharge of Religious Duties](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/shirley_se/chapters/xxxiv-case-of-domestic-persecution-remarkable-instance-of-pious-perseverance-in-the-discharge-of-religious-duties)

Determined to attend church despite the storm, Martin enjoys the power he holds over Caroline and deliberately prolongs her requests for help.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/shirley_se/characters/martin_yorke
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/shirley_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/shirley_se/characters