Shirley · Character

Sir Philip Nunnely

A gentle young baronet with a poet's temperament, whose earnest courtship of Shirley tests the limits of her patience and his own.

supporting

Also known as Nunnely, Sir Philip, Philip, Philip Nunnely

First appearance: xiii further communications on business

As a supporting figure in Shirley, Sir Philip Nunnely is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Courts Shirley with increasing frequency, taking her on excursions and showing his poetic and amiable nature.

In the storyThe First BluestockingOpen this moment free

Sir Philip Nunnely appears in Shirley as supporting figure.

Sir Philip Nunnely first appears in 0012 xiii further communications on business.

With Caroline Helstone (social): Sir Philip is a wealthy suitor who proposes to Caroline, but she gently rejects him as she does not love him. With Caroline Helstone (social): Sir Philip is a wealthy suitor who proposes to Caroline, but she gently rejects him as she does not love him. With Caroline Helstone (social): Sir Philip is a wealthy suitor who proposes to Caroline, but she gently rejects him as she does not love him.

See Sir Philip Nunnely in The First Bluestocking Book page

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Character Web

40 connections

A slice of how Sir Philip Nunnely sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Social
Other

Character groups

Major characters and community
Minor family members and acquaintances
Extended cast and background figures
Protagonist

+35 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

Louis Moore’s decision to leave his “cell” and seek out the empty parlours marks the emotional and psychologic…

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Relationships

Caroline Helstone
social · ambivalent
Sir Philip is a wealthy suitor who proposes to Caroline, but she gently rejects him as… How this plays out →
Caroline Helstone
social · ambivalent
Sir Philip is a wealthy suitor who proposes to Caroline, but she gently rejects him as… How this plays out →
Caroline Helstone
social · ambivalent
Sir Philip is a wealthy suitor who proposes to Caroline, but she gently rejects him as… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Sir Philip Nunnely in xiii further communications on business

In the story

Sir Philip Nunnely appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The First Bluestocking
Courts Shirley with increasing frequency, taking her on excursions and showing his poetic and amiable nature.
Phoebe
Mentioned in passing as someone who might redden when meeting Shirley's eye, contrasted with Mr. Moore's self-control.
XXIX: Louis Moore
Louis observes Shirley's polite but distant behavior toward him and warns him off in his thoughts.
Rushedge—A Confessional
Mentioned as the likely husband of the heiress, described by Yorke as 'milk and water' and a writer of verses.
Uncle and Niece
Proposes to Shirley at Nunnely Priory but is rejected.
Written in the Schoolroom
Mentioned as a rejected suitor; Shirley explains why she would not marry him.

Chapter companion notes

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See Sir Philip Nunnely in xiii further communications on business

See Sir Philip Nunnely in The First Bluestocking