# Mr. Hatton — Sybil character guide

> Mr. Hatton in Sybil by Benjamin Disraeli.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Hatton, This Hatton, that Hatton, Mr. Hatton, friend Hatton

**First appearance:** 0005-ii

## Snapshot

A suave, watchful lawyer whose genealogical errands carry the Gerard family's noble hopes — and Sybil's darker apprehensions — in his polished hands.

## Who they are

Hatton moves between drawing rooms and archives as the man who might prove the Gerards' ancient blood, greeting Sybil with a courtesy that never quite settles her doubts. His frank, handsome manner and hushed voice conceal motives he keeps folded as neatly as his dress, and his interest in Gerard's papers and parentage runs deeper than professional duty. His courtship of Sybil, mismatched in years and unreturned, shadows the family's social ascent and gives the inheritance plot its most ambiguous broker.

## In the story

### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sybil_se/chapters/vii)

The Bishop of Wodgate, a brutal locksmith and nail-workshop owner.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sybil_se/chapters/ix)

Subject of Morley's investigation; reported to be alive and prosperous but location unknown; sends anonymous annual contributions to his brother.

### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sybil_se/chapters/vii)

A wealthy and learned antiquary, skilled in genealogical claims and peerage law, who advises Sir Vavasour on pursuing an ancient barony.

### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sybil_se/chapters/ix)

Reveals himself as an old acquaintance of Gerard's father; discusses the lack of legal evidence for Gerard's claim and offers his service.

### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sybil_se/chapters/x)

Hatton is the central figure, reflecting on his past, his wealth, and his schemes regarding Sybil Gerard.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sybil_se/chapters/xiii)

The parliamentary agent who originally sold Lord de Mowbray the documents; he feigns reassurance while plotting to steal them back.

### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sybil_se/chapters/x)

Accompanies Sybil during the procession and acts as a surety for Gerard's bail.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sybil_se/chapters/xi)

Visits Morley to propose a scheme to seize the title deeds from Mowbray Castle, revealing his knowledge of the documents and his willingness to use force or burglary.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sybil_se/chapters/ii)

Offers munificent support to Gerard, which is declined.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sybil_se/chapters/iv)

Visits Mowbray Castle; has previously advised Lord de Mowbray on a legal claim; shows interest in the beautiful singer at the chapel.

### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sybil_se/chapters/v)

Hatton visits Gerard and Sybil, sharing news from Mowbray Castle and expressing continued interest in the land claim.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sybil_se/chapters/ix)

Hosts Morley at breakfast, discusses the insurrection, and exchanges a significant look with Morley when the Liberator mentions his brother.

### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sybil_se/chapters/xiii)

Assists in restoring Sybil's inheritance, motivated by his desire to remedy the wrong he once did her.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sybil_se/characters/hatton
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sybil_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sybil_se/characters