# Eric Lindon — Sylvie and Bruno character guide

> Eric Lindon in Sylvie and Bruno by Lewis Carroll.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** The Honorable Eric Lindon, Captain Lindon, Lindon

**First appearance:** 0001-volume-i-i-less-bread-more-taxes

## Snapshot

A polished rival suitor whose easy wit and theatrical manner mask a character the novel will test against Arthur's plain courage.

## Who they are

Eric Lindon appears first as the Honorable Captain, a man who turns a railway platform into a stage and jokes about working his way up from waiter to housekeeper while glancing at Lady Muriel. He is Arthur's rival for her hand, and the narrator greets his arrival with barely disguised bitterness. Yet his later conduct — returning to a plague-stricken town to carry out a dying man — complicates any easy judgment. He matters because the novel asks whether charm and sacrifice can belong to the same man.

## In the story

### [Queer Street, Number Forty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sylvie_and_bruno_se/chapters/volume-i-xviii-queer-street-number-forty)

Encountered by the Professor while strolling; later introduced as Lady Muriel's cousin at the picnic, handsome and a soldier.

### [How to Make a Phlizz](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sylvie_and_bruno_se/chapters/volume-i-xix-how-to-make-a-phlizz)

Returns from a walk, interrupting Arthur and Lady Muriel's discussion.

### [Light Come, Light Go](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sylvie_and_bruno_se/chapters/volume-i-xx-light-come-light-go)

Arrives at the Hall, discusses music with Lady Muriel, and teases her about the song's lyrics.

### [Crossing the Line](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sylvie_and_bruno_se/chapters/volume-i-xxii-crossing-the-line)

Rescues Bruno, shows bravery and paleness after the incident.

### [An Outlandish Watch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sylvie_and_bruno_se/chapters/volume-i-xxiii-an-outlandish-watch)

Has received his commission and is packing to go to London.

### [Looking Eastward](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sylvie_and_bruno_se/chapters/volume-i-xxv-looking-eastward)

Mentioned as having returned to town; his views on prayer are discussed by Lady Muriel.

### [Bruno's Lessons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sylvie_and_bruno_se/chapters/volume-ii-i-bruno-s-lessons)

Eric Lindon is at the club, reveals his engagement to Lady Muriel is over.

### [II: Love's Curfew](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sylvie_and_bruno_se/chapters/volume-ii-ii-love-s-curfew)

Mentioned as Lady Muriel's former fiancé who released her from her promise.

### [Willie's Wife](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sylvie_and_bruno_se/chapters/volume-ii-vi-willie-s-wife)

Not directly present, but referenced in the context of the love story.

### [IX: The Farewell-Party](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sylvie_and_bruno_se/chapters/volume-ii-ix-the-farewell-party)

Mentioned as a foreign-looking man at the party, described as musical and a French Count who sings splendidly.

### [Life Out of Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sylvie_and_bruno_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxv-life-out-of-death)

Arrives unexpectedly; he saved Arthur's life by nursing him through plague. He confesses to the narrator that he now knows 'there is a God that answers prayer.'

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sylvie_and_bruno_se/characters/eric_lindon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sylvie_and_bruno_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sylvie_and_bruno_se/characters