# Julius Beaufort — The Age of Innocence character guide > Julius Beaufort in The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Beaufort, Mr. Beaufort **First appearance:** 0001-i ## Snapshot A furred, patent-leather banker whose opulent figure and questionable fortune keep New York's best ballroom glittering on credit nobody quite trusts. ## Who they are Beaufort is the flashy outsider whose money buys him a place in a society that privately discounts him, and whose looming 'smash' becomes the season's favorite whispered speculation. His taste for display and his rumored private weaknesses make him both indispensable and disposable to the circle he entertains. When the rumors harden, the question of whether New York will rescue or sacrifice him exposes how thin the line is between scandal and belonging. ## Relationships ### [Newland Archer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/characters/newland_archer) _rivalry_ A competitive, antagonistic relationship fueled by Beaufort's financial and social scheming, which Archer disdains. ### [Ellen Olenska](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/characters/ellen_olenska) _social_ A dangerous acquaintance, with Beaufort using his wealth and charm to draw Ellen into compromising social situations. ### [Newland Archer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/characters/newland_archer) _rivalry_ A competitive, antagonistic relationship fueled by Beaufort's financial and social scheming, which Archer disdains. ### [Newland Archer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/characters/newland_archer) _rivalry_ A competitive, antagonistic relationship fueled by Beaufort's financial and social scheming, which Archer disdains. ### [Ellen Olenska](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/characters/ellen_olenska) _social_ A dangerous acquaintance, with Beaufort using his wealth and charm to draw Ellen into compromising social situations. ### [Ellen Olenska](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/characters/ellen_olenska) _social_ A dangerous acquaintance, with Beaufort using his wealth and charm to draw Ellen into compromising social situations. ## In the story ### [Book I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/chapters/book-i) A wealthy and somewhat scandalous figure, also at the opera. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/chapters/iii) Host of the annual ball; described as having a mysterious past but successfully running the household and entertaining New York society. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/chapters/iv) Accompanies Ellen Olenska to Mrs. Mingott's, is praised by the old lady, and discussed in relation to his invitation of Mrs. Struthers. ### [Chapter V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/chapters/v) Mentioned as having walked with Ellen Olenska on Fifth Avenue, and as a vulgar man. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/chapters/vi) Mentioned as a dominant figure in New York society and as having 'another establishment.' ### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/chapters/xii) Visits Ellen Olenska before Archer; invites her to a supper with artists; leaves when Ellen dismisses him. ### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/chapters/xiii) Present in the box with Ellen and others. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/chapters/xiv) His box at the opera is noted; Winsett saw Ellen with the Beauforts. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/chapters/xv) Newland sees him at the club but they only nod across the whist-tables. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/chapters/xix) Observed in the congregation, scrutinizing the women with his arrogant stare. ### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/chapters/xxi) Hosts the garden-party; makes a dismissive remark about May's archery skill. ### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/chapters/xxiv) Archer asks Ellen if she says such things to Beaufort, revealing his jealousy and Ellen's past association with him. ### [Chapter XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/chapters/xxvi) Rumored to be involved in unlawful speculations; his potential financial collapse is a topic of concern at the dinner. ### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/chapters/xxvii) His bank fails; his dastardly manoeuvre to tide over fails; scandal rocks Wall Street. ### [Chapter XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/chapters/xxviii) His financial failure is announced; scandal darkens New York society. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/chapters/xxix) Archer gives Ellen a summary of the Beaufort situation, and she comments 'Poor Regina!' ### [Chapter XXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/chapters/xxx) Mentioned indirectly through Ellen's visit to Regina Beaufort. ### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/chapters/xxxiv) Remembered for his financial scandal and subsequent marriage to Fanny Ring; his daughter is now accepted in society. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/characters/julius_beaufort - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/characters