The American Senator · Character

Lord Augustus

Arabella's father drifts through the novel as a genial, indebted aristocrat whose chief contribution to his daughter's marriage campaign is his willingness to be managed by his wife.

supporting

Also known as Lord Augustus Trefoil, Augustus

First appearance: xii arabella trefoil

As a supporting figure in The American Senator, Lord Augustus is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Reluctantly assists Arabella by asking the Duke of Omnium to invite her to Mistletoe.

In the storyThe Rufford CorrespondenceOpen this moment free

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Lord Augustus Trefoil belongs to that stratum of titled Englishmen who possess the name but not the means, and whose family arrangements are negotiated like treaties by stronger spouses. His daughter Arabella must hunt a fortune because he cannot supply one, and his passivity leaves Lady Augustus free to scheme. He matters as the quiet proof that Arabella's desperate matrimonial maneuvering is not vanity but necessity.

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See Lord Augustus in xii arabella trefoil

Character Web

8 connections

A slice of how Lord Augustus sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Extended society and household members
Main characters and local gentry

+3 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

This scene is the dramatic climax because it resolves the central emotional tension of Mary’s unrequited love…

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In the story

Lord Augustus appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Rufford Correspondence
Reluctantly assists Arabella by asking the Duke of Omnium to invite her to Mistletoe.
Chowton Farm for Sale
Morton speaks with him about Arabella; Lord Augustus claims ignorance of the engagement details and returns to his whist.
Miss Trefoil's Decision
Forced by Arabella to write a letter to Lord Rufford demanding an explanation; reluctant but compliant.
Now What Have You Got to Say?
Forced to confront Lord Rufford, he is reluctant, irritable, and ultimately dismissive of his daughter's claims, preferring to avoid trouble.
Again at Mistletoe
Attends the family meeting reluctantly, expresses skepticism about the plan, and uses irreverent language, offending the Duchess.
The Wedding
Attends the wedding at Mistletoe for the first time in years; gives a pair of silver nutcrackers as a gift.

Chapter companion notes

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See Lord Augustus in xii arabella trefoil

See Lord Augustus in The Rufford Correspondence