# Dr. Trent — The Blue Castle character guide

> Dr. Trent in The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** old Dr. Trent, poor Dr. Trent, Dr.

**First appearance:** 0002-iii

## Snapshot

The gruff, shaggy-browed family doctor whose abrupt consultation sets Valancy on the path that changes everything.

## Who they are

Dr. Trent is the Stirling clan's physician, known for telling patients their troubles are imaginary; Valancy nearly avoids him in favor of Redfern's Purple Pills. When she finally faces him, he examines her intently, looks almost sorry for her, and opens his mouth to speak, only to be yanked away by a telephone call before he can deliver his verdict. That interrupted moment is the hinge on which Valancy's whole rebellion turns.

## Relationships

### [Valancy Stirling](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_blue_castle_se/characters/valancy_stirling)

_professional_

Dr. Trent is Valancy's physician who diagnoses her with a terminal heart condition, setting off her journey of self-liberation.

### [Barney Snaith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_blue_castle_se/characters/barney_snaith)

_friendship_

Barney and Dr. Trent share a respectful friendship, with Trent knowing Barney's true identity and past.

### [Roaring Abel Gay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_blue_castle_se/characters/roaring_abel_gay)

_professional_

Dr. Trent is Roaring Abel's physician, treating him and his daughter Cecily with professional patience.

### [Valancy Stirling](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_blue_castle_se/characters/valancy_stirling)

_professional_

Dr. Trent is Valancy's physician who diagnoses her with a terminal heart condition, setting off her journey of self-liberation.

### [Valancy Stirling](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_blue_castle_se/characters/valancy_stirling)

_professional_

Dr. Trent is Valancy's physician who diagnoses her with a terminal heart condition, setting off her journey of self-liberation.

### [Barney Snaith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_blue_castle_se/characters/barney_snaith)

_friendship_

Barney and Dr. Trent share a respectful friendship, with Trent knowing Barney's true identity and past.

### [Roaring Abel Gay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_blue_castle_se/characters/roaring_abel_gay)

_professional_

Dr. Trent is Roaring Abel's physician, treating him and his daughter Cecily with professional patience.

### [Roaring Abel Gay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_blue_castle_se/characters/roaring_abel_gay)

_professional_

Dr. Trent is Roaring Abel's physician, treating him and his daughter Cecily with professional patience.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_blue_castle_se/chapters/i)

The local doctor Valancy considers visiting secretly about her heart pain, a decision that would defy her family's control.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_blue_castle_se/chapters/vi)

Examines Valancy but is called away by news of his son's accident; forgets her presence.

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

Sends the fatal diagnosis letter from Montreal; described as blunt and concise.

### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_blue_castle_se/chapters/xxv)

His letter about Valancy's heart condition is given to Barney as part of her proposal.

### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_blue_castle_se/chapters/xxxvi)

His letter is reread by Valancy; she plans to visit him in Deerwood.

### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_blue_castle_se/chapters/xxxvii)

Confesses to sending the wrong letter; expresses remorse for the year of misery he inadvertently caused.

### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_blue_castle_se/chapters/xxxix)

Mentioned as the doctor who sent the wrong letter.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_blue_castle_se/characters/dr_trent
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_blue_castle_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_blue_castle_se/characters