# The Duke of Omnium — The Duke’s Children character guide > The Duke of Omnium in The Duke’s Children by Anthony Trollope. **Role:** major **Also known as:** The Duke, Omnium, Duke, Plantagenet **First appearance:** 0000-i-when-the-duchess-was-dead ## Snapshot A widowed former Prime Minister who governs his family with the same rigid conscience that once governed England. ## Who they are The Duke of Omnium has lost his wife and his taste for power, and now watches his children — a renegade heir, an expelled son, a daughter in love with a penniless man — wound everything he holds sacred. He believes profoundly in his order, but only if it is worthy; the choice of a wife for Silverbridge feels to him like the future of the aristocracy itself. His grief, his pride, and his stiff tenderness make him the novel's gravitational center. ## Relationships ### [Lady Mabel Grex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/lady_mabel_grex) _social_ Lady Mabel is a frequent social visitor and confidante to the Duke, who respects her but remains formal and distant. ### [Lord Silverbridge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/lord_silverbridge) _family_ Silverbridge is the Duke's eldest son and heir, with a relationship marked by filial duty, conflict over choices, and eventual reconciliation. ### [Frank Tregear](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/frank_tregear) _rivalry_ The Duke initially opposes Tregear's marriage to his daughter, viewing him as an unsuitable fortune-hunter, creating strong antagonism. ### [Sir Timothy Beeswax](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/sir_timothy_beeswax) _rivalry_ Sir Timothy is a political opponent of the Duke, often clashing with him in Parliament over policy and influence. ### [Mrs. Finn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/mrs_finn) _friendship_ Mrs. Finn is a trusted friend and confidante to the Duke, offering wise counsel and emotional support after his wife's death. ### [Sir Timothy Beeswax](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/sir_timothy_beeswax) _rivalry_ Sir Timothy is a political opponent of the Duke, often clashing with him in Parliament over policy and influence. ### [Lady Mabel Grex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/lady_mabel_grex) _social_ Lady Mabel is a frequent social visitor and confidante to the Duke, who respects her but remains formal and distant. ### [Lord Silverbridge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/lord_silverbridge) _family_ Silverbridge is the Duke's eldest son and heir, with a relationship marked by filial duty, conflict over choices, and eventual reconciliation. ### [Lady Mabel Grex](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/lady_mabel_grex) _social_ Lady Mabel is a frequent social visitor and confidante to the Duke, who respects her but remains formal and distant. ### [Lord Silverbridge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/lord_silverbridge) _family_ Silverbridge is the Duke's eldest son and heir, with a relationship marked by filial duty, conflict over choices, and eventual reconciliation. ### [Frank Tregear](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/frank_tregear) _rivalry_ The Duke initially opposes Tregear's marriage to his daughter, viewing him as an unsuitable fortune-hunter, creating strong antagonism. ### [Mrs. Finn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/mrs_finn) _friendship_ Mrs. Finn is a trusted friend and confidante to the Duke, offering wise counsel and emotional support after his wife's death. ## In the story ### [When the Duchess Was Dead](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/i-when-the-duchess-was-dead) Grieving and feeling utterly alone after the Duchess's death; struggles with practical decisions about his daughter's care. ### [Lady Mary Palliser](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/ii-lady-mary-palliser) Remains unaware of his daughter's engagement; decides not to send Mary to Lady Cantrip and allows Mrs. Finn to stay at Matching. ### [Park Lane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/iv-park-lane) Mentioned as the father who must be informed; his upcoming visit to London changes Tregear's plans. ### [It Is Impossible](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/v-it-is-impossible) Furious and grief-stricken, he refuses Tregear's suit, accuses Mrs. Finn of betrayal, and later suggests Lady Cantrip as a companion for Lady Mary. ### [Conservative Convictions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/vii-conservative-convictions) Anguished by his son's political rebellion and the revelation of Frank Tregear's suit for Lady Mary. ### [He Is a Gentleman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/viii-he-is-a-gentleman) Returns to Matching brokenhearted, struggles with grief and parental authority, confronts Lady Mary about Tregear. ### [Cruel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xi-cruel) Arranges for Lady Mary to stay with Lady Cantrip; discusses his opposition to Tregear with Lady Cantrip; reflects on his own marriage and the difficulty of finding a suitable husband for Mary. ### [At Richmond](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xii-at-richmond) Opposes the match with Tregear; accused Mrs. Finn of betrayal; remains in London while Lady Mary is at The Horns. ### [The Duke's Injustice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xiii-the-duke-s-injustice) Persists in his belief that Mrs. Finn was disloyal by not revealing Lady Mary's engagement; refuses to apologize or relent. ### [The New Member for Silverbridge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xiv-the-new-member-for-silverbridge) Silverbridge's father; mentioned as having previously represented Silverbridge and as the recipient of Silverbridge's letter after the election. ### [The Duke Receives a Letter—and Writes One](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xv-the-duke-receives-a-letter-and-writes-one) Receives Mrs. Finn's letter demanding an interview, refuses, then receives her written defense. He wrestles with his conscience and writes a paternal letter to Silverbridge. ### [Poor Boy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xvi-poor-boy) Referenced through his letter to Silverbridge, urging him to be useful in Parliament despite their political differences. ### [The Derby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xvii-the-derby) Silverbridge's father, who reluctantly pays for the coach and horses and is feared by Silverbridge due to the financial losses. ### [One of the Results of the Derby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xviii-one-of-the-results-of-the-derby) Confronts Silverbridge about Gerald's expulsion; expresses deep disappointment and anger. ### [No; My Lord, I Do Not](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xix-no-my-lord-i-do-not) Mentioned as being deeply upset by Gerald's debt and by Mary's attachment to Tregear. ### [The Duke in His Study](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxii-the-duke-in-his-study) Wrestles with apologizing to Mrs. Finn, considers political duty, and reflects on his daughter's engagement. ### [Frank Tregear Wants a Friend](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxiii-frank-tregear-wants-a-friend) Sends a letter of apology to Mrs. Finn; remains opposed to Tregear's suit. ### [She Must Be Made to Obey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxiv-she-must-be-made-to-obey) Wrestles with his daughter's rebellion, recalls his own marriage arrangement, and considers Lord Popplecourt as a potential suitor. ### [A Family Breakfast-Table](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxv-a-family-breakfast-table) Lectures his sons on the value of hard work and the burden of wealth, showing his philosophical and paternal side. ### [Dinner at the Beargarden](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxvi-dinner-at-the-beargarden) Visits the House of Commons, speaks with Silverbridge about politics and marriage, and accepts an invitation to dine at the Beargarden. ### [Major Tifto and the Duke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxvii-major-tifto-and-the-duke) Meets Tifto, politely dismisses racing talk, advises Silverbridge against the association, and approves of a potential marriage to Lady Mabel Grex. ### [What Came of the Meeting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxx-what-came-of-the-meeting) Distressed by the news of Mary's meeting with Tregear, expresses his unhappiness to Silverbridge and contemplates going abroad. ### [Lord Popplecourt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxxiv-lord-popplecourt) Arranges the dinner and pushes the match between Popplecourt and Mary, believing it his duty. ### [Don’t You Think—?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xxxv-don-t-you-think) Receives Lady Mabel warmly, acknowledging their family connection; plans to return to London with Lord Popplecourt. ### [Ischl](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xli-ischl) Travels with his ailing daughter, seeks Mrs. Finn's advice, and wrestles with the possibility of yielding to Mary's love for Tregear. ### [There Shall Not Be Another Word About It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xlv-there-shall-not-be-another-word-about-it) Forgives Silverbridge's debts and forbids further discussion; presses Silverbridge about marriage to Mabel Grex; reflects on the loss of seventy thousand pounds and resolves to push the match. ### [Lady Mary's Dream](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xlvi-lady-mary-s-dream) Arrives at Custins with Lady Mary, uncomfortable with the matchmaking scheme, attempts to smile at Popplecourt, and leaves the room when Tregear is mentioned. ### [Miss Boncassen's Idea of Heaven](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xlvii-miss-boncassen-s-idea-of-heaven) Converses courteously with Isabel and her father; unaware of Silverbridge's courtship. ### [The Party at Custins Is Broken Up](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xlviii-the-party-at-custins-is-broken-up) Walks with Mr. Boncassen and the young ladies, discussing social class and rank; reveals his inner conflict between public political liberalism and private aristocratic pride. ### [XLIX: The Major’s Fate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/xlix-the-major-s-fate) Mentioned as being urgent about extricating Silverbridge from the racing mess, caring little for the rest of the affair. ### [L: The Duke’s Arguments](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/l-the-duke-s-arguments) Struggles with the decision to yield or persevere in opposing Mary's marriage to Tregear; reflects on duty, suffering, and his own past with Glencora. ### [The Duke's Guests](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/li-the-duke-s-guests) Writes a dismissive reply to Tregear and discusses the guest list with Mary, unaware of Silverbridge's interest in Isabel. ### [Miss Boncassen Tells the Truth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lii-miss-boncassen-tells-the-truth) Hosts the gathering at Matching; Silverbridge's father whose approval is crucial for the marriage. ### [LIII: “Then I Am as Proud as a Queen”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/liii-then-i-am-as-proud-as-a-queen) Unaware of Silverbridge's feelings, continues to push Silverbridge toward Lady Mabel and lectures Isabel on decimal coinage. ### [I Don't Think She Is a Snake](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/liv-i-don-t-think-she-is-a-snake) Encourages a match between Silverbridge and Mabel; speaks plainly to Mabel about his hopes; is unaware of Silverbridge's attachment to Isabel. ### [The News Is Sent to Matching](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lvi-the-news-is-sent-to-matching) Receives Silverbridge's letter and makes mental memoranda; reads Tregear's letter and advises Lady Mabel not to carry messages to Mary. ### [No One Can Tell What May Come to Pass](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lix-no-one-can-tell-what-may-come-to-pass) Hosts Silverbridge and Lady Mabel at Matching; shows special courtesy to Mabel, hoping for a match with his son, unaware of Silverbridge's love for Isabel. ### [Lord Gerald in Further Trouble](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lx-lord-gerald-in-further-trouble) Bids farewell to Lady Mabel and then questions Silverbridge about his relationship with her. ### [LXI: “Bone of My Bone”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxi-bone-of-my-bone) Confronts Silverbridge about his engagement to Lady Mabel, learns of his new love for Isabel Boncassen, and delivers a stern lecture on duty and nobility, refusing his consent. ### [I Believe Him to Be a Worthy Young Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxiv-i-believe-him-to-be-a-worthy-young-man) Returns from Barsetshire, acknowledges Tregear as a worthy young man but remains firm in his opposition to the match. ### [Do You Ever Think What Money Is?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxv-do-you-ever-think-what-money-is) Lectures Gerald on the nature of money and gambling, pays the debt, and reflects on his children's choices. ### [The Three Attacks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxvi-the-three-attacks) The Duke is besieged by arguments from Mrs. Finn and a letter from Tregear, forcing him to reconsider his opposition to Mary's marriage. ### [He Is Such a Beast](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxvii-he-is-such-a-beast) Advises his son to accept the offer despite political opposition, but is secretly gratified by Silverbridge's refusal. ### [Brook Street](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxviii-brook-street) Silverbridge plans to plead with him for permission to marry Isabel, recognizing the Duke's authority. ### [Pert Poppet!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxix-pert-poppet) Mentioned as having been eloquent and kind but not yielding to Silverbridge's plea regarding Isabel. ### [Love May Be a Great Misfortune](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxx-love-may-be-a-great-misfortune) Referenced as the key figure whose approval Mr. Boncassen demands; described as just, liberal, and devoted to his children. ### [What Am I to Say, Sir?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxxi-what-am-i-to-say-sir) Returns from Longroyston; speaks with Mr. Boncassen; gives a sorrowful but ultimately consenting response to Silverbridge's marriage plans. ### [Carlton Terrace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxxii-carlton-terrace) Formally welcomes Isabel as his future daughter-in-law; gives her his late wife's ring; reflects on the importance of the aristocracy and his heir's marriage. ### [Let Us Drink a Glass of Wine Together](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxxiv-let-us-drink-a-glass-of-wine-together) Struggles to accept Tregear but makes a deliberate effort to reconcile by offering a toast. ### [Mabel, Goodbye](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxxvii-mabel-goodbye) Referenced as having relented on Tregear's suit; Mabel notes his eventual acceptance. ### [The First Wedding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxxix-the-first-wedding) Receives Tregear at Matching with formal courtesy, indicating acceptance of the match. ### [The Second Wedding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/chapters/lxxx-the-second-wedding) Shows unexpected hilarity at the wedding, reflecting on his past suffering while giving his daughter away. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters/the_duke_of_omnium - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_duke_s_children_se/characters