The Enchanted April · Character

Frederick

A mysterious figure often referenced as a past love or memory.

minor

Also known as the original Frederick

First appearance: II

Frederick's tie to Mrs. Arbuthnot is one of the pressures that moves The Enchanted April—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

See Frederick in II Book page

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With Mrs. Arbuthnot (romantic): Frederick is Mrs. Arbuthnot's estranged husband, and their interactions are marked by longing, tension, and a slow rekindling of affection. With Mrs. Fisher (social): Frederick and Mrs. Fisher are polite acquaintances, with Frederick often deferring to her as an older, authoritative figure. With Scrap (friendship): Frederick and Scrap share a light, friendly camaraderie, with Scrap often teasing him about his romantic troubles.

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See Frederick in II

Character Web

8 connections

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

Relationship types

Romantic
Social
Friendship
Other

Character groups

Villa guests and staff
Protagonist

+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
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Frederick and…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Mrs. Arbuthnot
romantic · ambivalent
Mrs. Fisher
social · positive
Scrap
friendship · positive
Mrs. Wilkins
friendship · positive
Mrs. Arbuthnot
romantic · ambivalent
Mrs. Fisher
social · positive
Mrs. Arbuthnot
romantic · ambivalent
Scrap
friendship · positive
Scrap
friendship · positive
Mrs. Wilkins
friendship · positive
Mrs. Fisher
social · positive

Mrs. Arbuthnot
Frederick is Mrs. Arbuthnot's estranged husband, and their interactions are marked by longing, tension, and a slow rekindling of affection.
Mrs. Fisher
Frederick and Mrs. Fisher are polite acquaintances, with Frederick often deferring to her as an older, authoritative figure.
Scrap
Frederick and Scrap share a light, friendly camaraderie, with Scrap often teasing him about his romantic troubles.
Mrs. Wilkins
Frederick is kind and appreciative of Mrs. Wilkins' gentle nature, and they share a supportive, platonic bond.
Mrs. Arbuthnot
Frederick is Mrs. Arbuthnot's estranged husband, and their interactions are marked by longing, tension, and a slow rekindling of affection.
Mrs. Fisher
Frederick and Mrs. Fisher are polite acquaintances, with Frederick often deferring to her as an older, authoritative figure.
Mrs. Arbuthnot
Frederick is Mrs. Arbuthnot's estranged husband, and their interactions are marked by longing, tension, and a slow rekindling of affection.
Scrap
Frederick and Scrap share a light, friendly camaraderie, with Scrap often teasing him about his romantic troubles.
Scrap
Frederick and Scrap share a light, friendly camaraderie, with Scrap often teasing him about his romantic troubles.
Mrs. Wilkins
Frederick is kind and appreciative of Mrs. Wilkins' gentle nature, and they share a supportive, platonic bond.
Mrs. Fisher
Frederick and Mrs. Fisher are polite acquaintances, with Frederick often deferring to her as an older, authoritative figure.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Frederick in II

In the story

Frederick appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

II
Mrs. Arbuthnot's husband; works away from home, is jovial and freehanded when he appears, but bears no resemblance to the original Frederick of their early marriage; Mrs. Arbuthnot prays for him but feels distant.
IV
Gives Rose £100 without asking questions; is away working and unaware of her departure.
XI
Referenced in Mrs. Arbuthnot's thoughts; she fears writing to him due to his likely indifferent response and the pain it would cause.
XVI
Mentioned as the object of Rose's hope that San Salvatore might change him.
XX
Arrives at San Salvatore and is found by Rose in the drawing-room.
XXI
Arrives at San Salvatore, reunites with Rose, and is overwhelmed by the situation, forgetting Lady Caroline temporarily.
XXII
Finds Scrap to thank her for her loyalty and declares he will adore her forever; kisses her hand before hurrying to Rose.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Frederick unlock in the free preview.

See Frederick in II