# Diogenes — The First Sir Percy character guide > Diogenes in The First Sir Percy by Baroness Orczy. **Role:** major **Also known as:** anon Diogenes, Already Diogenes **First appearance:** 0000-i-a-night-on-the-veluwe ## Snapshot A blindfolded, wine-loving Englishman whose droll wit hides a schemer's nerve, nursing a wounded comrade while plotting to snatch Gilda from Stoutenburg's grasp. ## Who they are Diogenes is the mysterious stranger at the story's centre — sightless, quick-tongued, and cool enough to yawn on the brink of the gallows, dangling a secret about the Stadtholder's confidence to buy himself wine and time. He chafes at delay while his friend Pythagoras lies shot and feverish, longing to be halfway to Utrecht with a 'delicious burden' on his saddlebow. His blend of buffoonery and deadly competence makes him the wild card the conspirators underestimate. ## Relationships ### [The Stadtholder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/the_stadtholder) _friendship_ Diogenes is a roguish but loyal ally to the Stadtholder, often undertaking dangerous missions for him. ### [Gilda Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/gilda_beresteyn) _romantic_ Diogenes is deeply in love with Gilda, though their relationship is complicated by danger and duty. ### [Lord Stoutenburg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/lord_stoutenburg) _rivalry_ Diogenes actively opposes Stoutenburg's villainous plans, leading to direct conflict. ### [Mynheer Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/mynheer_beresteyn) _friendship_ Diogenes earns the trust and respect of Mynheer Beresteyn through his brave actions. ### [Pythagoras](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/pythagoras) _friendship_ Diogenes and Pythagoras are close companions and fellow adventurers, sharing a bond of loyalty. ### [The Stadtholder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/the_stadtholder) _friendship_ Diogenes is a roguish but loyal ally to the Stadtholder, often undertaking dangerous missions for him. ### [Lord Stoutenburg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/lord_stoutenburg) _rivalry_ Diogenes actively opposes Stoutenburg's villainous plans, leading to direct conflict. ### [The Stadtholder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/the_stadtholder) _friendship_ Diogenes is a roguish but loyal ally to the Stadtholder, often undertaking dangerous missions for him. ### [Pythagoras](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/pythagoras) _friendship_ Diogenes and Pythagoras are close companions and fellow adventurers, sharing a bond of loyalty. ### [Gilda Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/gilda_beresteyn) _romantic_ Diogenes is deeply in love with Gilda, though their relationship is complicated by danger and duty. ### [Mynheer Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/mynheer_beresteyn) _friendship_ Diogenes earns the trust and respect of Mynheer Beresteyn through his brave actions. ### [Gilda Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/gilda_beresteyn) _romantic_ Diogenes is deeply in love with Gilda, though their relationship is complicated by danger and duty. ## In the story ### [A Night on the Veluwe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i-a-night-on-the-veluwe) The soldier of fortune who married Gilda, now a target of Stoutenburg's vengeance. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) The rider lost on the Veluwe, struggling with his horse and the cold, trying to find his way to Amersfoort. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) The solitary horseman who loses his way upon the Veluwe. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned as the friend of Pythagoras and the groom-to-be in the wedding with Gilda Beresteyn. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Referred to as the obscure soldier of fortune who married Gilda, inciting Stoutenburg's jealousy. ### [The Double Wedding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii-the-double-wedding) Restless and impatient at the wedding feast, longing to escape with Gilda; booted and spurred, ready to leave. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) The other bridegroom, a stranger known as Diogenes or possibly Sir Percy Blakeney, wears riding boots and spurs to the wedding; formerly a penniless soldier of fortune. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Reveals his new identity as Sir Percy Blakeney; expresses deep love for Gilda; worries about Pythagoras's disappearance. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Notices the Stadtholder's collapse, offers support, and later leads a rousing toast to Maurice of Nassau and liberty. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Frets against wedding conventions, longs to carry Gilda away; seeks the Stadtholder's help to escape the festivities. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Abducts Gilda from the wedding feast, carrying her off on horseback with the Stadtholder's approval. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vii) Holds Gilda, senses a foreboding change as Socrates and Pythagoras arrive, recognizing the call to return to the warpath. ### [III: The Great Interruption](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii-the-great-interruption) Listens to Pythagoras's revelation about Stoutenburg's assassination plot; carries his sick friend into the house; later meets Gilda in the small room and urges her to flee to England. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Helps Socrates lift Pythagoras off the horse and carries his friend up the stairs; requests the Stadtholder's physician. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Watches over his sick friend, grows impatient and restless, longing to leave for Utrecht. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) He is torn between his love for Gilda and his concern for Pythagoras, showing vulnerability and impatience. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Receives urgent intelligence from Pythagoras about Stoutenburg's assassination plot against the Stadtholder; struggles with patience and foreboding. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Advises the Stadtholder on military strategy, renounces his identity as Sir Percy Blakeney, and prepares to ride to Vorden. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Prepares to leave for Vorden and Wageningen on the Stadtholder's business, torn between love and duty. ### [IV: Adder's Fork](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv-adder-s-fork) Newly married, rides alone across the Veluwe to deliver the Stadtholder's message to Marquet at Vorden, insisting on solitude despite Nicolaes's company partway. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) The soldier of fortune, now married to Gilda, sets out alone on a journey across the Veluwe, reluctantly accepting Nicolaes' company as far as Barneveld. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) The adventurer entrusted with the Stadtholder's orders; rides from Barneveld to Vorden and then to Wageningen. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Referenced as Gilda's husband and the stranger who insisted on carrying the Stadtholder's message across the Veluwe; accused by Nicolaes of possible treachery. ### [A Race for Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v-a-race-for-life) The protagonist, riding as the Stadtholder's messenger across the Veluwe and Ijssel, pursued and forced to swim the river. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) The protagonist, riding as the Stadtholder's messenger across the Veluwe and Ijssel region. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) The protagonist, fleeing pursuers while carrying a message to Wageningen; he shoots one attacker and dives into the Ijssel. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Braves the icy Ijssel on horseback, then swims after his horse is shot. ### [A Nest of Scorpions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi-a-nest-of-scorpions) Absent from the guest-chamber when Gilda seeks him; his whereabouts are unknown, adding to the tension. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned as the stranger with the happy smile who was sent across the Veluwe for succour but has not returned. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) The solitary rider she spots approaching from Utrecht, whom she longs to see. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Mentioned as 'my lord' and the missing messenger; Gilda insists she saw him return. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vii) Has left the house; Gilda believes she saw him entering the town through the Joris Poort, looking exhausted. ### [A Subtle Traitor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vii-a-subtle-traitor) The target of suspicion and attack; struck down by Nicolaes and disappears from the scene. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) The stranger and soldier of fortune, now suspected of treachery; his past service to the Stadtholder is recalled but dismissed by the assembly. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned by the Stadtholder, but no definite news of his arrival. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Approaches through the crowd near the Koppel-poort, leading his exhausted horse, with a three days' growth of beard. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Approaches the Stadtholder, is accused of being an assassin, and is stabbed by Nicolaes, staggering against the steps. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Struck down by Nicolaes; his fate is uncertain as he disappears from the scene. ### [Devil's-Writ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/viii-devil-s-writ) Diogenes is stabbed by Nicolaes but saved by his thick cloak and Socrates' aid; he quickly recovers and leads a chase to rescue the Stadtholder. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Returns to Amersfoort after a four-day errand for the Stadtholder, narrowly escaping Nicolaes' treacherous blow. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Stabbed by Nicolaes but saved by his cloak; recovers and pursues the Stadtholder. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Leads the chase through the city and out into the mist, showing intense vitality and a keen eye for the fleeing Stadtholder and Beresteyn. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Observes the Stadtholder's horse, gives curt orders, then leads the chase toward Ede. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) One of the three soldiers of fortune who intercept the runaway horse, seizing the bridle and bringing it to a standstill. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Hit by Nicolaes' pistol, he falls from his horse but later shoots the blinded horse to end its suffering. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vii) Stubbornly refuses to leave the hut, feigns drunkenness and daze after being struck, insists the Stadtholder ride to safety. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/viii) Blinded by Nicolaes, sitting alone on the plain, awaiting Pythagoras's return. ### [Mala Fides](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ix-mala-fides) Reported blinded and helpless after the powder attack, no longer a rival to Stoutenburg. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) The nameless adventurer is blinded by the powder and falls from his horse, now helpless and an object of contemptuous pity. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) The nameless adventurer who thwarted Stoutenburg; now parted from Gilda and in Stoutenburg's power. ### [A Prince of Darkness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/x-a-prince-of-darkness) Diogenes is mentioned as having been blinded by Nicolaes, a revelation that devastates Gilda. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Gilda's beloved; she recalls seeing him weary and haggard, and her love for him has become fierce and protective. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Diogenes is reported to have been blinded in a pistol accident, but is alive. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned as sightless and absent; his blinding is the cause of Gilda's anguish. ### [XI: The Danger-Spoke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xi-the-danger-spoke) Brought before Stoutenburg blind, ragged, and drunk; claims his sight was lost in a scuffle; maintains a detached and good-humored demeanor. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Blind and ragged, he is captured by soldiers and brought before Stoutenburg, where he mocks his captor with a sardonic salute. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Blind and drunk, brought before Stoutenburg; remains defiant and philosophical. ### [XII: Tears, Sighs, Hearts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xii-tears-sighs-hearts) Blind and degraded, he is embraced by Gilda but later pushes her away; causes a distraction by overturning a table. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Blind and degraded, he is the object of Gilda's loving comfort; he reaches out to her with a pathetic gesture. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Blind and helpless, he stumbles and overturns a table, creating a distraction that allows Gilda to break free from Stoutenburg. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Blind and humiliated, he is led away like a captive lion, accepting his fate with philosophical good humor. ### [XIII: The Stygian Creek](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xiii-the-stygian-creek) Blind and captive, he is brought before Stoutenburg and later seen singing a ribald song with the soldiers. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Blind man removed from Stoutenburg's presence; Gilda's beloved, not present during the supper scene. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Blind and degraded, he sings a ribald song while awaiting his fate, becoming the object of Gilda's pity and Stoutenburg's jealousy. ### [XIV: Treachery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xiv-treachery) Revealed as the informant who sold the Stadtholder's secrets; now blind and somnolent, snoring while Stoutenburg mocks him. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) The blind man, pinioned and helpless, shows signs of immense strain but remains inscrutable. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) The blind, intoxicated vagabond; admired by soldiers for his bravery and spirituality; yawns on the brink of eternity; his love for Gilda is noted. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Blind and drunk, he bargains for his life by offering a secret about the Stadtholder in exchange for wine and freedom. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Blind and bound, he bargains for his life by revealing the Stadtholder's plan. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Blind and seemingly asleep, but listens intently, unnerving the others; his sightless gaze appears to pierce hidden secrets. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) The blind man remains serene and somnolent, snoring loudly, oblivious to the tense plotting around him. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vii) Present but asleep and fettered; accused of betraying the Stadtholder's secrets to Stoutenburg. ### [XV: The Molen on the Veluwe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xv-the-molen-on-the-veluwe) Referenced as the dead rival in the banqueting hall; Stoutenburg gloats over his demise. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned as having reported the spies' information about the molen; his statement is now questioned. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Appears suddenly in the mill, confronts Stoutenburg with a mocking laugh and a dagger, and later escapes through the door to join the battle outside. ### [XVI: The Final Issue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xvi-the-final-issue) The Englishman and soldier of fortune, who feigns blindness and orchestrates the plan to capture Stoutenburg, risking his life to save Gilda and the Stadtholder. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) The Englishman and penniless soldier of fortune, later known as Sir Percy Blakeney; endures extreme hardship, blindness, and betrayal while executing the Stadtholder's orders and seeking to return to Gilda. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) The young soldier who recovers from temporary blindness and devises a daring plan to rescue Gilda and free Amersfoort. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) The Englishman, sightless and abject before Stoutenburg, is playing a dangerous game; Gilda supports him. ### [XVII: The Only World](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xvii-the-only-world) Diogenes arrives quietly at the molen, takes Gilda into his arms, and experiences profound happiness as she sleeps safely. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Finds Gilda asleep, takes her into his arms, and watches over her lovingly. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/diogenes - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters