# Gilda Beresteyn — The First Sir Percy character guide > Gilda Beresteyn in The First Sir Percy by Baroness Orczy. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Beresteyn, Gilda, the jongejuffrouw Gilda Beresteyn, the jongejuffrouw Beresteyn **First appearance:** 0000-i-a-night-on-the-veluwe ## Snapshot A burgomaster's daughter who prays through the night before being carried off as a traitor's prize, meeting her captor with unnerving serenity. ## Who they are Gilda has just been torn from a wedding-day happiness into the train of the Lord of Stoutenburg, who means to make her his queen in a usurped kingdom. She offers no resistance and no tears, only a calm that unnerves the men around her — strength drawn from prayer, her father's midnight counsel, and memories of the lover she buckled a sword onto. Her composure is the moral counterweight to Stoutenburg's fevered ambition. ## Relationships ### [Lord Stoutenburg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/lord_stoutenburg) _psychological_ Gilda is manipulated and victimized by Stoutenburg's obsessive and vengeful schemes against her family. ### [The Stadtholder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/the_stadtholder) _professional_ Gilda serves as a loyal and trusted confidante to the Stadtholder, often acting as his secret agent. ### [Mynheer Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/mynheer_beresteyn) _family_ Gilda is the devoted daughter of Mynheer Beresteyn, bound by love and familial duty. ### [Diogenes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/diogenes) _romantic_ Diogenes is deeply in love with Gilda, though their relationship is complicated by danger and duty. ### [Burgomaster Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/burgomaster_beresteyn) _family_ Burgomaster Beresteyn is Gilda's uncle, protective of her and concerned for her safety. ### [Lord Stoutenburg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/lord_stoutenburg) _psychological_ Gilda is manipulated and victimized by Stoutenburg's obsessive and vengeful schemes against her family. ### [Mynheer Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/mynheer_beresteyn) _family_ Gilda is the devoted daughter of Mynheer Beresteyn, bound by love and familial duty. ### [Lord Stoutenburg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/lord_stoutenburg) _psychological_ Gilda is manipulated and victimized by Stoutenburg's obsessive and vengeful schemes against her family. ### [Mynheer Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/mynheer_beresteyn) _family_ Gilda is the devoted daughter of Mynheer Beresteyn, bound by love and familial duty. ### [The Stadtholder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/the_stadtholder) _professional_ Gilda serves as a loyal and trusted confidante to the Stadtholder, often acting as his secret agent. ### [Diogenes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/diogenes) _romantic_ Diogenes is deeply in love with Gilda, though their relationship is complicated by danger and duty. ### [Diogenes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/diogenes) _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) Mentioned as the bride of Diogenes, object of Stoutenburg's obsessive love and hatred. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned as the bride in the wedding with Diogenes, which enrages Stoutenburg. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Mentioned as the object of Stoutenburg's obsessive passion, now married to Diogenes. ### [The Double Wedding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii-the-double-wedding) The bride, moving through the crowd in a daze, fully conscious of her lover's will and content to be his captive. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) One of the brides, described as beautiful and vital, with a mysterious smile; her portrait by Frans Hals is referenced. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Engages in tender conversation with Diogenes; reflects on their whirlwind romance; shows concern for the Stadtholder's health. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Watches the Stadtholder with concern, then boldly prompts Diogenes to give a toast, showing her loyalty and fervor. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) The bride; Diogenes dreams of taking her away; she reassures her father about the marriage. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Carried away by Diogenes; she yields to him, feeling content and ready for a kiss. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vii) Lies in Diogenes' arms, unaware of the ominous arrival of Socrates and Pythagoras. ### [III: The Great Interruption](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii-the-great-interruption) Feels abandoned after the interruption but quickly takes charge; later sings at the virginal and waits for Diogenes, agreeing to flee with him to England. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Feels isolated after being the center of attention; takes initiative to lead the way into the house and call for a guest chamber. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) She is waiting for Diogenes, ready to flee with him to England, and expresses her trust and devotion. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Overhears the discussion, brings Diogenes his sword, and silently accepts his departure. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Waits submissively for Diogenes, having silently bid him to go out of love and concern for his honor. ### [IV: Adder's Fork](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv-adder-s-fork) Fiercely defends Diogenes against Nicolaes's insinuations, strikes Nicolaes with his gloves, and prays for her husband's safety. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Mentioned in the context of her love for Diogenes and her father's acceptance of their union. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Waits up for her brother Nicolaes; defends her husband fiercely against his insinuations of treason, strikes Nicolaes, and prays for her lord's safety. ### [A Race for Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v-a-race-for-life) Briefly appears in Diogenes' thoughts as he swims the Ijssel, imagining a ride with her. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Appears in Diogenes' fleeting vision of a promised ride. ### [A Nest of Scorpions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi-a-nest-of-scorpions) Anxious and torn between loyalty to her father and concern for her husband's honor; she insists she saw her husband return through the Joris Poort. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Remains silent about her concerns, trusting the man she loves despite the mystery of his journey across the Veluwe. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Defends her husband against the Stadtholder's implication of failure, feels wounded by her brother's sarcasm, and slips away heavyhearted. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Gilda seeks solitude in the attic, watching the town below and yearning for her beloved's return. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Watches from the attic, runs to greet the rider, and is caught in the panic as the Spanish approach. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Anxious and insistent that she saw her husband return; feels isolated and betrayed by her brother. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vii) Desperately searches for Diogenes and Pythagoras, fights against the spy rumors, and longs to see her beloved. ### [A Subtle Traitor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vii-a-subtle-traitor) Witnesses the attack on Diogenes, disarms her brother Nicolaes, and is left in despair as Diogenes vanishes. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as having departed earlier; her feelings are a point of contention, but she is not present in the hall. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Spots Diogenes in the crowd, cries out to the Stadtholder, and watches anxiously for her beloved. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Senses treachery in Nicolaes' haste, cries out to Diogenes, and physically intervenes to disarm Nicolaes after he stabs Diogenes. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Disarms her brother Nicolaes, then searches in vain for Diogenes, nearly swooning. ### [Devil's-Writ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/viii-devil-s-writ) Gilda is mentioned as being anxious for Diogenes and waiting in tears; she is the moral concern of the philosophers. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Anxiously waiting in tears for Diogenes; the philosophers prioritize her safety above all. ### [Mala Fides](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ix-mala-fides) Defends her father and appeals to Nicolaes' honor, but is threatened by Stoutenburg. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Stoutenburg hopes to regain her affections now that Diogenes is blind, and plans to keep the truth from her. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Stoutenburg's former love; he now sees her as a prize to be humiliated and controlled. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Nicolaes fears meeting Gilda eye to eye, but exults in the thought of standing before her as a conqueror, though she is away with her father. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned as being with the burgomaster in his private apartments; Stoutenburg commands her to sup with him. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Mentioned in Stoutenburg's memories as the girl he betrayed and who he wishes had remained true to him. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Present with her father, forcibly separated from him, and described as beautiful in her indignation. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vii) Comforts her father, confronts Stoutenburg, and points out Nicolaes in a desperate attempt to protect her father. ### [A Prince of Darkness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/x-a-prince-of-darkness) Gilda is the focal point of the chapter, grappling with fear, hatred, and a fierce protective love for Diogenes after learning of his blinding. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Gilda is the central focus; she shows calm resolve after her father is taken, and her thoughts are consumed by love and fear for her beloved. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Overwrought, she sits in the Stadtholder's chair and recoils from Stoutenburg's touch. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Gilda is informed of her husband's blinding; she experiences intense emotional agony but tries to appear calm. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Regains consciousness after the shock of Diogenes' blinding; defiantly refuses Stoutenburg's demand to accompany him. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Defies Stoutenburg's ultimatum, appeals to her brother, and struggles with despair and horror at the betrayal. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Defiant and desperate, she prays for divine intervention rather than submit to Stoutenburg's demands, showing her courage and faith. ### [XI: The Danger-Spoke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xi-the-danger-spoke) Refuses her brother's escort and goes upstairs; Stoutenburg broods over her perceived infatuation with Diogenes. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Refuses her brother's escort and follows Jan, ascending the stairs. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Discussed by Stoutenburg and Nicolaes; her willful temper and supposed infatuation with Diogenes are topics of conversation. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Enters with her father; Stoutenburg plans to use Diogenes to win her love. ### [XII: Tears, Sighs, Hearts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xii-tears-sighs-hearts) Embraces Diogenes, defies Stoutenburg, and struggles with the choice between her love and her city's safety. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Embraces her blind husband, showing devotion and tenderness despite the presence of Stoutenburg and her family. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Forced to choose between submitting to Stoutenburg's demand for a kiss or letting Diogenes hang; she initially yields but is saved by Diogenes's accidental disruption. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Torn between love and duty, she submits to Stoutenburg to save Amersfoort, watching Diogenes' departure in despair. ### [XIII: The Stygian Creek](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xiii-the-stygian-creek) Desperately pleads with Stoutenburg to spare Diogenes, offering herself as a willing slave and wife. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Sits still, eyes fixed on the door where Diogenes disappeared; submits to Stoutenburg in hopes of softening his heart; cannot eat. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Endures the supper with studied indifference, hiding her horror and suffering. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Desperate and heartbroken, she pleads for Diogenes' life, offering herself to Stoutenburg, then collapses in her father's arms. ### [XIV: Treachery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xiv-treachery) Haunts Nicolaes' thoughts as a pale, tear-stained face; her potential knowledge of the betrayal adds to his remorse. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) She pleads desperately for the blind man and finally mounts the stairs to her room, leaning on her father's arm. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Has just disappeared upstairs with her father; earlier knelt at Stoutenburg's feet pleading for the blind vagabond, reminding him of his mother's humiliation. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Referenced in Stoutenburg's thoughts as the object of his desire and the cause of his jealousy. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vii) Mentioned as the object of Stoutenburg's love and as a source of Nicolaes' remorse. ### [XV: The Molen on the Veluwe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xv-the-molen-on-the-veluwe) Witnesses Stoutenburg's terror, rejects his pleas, and is later forced into the litter for the journey. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Taken in a litter, she shows remarkable serenity despite her inner turmoil and fear. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Gilda comes downstairs with her waiting woman Maria, wrapped in a fur cloak, having taken leave of her father; she appears to glance toward the banqueting room and shiver. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Remains in the litter during the halt, attended by Maria. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Brought to the molen by Stoutenburg; remains calm and inscrutable, asking only for privacy and rest. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Mentioned as Stoutenburg's prize, now irrevocably tied to him. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Sits in the loft, evades Stoutenburg's advances, hides behind a beam, and is present during Diogenes's arrival and the ensuing confrontation. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vii) Watches in horror from the steps, is used as a shield by Stoutenburg, and collapses in sobbing exhaustion. ### [XVI: The Final Issue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xvi-the-final-issue) Diogenes' wife, held prisoner by Stoutenburg, who remains steadfast in her loyalty and courage, playing her role to aid Diogenes' plan. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Diogenes's young wife, residing in Amersfoort; her safety is the driving force behind Diogenes's desperate journey. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) The woman Diogenes loves, held prisoner by Stoutenburg and forced to accompany his troops. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Demonstrates perfect loyalty and courage, never doubting the Englishman despite appearances and danger. ### [XVII: The Only World](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xvii-the-only-world) Gilda is exhausted and traumatized after the recent events, finding comfort in Maria's arms and later in Diogenes' embrace. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Half numb with nerve strain, suffering from reaction after terrible excitement; finds comfort in Maria's ministrations. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Sleeps curled up, then wakes and embraces Diogenes. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/gilda_beresteyn - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters