# Lord Stoutenburg — The First Sir Percy character guide > Lord Stoutenburg in The First Sir Percy by Baroness Orczy. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Stoutenburg, VI, Ede, Amersfoort, the Lord of Stoutenburg **First appearance:** 0000-i-a-night-on-the-veluwe ## Snapshot A disgraced nobleman burning to topple the Stadtholder and crown himself, whose ruined fortunes have hardened charm into callous, theatrical cruelty. ## Who they are Stoutenburg moves through the story as the exiled magnate whose feud with the Stadtholder has cost him land, honour, and peace, and who now stakes everything on one audacious stroke. He is magnetic, spiritually-browed, and utterly without scruple — ordering a blind vagabond hanged on a whim, then wooing his captive bride with visions of a Netherlands throne. That blend of grandeur and petty vengeance makes him the engine of the plot's early menace. ## Relationships ### [Gilda Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/gilda_beresteyn) _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) _rivalry_ Stoutenburg is a bitter enemy of the Stadtholder, plotting his overthrow and assassination. ### [Mynheer Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/mynheer_beresteyn) _rivalry_ Stoutenburg despises Mynheer Beresteyn as a political enemy and seeks to destroy his family. ### [Burgomaster Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/burgomaster_beresteyn) _rivalry_ Burgomaster Beresteyn is a staunch opponent of Stoutenburg's treasonous plots. ### [Diogenes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/diogenes) _rivalry_ Diogenes actively opposes Stoutenburg's villainous plans, leading to direct conflict. ### [Jan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/jan) _professional_ Jan is a henchman and servant in Stoutenburg's employ, carrying out his orders. ### [Heemskerk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/heemskerk) _professional_ Heemskerk is a co-conspirator and follower of Stoutenburg in his treasonous schemes. ### [Maurice of Nassau](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/maurice_of_nassau) _rivalry_ Stoutenburg views Maurice of Nassau as an obstacle and enemy in his quest for power. ### [The Stadtholder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/the_stadtholder) _rivalry_ Stoutenburg is a bitter enemy of the Stadtholder, plotting his overthrow and assassination. ### [Gilda Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/gilda_beresteyn) _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) _rivalry_ Stoutenburg despises Mynheer Beresteyn as a political enemy and seeks to destroy his family. ### [Diogenes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/diogenes) _rivalry_ Diogenes actively opposes Stoutenburg's villainous plans, leading to direct conflict. ## 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) Plots revenge against the Stadtholder and seethes with jealousy over Gilda's marriage to Diogenes. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Reveals his plot to poison the Stadtholder and reacts with fury to news of Gilda's wedding. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Restless and vengeful, he orchestrates the disposal of a messenger and broods over Gilda's marriage to Diogenes. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Identified by Pythagoras as the mastermind behind the assassination plot; mentioned as having a hidden pocket with poison. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Referenced as the abominable conspirator with whom Nicolaes plotted against the Stadtholder. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) The reprobate and traitor who planned the ambush with Nicolaes at the lonely mill. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Mentioned as waiting with a vedette to capture the Stadtholder; Nicolaes plans to join him. ### [Mala Fides](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ix-mala-fides) Exults in Diogenes' blinding and leads the occupation of Amersfoort, demanding Gilda's submission. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Stoutenburg receives the news, finds solace in the Englishman's blindness, and discusses his hopes to win back Gilda's affections before ordering the march to Amersfoort. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Enters Amersfoort as conqueror, brooding on his hatred and revenge against the Stadtholder, Gilda, and the nameless adventurer. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Nicolaes rides at the head of Stoutenburg's rearguard, acting as his subordinate in the invasion of Amersfoort. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Enters the burgomaster's house with his bodyguard, gives orders for the night, and commands the burgomaster and Gilda to sup with him. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Dominates the scene with contempt for Nicolaes, broods over memories of Gilda, and issues a tyrannical order to hang a blind beggar. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Exults in his victory, taunts the burgomaster, and asserts his control over the situation. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vii) Commands the seizure of Mynheer Beresteyn and orders violence, but is momentarily checked by Gilda's intervention. ### [A Prince of Darkness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/x-a-prince-of-darkness) Stoutenburg reveals his treacherous plans and his desire to master Gilda, taking sadistic pleasure in her mental agony. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Referred to as the enemy; Gilda senses he knows something about her beloved and hates him intensely. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Kneels beside Gilda, murmurs about her beauty, then curses when she recoils. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Stoutenburg coldly reveals the news to Gilda, taking grim pleasure in her suffering and manipulating her. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Reveals his plan to take Gilda away; threatens and mocks her resistance. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Presents Gilda with a cruel bargain: her willing surrender in exchange for the city's safety; mocks her defiance and asserts absolute control. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Triumphant and ruthless, he threatens Gilda and Amersfoort, revealing his ambition for power and his willingness to use the city as a hostage. ### [XI: The Danger-Spoke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xi-the-danger-spoke) Broods over Gilda's coldness; decides to use the blind Diogenes as leverage rather than hang him immediately. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Stands by the open window, brooding over Gilda's rejection, feeling bitterness and rage. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Observes Diogenes being brought before him; struggles with his hatred and uncertainty about how to deal with his blind rival. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Confronts Diogenes, threatens to hang him, but considers using him to win Gilda's love. ### [XII: Tears, Sighs, Hearts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xii-tears-sighs-hearts) Gloats over Gilda's misery, mocks Diogenes, and enforces the bargain that Diogenes' life depends on her kiss. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Attempts to intercept Gilda and reacts with savage oaths at the sight of her affection for Diogenes. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Demands a kiss from Gilda as the price for sparing Diogenes, exulting in his power over her and the burgomaster. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Gloats over his victory, forcing Gilda to submit and ordering Diogenes dragged away. ### [XIII: The Stygian Creek](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xiii-the-stygian-creek) Revels in his power, forces Gilda to submit, and orders Diogenes to be hanged to enforce his will. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Feels relief after the blind man leaves; fixes Gilda with a warning look; invites her to supper, appears elated, drinks deeply and discusses war plans. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Speaks with studied insolence, toasting the new era of Spanish rule and the Inquisition. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Revels in his cruel triumph, mockingly deferential, and uses Gilda's love for Diogenes to manipulate her into submission. ### [XIV: Treachery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xiv-treachery) Revels in his triumph, revealing Diogenes' betrayal and plotting the Stadtholder's downfall; shows a subtle change as he feels he has reached the summit of power. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Paces the banqueting-hall like a caged beast, gnawing his knuckles in choler; consults Jan and Nicolaes; his rancor against the United Provinces and the Stadtholder hardens him against pity. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Orders Diogenes hanged, but becomes intrigued by Diogenes' claim of a secret about the Stadtholder. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Interrogates Diogenes, driven by jealousy over Gilda and strategic ambition. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Feels he has reached the summit of ambition and power; orders spies sent out; becomes anxious upon hearing unusual sounds from the Market Place. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Plans to ambush the Stadtholder at the molen, exulting in his scheme to capture him and command the surrender of all forces. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vii) Reveals Diogenes' betrayal to the burgomaster, gloats over his triumph, and finalizes plans for the ambush. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/viii) Stoutenburg paces restlessly, fires a pistol, and later appears calm, ordering Nicolaes and Jan to leave him in peace as he feels he can sleep at last. ### [XV: The Molen on the Veluwe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xv-the-molen-on-the-veluwe) Hunted by ruffians in the molen, begs Gilda for mercy, then plans his coup and waits for the Stadtholder. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Leads the departure from Amersfoort, threatens the city, and promises Gilda a future as queen. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Stoutenburg gives orders to leave the banqueting hall undisturbed, considers viewing his dead enemy, and watches Gilda with jealousy. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Rides beside Gilda's litter, leads the troop, and scans the distance with hawklike eyes. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Commands the ambush at the molen, treats Gilda with possessive gallantry, and reflects on his recent rise from outcast to conqueror. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Orchestrates the ambush at the molen, confident in his plans and satisfied with securing Gilda and her wealth. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Paces restlessly in the mill, attempts to force kisses from Gilda, is terrified by Diogenes's sudden appearance, and later becomes a hunted fugitive within the mill. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vii) Flees in terror, begs Gilda for mercy, uses her as a shield, then escapes. ### [XVI: The Final Issue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xvi-the-final-issue) The traitorous lord leading the Spanish-aligned forces, who is ultimately trapped and defeated at the molen. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) The miscreant and traitor who escapes to de Berg's encampment; his subsequent marauding expeditions are described as futile and desultory. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) The traitor commanding enemy troops in Amersfoort, holding Gilda at his mercy. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/lord_stoutenburg - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters