# Mynheer Beresteyn — The First Sir Percy character guide > Mynheer Beresteyn in The First Sir Percy by Baroness Orczy. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Nicolaes Beresteyn, Nicolaes, Mynheer, the jongejuffrouw Beresteyn, Mynheer Nicolaes **First appearance:** 0000-i-a-night-on-the-veluwe ## Snapshot Utrecht's burgomaster, a wealthy and respected father whose household becomes the staging ground for his daughter's abduction and his own house arrest. ## Who they are Beresteyn is the dignified civic patriarch whose private apartments Stoutenburg's musketeers now command, and whose quiet admonitions to Gilda in the small hours reveal a father steeling his child for ordeal. Stoutenburg orders him disarmed and bound the moment he enters the hall — a preventive cruelty aimed at a man who might yet spit defiance. His silent, mask-faced servants and his refusal to be cowed make him the story's conscience of legitimate authority. ## Relationships ### [Gilda Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/gilda_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) _rivalry_ Stoutenburg despises Mynheer Beresteyn as a political enemy and seeks to destroy his family. ### [The Stadtholder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/the_stadtholder) _professional_ Mynheer Beresteyn is a loyal advisor and supporter of the Stadtholder in political matters. ### [Diogenes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/diogenes) _friendship_ Diogenes earns the trust and respect of Mynheer Beresteyn through his brave actions. ### [Burgomaster Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/burgomaster_beresteyn) _family_ The two Beresteyns are brothers, sharing a close familial bond and political alignment. ### [Lord Stoutenburg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/lord_stoutenburg) _rivalry_ Stoutenburg despises Mynheer Beresteyn as a political enemy and seeks to destroy his family. ### [The Stadtholder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/the_stadtholder) _professional_ Mynheer Beresteyn is a loyal advisor and supporter of the Stadtholder in political matters. ### [Gilda Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/gilda_beresteyn) _family_ Gilda is the devoted daughter of Mynheer Beresteyn, bound by love and familial duty. ### [Gilda Beresteyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/gilda_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_ Mynheer Beresteyn is a loyal advisor and supporter of the Stadtholder in political matters. ### [Lord Stoutenburg](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/lord_stoutenburg) _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) _family_ The two Beresteyns are brothers, sharing a close familial bond and political alignment. ## 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) Nicolaes Beresteyn, brother of Gilda, mentioned as having knowledge of the wedding. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Nicolaes Beresteyn is mentioned as possibly aware of his sister's marriage and as a former co-conspirator. ### [The Double Wedding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii-the-double-wedding) The host of the wedding, anxious about Diogenes' restless temperament. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as part of the Beresteyn family, receiving loving glances and greetings from the crowd. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Nicolaes Beresteyn, the Burgomaster's only son and bridegroom to Katharina, appears moody despite the advantageous match. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Commands wine for the Stadtholder; assists the prince when he falls ill. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Pours wine for the Stadtholder; sits moodily beside his bride Kaatje. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Gazes anxiously at the Stadtholder, remaining splendidly loyal to his master. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) The host and father of the bride; reflects sadly on parting with Gilda and worries about Diogenes' character. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Initially agonized, but gives his blessing after the Stadtholder's urging. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Receives banter sulkily as one of the bridegrooms. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vii) Mentioned as the host whose house the cavaliers claim to be bidden to as guests. ### [III: The Great Interruption](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii-the-great-interruption) Shows the young soldier and his burden up the stairs; later closes the council room door on Nicolaes. ### [III: The Great Interruption](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii-the-great-interruption) Appears moody and tries to follow his father and the Stadtholder into the private chamber, but is firmly turned away. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Shows the young soldier and his burden up the stairs; closes the door on Nicolaes. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) He is present in the room with the Stadtholder and other grave seigneurs. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Supports the Stadtholder's plans, understands Diogenes's sacrifice, and leaves him to bid farewell to Gilda. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Mentioned as the one who will explain the situation more fully to Gilda. ### [IV: Adder's Fork](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv-adder-s-fork) Nicolaes's father, who no longer trusts his son and shut him out of the council-chamber, still harboring resentment over the conspiracy. ### [IV: Adder's Fork](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv-adder-s-fork) Accompanies Diogenes partway to Barneveld, bitter over his father's mistrust, and later tries to poison Gilda's mind against Diogenes, suggesting treachery. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Accompanies Diogenes on the first part of the journey, insisting despite Diogenes' preference for solitude. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Nicolaes Beresteyn, embittered by his father's mistrust after his involvement in the conspiracy against the Stadtholder. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Returns to Amersfoort late on his wedding night, sullen and irascible; avoids his father's house and confronts his sister Gilda with accusations against her husband. ### [A Nest of Scorpions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi-a-nest-of-scorpions) The burgomaster, a patriot focused on the city's defense; he reassures Gilda but prioritizes the nation's peril. ### [A Nest of Scorpions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi-a-nest-of-scorpions) Recently returned from camp, he is impatient and mocking toward Gilda, insinuating against her husband's honor. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Returns from the camp at Utrecht, delivers the Stadtholder's orders, and displays impatience and a mocking attitude toward his sister Gilda. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Present in the hall; his son Nicolaes had conveyed the Stadtholder's orders. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Observes his daughter's distress, encourages her with a hand squeeze, then becomes absorbed in the evacuation planning. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Gilda's brother, whose gaze is charged with sarcasm and malevolence, causing her distress. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Patriotic burgomaster, torn between duty to country and concern for his daughter; urges Gilda to obey the Stadtholder. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Sneering and hostile toward my lord; dismisses Gilda's claim and urges haste. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vii) Nicolaes is the source of the spy rumor that has spread through the household, causing Gilda's distress. ### [A Subtle Traitor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vii-a-subtle-traitor) Accuses Diogenes of treachery, manipulates the burghers and Stadtholder, and later strikes Diogenes with a dagger, claiming self-defense. ### [A Subtle Traitor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vii-a-subtle-traitor) Defends Diogenes against his son's accusations but is forced into silence by public opinion and family loyalty. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Vehemently accuses Diogenes of treachery, urging the Stadtholder to flee and insinuating that the stranger is a spy in league with De Berg. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Defends Diogenes against his son's accusations but is gradually silenced by public opinion and family loyalty. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Hurries out and returns with news about the horses and Spanish vedettes; appears excited and anxious to depart. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Fretful and impatient, urges the Stadtholder to hurry and warns of an assassin's dagger. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Nicolaes Beresteyn acts with feverish haste, accuses Diogenes of being an assassin, shields the Stadtholder, and stabs Diogenes. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Follows Gilda down the steps and supports her after the attack. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Strikes Diogenes with a dagger and exultantly claims the miscreant threatened the Stadtholder. ### [Devil's-Writ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/viii-devil-s-writ) Nicolaes Beresteyn, now fully unmasked as a traitor, resolves to link his fortunes with Stoutenburg and attempts to shoot Diogenes and the Stadtholder with a blinding pistol. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Implied as the one who struck Diogenes treacherously, though not directly named in the excerpt. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Stabs Diogenes and flees with the Stadtholder. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Rides just behind the Stadtholder as they flee toward Utrecht, a tiny speck in the mist. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Nicolaes Beresteyn draws his horse close to the Stadtholder just before the incident. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Nicolaes Beresteyn, puzzled and terror-filled, pushing along behind the Stadtholder as his plot unravels. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Nicolaes Beresteyn, the traitor, shoots Diogenes and resolves to join Stoutenburg openly. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/viii) Implied as 'that devil' who blinded Diogenes. ### [Mala Fides](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ix-mala-fides) Returns to Amersfoort as a traitor, confronts his father and sister, and is cursed by his father. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Nicolaes Beresteyn arrives at Stoutenburg's camp, reporting the failure of the plan to capture the Stadtholder and the blinding of the Englishman. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Nicolaes anticipates facing his outraged father, who is absent from the house but looms in his thoughts as a figure to be defied and mastered. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Greets Stoutenburg at the burgomaster's house and stands by as Stoutenburg gives orders. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Referred to as Nicolaes; he is sullen and weak-kneed, shrinking from the ordeal of facing his father, and retreats to the antechamber. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Bound and helpless but maintains dignity, defies Stoutenburg, and demands to stay with his daughter. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Mentioned as having returned to allegiance to the Archduchess Isabella, causing his father to disown him. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vii) Helpless and furious, he is dragged away by Stoutenburg's men after being cursed by his own son. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vii) Appears at the door, is cursed by his father, and responds with a forced laugh. ### [A Prince of Darkness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/x-a-prince-of-darkness) Nicolaes confesses to blinding Diogenes, torn between ambition and dormant tenderness for his sister. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Gilda's father, who has been dragged away from her side at the start of the chapter. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Nicolaes speaks coolly to Gilda and paces nervously. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Nicolaes confirms the accident to his sister, showing shame and weakness. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Skulks in the gloom, stammering protests and minimizing his role in the crime. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Gilda's brother, who shamefully supports Stoutenburg and urges Gilda to submit for the sake of family and future. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Mentioned as the burgomaster who is to be released by Jan and brought to the supper to bless the union. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Present as Gilda's brother, he obeys Stoutenburg's orders to escort her and arrange the guard of honor. ### [XI: The Danger-Spoke](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xi-the-danger-spoke) Nicolaes urges Stoutenburg to hang Diogenes; is horrified at Diogenes' appearance and collapses into a chair. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Watches Gilda's progress up the stairs, half indifferent and half ashamed, then goes back to his friend. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Nicolaes Beresteyn advises Stoutenburg on handling Gilda, referencing a play to suggest methods of taming her. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Horrified by Diogenes' appearance; collapses into a chair. ### [XII: Tears, Sighs, Hearts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xii-tears-sighs-hearts) Protests Stoutenburg's cruelty and supports Gilda, but is powerless to intervene. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Protests vigorously as Gilda embraces Diogenes. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) The burgomaster fiercely opposes Stoutenburg but is powerless; he tries to protect his daughter and denounces Stoutenburg's cruelty. ### [XIII: The Stygian Creek](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xiii-the-stygian-creek) Humiliated and torn, he tries to maintain dignity and protect Gilda, but is powerless against Stoutenburg. ### [XIII: The Stygian Creek](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xiii-the-stygian-creek) Sycophantic and defiant, he sides with Stoutenburg and ignores his father's contempt. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Stands beside Gilda, holding her hand; ignores Diogenes and his son Nicolaes; tastes dishes under duress, flushed with shame. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Joins Stoutenburg with lustful shouts, betraying his alignment. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Defends Dutch honor against Stoutenburg's taunts, but is silenced by the threat to his daughter; later comforts Gilda. ### [XIV: Treachery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xiv-treachery) Stricken by grief and shame upon learning of Diogenes' treachery; struggles with the horror of his son's involvement and the betrayal of his country. ### [XIV: Treachery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xiv-treachery) Feels a twinge of remorse at his father's grief and Gilda's misery; haunted by memories and the shadows of his crime. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) The burgomaster is tortured with doubts about the blind man's loyalty and suspects him of betrayal. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) Disappears upstairs with Gilda; later consulted by Stoutenburg, remains taciturn and gloomy. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Present during the interrogation, shares in the conspirators' triumph. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/v) Interjects that Diogenes' story seems credible, recalling the Stadtholder's visit to Amersfoort; restrains Stoutenburg's savage instincts. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Paces nervously, peering into the darkness for Jan's return, sharing the tense wait with Stoutenburg. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vii) Stricken with horror and shame upon learning of Diogenes' treachery; summoned again by Stoutenburg. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vii) Feels remorse at his father's grief and Gilda's misery; questions Diogenes' fate. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/viii) Nicolaes Beresteyn, tormented by guilt, cannot endure darkness and hears Stoutenburg's restless pacing; he later recognizes his father's heavy step after the pistol shot. ### [XV: The Molen on the Veluwe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/xv-the-molen-on-the-veluwe) Mentioned as having locked the banqueting hall; Gilda takes leave of him before departing. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Nicolaes Beresteyn is wakeful and restless, overhearing the burgomaster's admonition to Gilda. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/ii) The burgomaster is mentioned as having apparently decided to hold his tongue about the secret; Gilda has taken final leave of him. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Rides on the other side of Gilda's litter. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iv) Nicolaes Beresteyn commands the bulk of Stoutenburg's troop in the gorge below the molen. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/vi) Mentioned as being halfway up the slope during the battle, but not directly present in the mill. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/i) Nicolaes Beresteyn, the traitor who strikes Diogenes down at the burgomaster's threshold and is implicated in revealing the Stadtholder's plans to de Berg. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/chapters/iii) Nicolaes Beresteyn is the first to fall in battle; his death brings dishonor but is seen as a release. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_first_sir_percy_se/characters/mynheer_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