The Forsyte Saga · Character

George Forsyte

The family's resident wit and racing man, whose sardonic asides puncture Forsyte solemnity even as he pockets its dividends.

supporting

Also known as George, George Forsyte, Old George Forsyte, old George, Mr. George Forsyde

First appearance: part i iii dinner at swithin s

As a supporting figure in The Forsyte Saga, George Forsyte is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Coins the phrase 'going it' regarding Bosinney, reflecting the family's gossipy awareness of the scandal.

In the storyNight in the ParkOpen this moment free

George belongs to the younger generation of Forsytes, a man about town who keeps his distance from the family's pious self-regard while never quite renouncing his share of it. His mockery is his defense and his pleasure, aimed at everyone from Soames's possessiveness to the general Forsyte instinct for acquisition. He matters because his ironic commentary gives readers a knowing eye inside the tribe, exposing the comedy beneath the property drama without ever letting himself be caught caring.

See George Forsyte in Night in the Park Book page

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Character Web

42 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Younger Generation
Minor Acquaintances
Legal Professionals
Extended Household and Bohemians
Core Forsyte Family

+37 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
Aftermath
Closing

Fleur’s decision to “take the bit between her teeth” and pursue a secret marriage with Jon despite knowing the…

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In the story

George Forsyte appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Night in the Park
Coins the phrase 'going it' regarding Bosinney, reflecting the family's gossipy awareness of the scandal.
Voyage Into the Inferno
Follows Bosinney through the fog after seeing Irene in his train compartment; feels sympathy and eventually loses him.
Irene's Return
George meets Soames outside Jobson's and holds him responsible for Bosinney's death, taunting him with a question about 'any little Soameses yet.'
Exit a Man of the World
Co-owner of the filly Sleeve-links; advises Dartie and lays off his own bets.
Soames Prepares to Take Steps
Confirms Dartie's departure to Soames at the Iseeum Club; provides details about Dartie's ship and destination.
Soho
Mentioned in a hypothetical remark about Soho being unsuited to the Forsyte spirit.
Timothy Stays the Rot
Provides comic relief with military banter and mockery of the family's war enthusiasm.
Outlandish Night
Appears sunburnt and tipsy at Hyde Park Corner, offering Soames a false nose and warning about radicals and socialists.
Encounter
Seen at the Iseeum Club, sardonic and concerned about income tax and the decline of inherited income.
The Native Heath
Present at the races with Prosper Profond, described as large, bull-like, and sardonic.
Meetings
Seen at the Iseeum Club; comments on Soames Forsyte's character and mentions Prosper Profond's interest in Soames' wife.

Chapter companion notes

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See George Forsyte in part i iii dinner at swithin s

See George Forsyte in Night in the Park