The Forsyte Saga · Character

Val Dartie

Winifred and Montague's son, a horseman with a Boer War limp and a Dartie's charm, who married his cousin Holly and stayed faithful against all prediction.

supporting

Also known as Val, Val Dartie, Master Val, young Val, young Val Dartie, little Publius Dartie, Cato Publius Valerius

First appearance: The Colt and the Filly

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

Winifred's eldest son, summoned home from Littlehampton; arrives and goes out to dine with his trainer.

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Val carries his father's looks and easy manner but not his father's weakness; half Dartie as he is, he has been perfectly faithful to Holly for twenty years, and knows she is his superior without grudging it. Tanned, freckled, and handicapped by the leg that probably saved his life, he lives actively with horses and takes life as it comes. He matters as the Saga's proof that the next generation can choose differently — and as the quiet host whose Sussex farm becomes the stage for Jon and Fleur's collision.

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See Val Dartie in The Colt and the Filly

Character Web

36 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Younger Generation
Extended Household and Bohemians
Core Forsyte Family
Minor Acquaintances

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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

Val Dartie appears across 21 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Exit a Man of the World
Winifred's eldest son, summoned home from Littlehampton; arrives and goes out to dine with his trainer.
Soames Prepares to Take Steps
Encountered by Soames at Winifred's house; Soames plans to take him to Robin Hill to meet his cousin Jon.
No-Longer-Young Jolyon at Home
Soames' nephew, about to go up to Oxford, brought to meet Jolly.
The Colt and the Filly
Visits Robin Hill, meets Holly, and arranges a secret ride in Richmond Park.
Val Hears the News
Learns of his father's abandonment and the impending divorce; struggles with shame and concern for his mother and family reputation; reflects on his ride with Holly.
I: The Third Generation
A freshman at Oxford, fond of riding, betting, and the fast set; he is attracted to Holly and tries to make a good impression.
Jolly Sits in Judgment
Calls Jolly a 'pro-Boer,' fights him, and secretly rides with Holly in the Park.
Dartie Versus Dartie
Attends the court hearing, feels protective of his mother, and is preoccupied with a secret romance.
The Challenge
Proposes to Holly, accepts Jolly's dare to join the Imperial Yeomanry.
Dinner at James'
Announces his enlistment in the Imperial Yeomanry; feels heroic and conflicted; remembers Aunt Irene fondly.
Richmond Park
Mentioned as Holly's secret fiancé; his enlistment is linked to Jolly's.
Out of the Web
Winifred's son; marries Holly Forsyte secretly while on leave, adding to family tensions.
At Robin Hill
Married to Holly; they live near the Downs and are willing to have Jon live with them during his farming apprenticeship.
The Native Heath
Attends the races, contemplates buying a Mayfly filly, and accepts the gift of the horse from Prosper Profond.
Jon
Val is mentioned as Holly's husband, who has a practical, Forsyte-like approach to nature, contrasting with Jon's poetic sensibility.
VII: Fleur
Val is Holly's husband and Fleur's cousin. He recounts an incident about Monsieur Prosper Profond and discusses riding with Jon.
Trio
Val remains stable and secretive, observing the dynamics among the younger generation.
Meetings
Takes Jon to lunch at the Iseeum Club; introduces him to George Forsyte and Prosper Profond; hints at family secrets and warns Jon about being 'green'.
Purely Forsyte Affairs
Mentioned by Gradman as a possible trustee, but Soames rejects the idea due to his father.
Decision
Mentioned as having gone to Town; returns late at night.
Fleur's Wedding
Holly's husband; comments on Fleur not being 'bred right' for Jon and discusses Jon's move to British Columbia.

Chapter companion notes

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See Val Dartie in The Colt and the Filly

See Val Dartie in Exit a Man of the World