# Young Jolyon Forsyte — The Forsyte Saga character guide > Young Jolyon Forsyte in The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy. **Role:** major **Also known as:** young Jolyon, Jolyon, Cousin Jolyon, Jolyon Forsyte, the first Mrs. Young Jolyon **First appearance:** 0006-part-i-i-at-home-at-old-jolyon-s ## Snapshot Old Jolyon's estranged son, a painter who traded his inheritance for a second marriage and has been paying the family's price ever since. ## Who they are Young Jolyon left his first wife and his prospects for love, and the clan has never quite forgiven him for choosing feeling over form. He returns to the family orbit as a man of principle and irony, raising his children Holly and Jon with a freedom the Forsytes find suspicious. His willingness to live outside the code makes him the moral counterweight to Soames, and the channel through which the next generation inherits both the beauty and the wound. ## In the story ### [Old Jolyon Goes to the Opera](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-i-ii-old-jolyon-goes-to-the-opera) Reunites with his father briefly; returns a cheque and maintains correspondence about his son Jolly. ### [Old Jolyon's Peccadillo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-i-vii-old-jolyon-s-peccadillo) Hosts his father's unexpected visit; struggles with his wife's distress and his own conflicted feelings. ### [James Goes to See for Himself](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-ii-iv-james-goes-to-see-for-himself) Young Jolyon is referenced in the context of his past 'escapade,' serving as a precedent for crossing social boundaries in love. ### [Old Jolyon at the Zoo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-ii-vi-old-jolyon-at-the-zoo) Accompanies his father and children at the Zoo, reflecting on class and family, and learns of the rumor about Bosinney and Irene. ### [X: Diagnosis of a Forsyte](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-ii-x-diagnosis-of-a-forsyte) Reflects on his own Forsyte identity and receives a letter from his father asking him to intervene with Bosinney. He struggles with the request and ultimately decides not to act. ### [June Pays Some Calls](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-ii-xii-june-pays-some-calls) Mentioned in Old Jolyon's thoughts; his letter defends Bosinney and expresses a cynical view of human nature. ### [Meeting at the Botanical](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-iii-iii-meeting-at-the-botanical) Observes Irene and Bosinney meeting secretly in the Botanical Gardens while sketching; reflects on his own artistic struggles and Forsyte nature. ### [June's Victory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-iii-vii-june-s-victory) Mentioned as the son Old Jolyon plans to reinstate as a 'man of property,' his reconciliation with his father is a key outcome of the chapter's events. ### [Bosinney's Departure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-iii-viii-bosinney-s-departure) Reflects on Bosinney's death as a blow to the Forsyte family's sense of property, and rejects the theory of suicide. ### [Irene's Return](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-iii-ix-irene-s-return) Young Jolyon arrives at Soames' house with a message for Irene, but is turned away by Soames. His presence highlights the tension and the divide within the family. ### [Interlude: Indian Summer of a Forsyte](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/interlude-indian-summer-of-a-forsyte) Old Jolyon's son, who is aware of and approves of his father's friendship with Irene. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned as Old Jolyon's son, whose return from Spain with June is anticipated. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/v) Old Jolyon's son, whose impending return with June is a source of dread for Old Jolyon, as it threatens his time with Irene. ### [Book II: In Chancery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/book-ii-in-chancery) Emerges as a sympathetic figure, caught between family loyalty and his own evolving principles. ### [Soames Prepares to Take Steps](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-i-iii-soames-prepares-to-take-steps) Mentioned as Irene's trustee and the current resident of Robin Hill; Soames intends to visit him on business. ### [No-Longer-Young Jolyon at Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-i-vi-no-longer-young-jolyon-at-home) Now a successful watercolorist with a short fair beard, reflecting on time, his father's death, and his ownership of Robin Hill. ### [The Colt and the Filly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-i-vii-the-colt-and-the-filly) Hosts the visit, engages Soames in philosophical talk about generational change and self-consciousness. ### [Jolyon Prosecutes Trusteeship](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-i-viii-jolyon-prosecutes-trusteeship) Jolyon struggles with his role as trustee for Irene, recalling his father's counsel and his own deep dislike for Soames. ### [And Visits the Past](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-i-xi-and-visits-the-past) Mentioned as Irene's trustee and the one who conveyed Soames's intentions to her. ### [Jolyon Finds Out Where He Is](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-i-xiii-jolyon-finds-out-where-he-is) Restless and conflicted, Jolyon struggles with his role as Irene's trustee and his growing attraction to her. ### [XIV: Soames Discovers What He Wants](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-i-xiv-soames-discovers-what-he-wants) Soames distrusts Jolyon for having seen Irene, reflecting on his cousin's outcast past and perceived sympathy with laxity. ### [I: The Third Generation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-ii-i-the-third-generation) Father of Jolly and Holly, who recounts the Forsyte family history with a mix of irony and affection. ### [Visit to Irene](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-ii-iii-visit-to-irene) Visits Irene with June, offers her asylum at Robin Hill, and reflects on his pity for her. ### [Jolly Sits in Judgment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-ii-v-jolly-sits-in-judgment) Mentioned as having doubtful views on the war; absent in Paris during the vacation. ### [Jolyon in Two Minds](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-ii-vi-jolyon-in-two-minds) Struggles with his feelings for Irene and his duty to his son Jolly after receiving news of Jolly's enlistment. ### [Dinner at James'](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-ii-ix-dinner-at-james) Mentioned as being in Paris; Soames suspects he is with Irene. ### [X: Death of the Dog Balthasar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-ii-x-death-of-the-dog-balthasar) Returns home and grieves the death of his dog Balthasar; reflects on love, aging, and altruism while burying the dog with his son. ### [XII: Progress of the Chase](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-ii-xii-progress-of-the-chase) Meets with Soames; admits to seeing Irene in Paris; declares his feminist principles and opposition to Soames' plans. ### [I: Soames in Paris](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-iii-i-soames-in-paris) Mentioned in Soames's note as the man Irene is allegedly involved with; Soames threatens to make things unbearable for him. ### [Richmond Park](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-iii-iii-richmond-park) Receives cablegram about Jolly's illness; learns of Holly's engagement to Val Dartie; consents to Holly's departure; walks in Richmond Park and meets Irene. ### [Over the River](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-iii-iv-over-the-river) Referenced as 'Dad' in Jolly's final thoughts of home and Robin Hill. ### [Soames Acts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-iii-v-soames-acts) Identified as the man meeting Irene in Richmond Park, prompting Soames's decision to divorce. ### [A Summer Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-iii-vi-a-summer-day) Receives divorce petition and decides not to defend the suit; confronts Soames at Robin Hill. ### [A Summer Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-iii-vii-a-summer-night) Grieves the death of his son Jolly; reflects on Forsyte possessiveness and his love for Irene. ### [Out of the Web](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-iii-ix-out-of-the-web) Co-respondent in Soames' divorce; in Italy with Irene, causing Soames bitter envy. ### [Passing of an Age](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-iii-x-passing-of-an-age) Seen with Irene at the funeral procession; described as a tallish man with a soft hat and short grizzling beard. ### [Birth of a Forsyte](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-iii-xii-birth-of-a-forsyte) Mentioned in Soames's thoughts as a man who already has children and the woman Soames loved. ### [Awakening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/awakening) Jon's father, a nurturing figure who represents a more artistic and less materialistic Forsyte spirit. ### [Awakening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/awakening) Jon's father, who observes Jon's imaginative play and discusses beauty and nature with him. ### [Book III: To Let](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/book-iii-to-let) Young Jolyon, Irene's second husband, is a thoughtful and artistic man who tries to guide his son Jon with wisdom and compassion. He represents a more modern, less materialistic approach to life, but is also burdened by the family's history. ### [Encounter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-i-i-encounter) Soames's cousin, who went off with Irene; said to be looking shaky at seventy-two. ### [Fine Fleur Forsyte](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-i-ii-fine-fleur-forsyte) Young Jolyon is referenced as Soames's first cousin and a painter, though Soames claims not to have seen him in twenty years. ### [At Robin Hill](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-i-iii-at-robin-hill) Spends his son's birthday quietly, reflecting on his heart condition and mortality; learns of the encounter with Soames and considers telling Jon the family history. ### [Jon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-i-vi-jon) Jolyon is referenced through his letter to Holly, reminding her to keep family history from Jon, and through Holly's memories of her visit to Robin Hill. ### [Trio](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-i-x-trio) Jolyon supports Irene's plan but privately doubts its effectiveness, recognizing Jon's tenacity. ### [I: Mother and Son](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-ii-i-mother-and-son) Mentioned as Jon's father, who would have admired Goya's work; his past is part of Jon's curiosity. ### [Fathers and Daughters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-ii-ii-fathers-and-daughters) Feels lonely after Irene and Jon leave; taken to London by June; argues with June about revealing the past to Jon; becomes agitated and has heart trouble. ### [Meetings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-ii-iii-meetings) Hosts tea under the oak tree; engages in a philosophical discussion about the young rejecting property and sentiment; makes a pointed remark about the past. ### [In Green Street](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-ii-iv-in-green-street) Mentioned as the cousin who married Irene after her divorce from Soames. ### [Decision](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-ii-x-decision) Mentioned as being unwell and having a kind heart; his photograph is kept by Jon's father. ### [I: Old Jolyon Walks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-iii-i-old-jolyon-walks) The narrator of the chapter, writing the letter to Jon and reflecting on his past. ### [Confession](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-iii-ii-confession) Central perspective; he searches for Jon, confronts him about the engagement, and dies of a heart attack. ### [Irene](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-iii-iii-irene) Dies suddenly in his armchair, leaving a farewell note with Irene's name. ### [Soames Cogitates](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-iii-iv-soames-cogitates) Recently deceased; Soames reflects on their strained relationship and the obituary. ### [Desperate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-iii-vi-desperate) Deceased; his memory and the contents of his deathbed letter continue to influence Jon's decisions. ### [Under the Oak-Tree](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-iii-ix-under-the-oak-tree) Deceased father of Jon, whose memory Jon feels he would betray by marrying Fleur. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/characters/young_jolyon - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/characters