# James Burton — The Gadfly character guide

> James Burton in The Gadfly by Ethel Voynich.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Burton, James, II Mr. James Burton, Jim, James Burton

**First appearance:** 0003-part-i-i

## Snapshot

Arthur's wealthy, conservative half-brother, whose respectable Burton name and business interests stand in quiet opposition to the boy's fervent ideals.

## Who they are

James Burton belongs to the prosperous, Protestant merchant world of the Burton family, where reputation, commerce, and social standing are the measures of a man. He is the elder half-brother of Arthur, and the household he governs with his wife Julia is one in which the boy's religious ardour and political sympathies are tolerated rather than understood. His cautious, respectable outlook sharpens the contrast between the world Arthur is expected to inherit and the dangerous commitments he is beginning to make.

## Relationships

### [Arthur Burton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_gadfly_se/characters/arthur_burton)

_family_

James is Arthur's abusive and resentful older brother, creating a hostile family environment.

### [Arthur Burton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_gadfly_se/characters/arthur_burton)

_family_

James is Arthur's abusive and resentful older brother, creating a hostile family environment.

### [Arthur Burton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_gadfly_se/characters/arthur_burton)

_family_

James is Arthur's abusive and resentful older brother, creating a hostile family environment.

## In the story

### [Part I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_gadfly_se/chapters/the-gadfly)

Arthur's older half-brother, representing the conservative family background that Arthur is beginning to rebel against.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_gadfly_se/chapters/part-i-ii)

James reluctantly permits Arthur's trip with Montanelli, providing money but showing cold disapproval. His attitude reflects the family's Protestant conservatism and strained relationship with Arthur.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_gadfly_se/chapters/part-i-iii)

Referenced in Arthur's memory as bullying his mother.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_gadfly_se/chapters/part-i-v)

Receives the arrest warrant and meekly follows Julia's lead.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_gadfly_se/chapters/part-i-vi)

Obtains permission to send Arthur necessities from home during his imprisonment.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_gadfly_se/chapters/part-i-vii)

James reveals the truth about Arthur's parentage, showing a mix of sternness and reluctant sympathy.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_gadfly_se/characters/james_burton
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_gadfly_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_gadfly_se/characters