The Great Roxhythe · Chapter
I: The Triple Game explained
Roxhythe dines with Lord Holles and Lord Shaftesbury, who probe his political leanings regarding the Exclusion Bill and the succession.
What happens
Roxhythe dines with Lord Holles and Lord Shaftesbury, who probe his political leanings regarding the Exclusion Bill and the succession. Roxhythe feigns disinterest but subtly indicates opposition to the Duke of York. Later, he reveals to King Charles II his plan to infiltrate Shaftesbury's faction as a double agent, working secretly to undermine the exclusion movement while appearing to support it. The King consents, and Roxhythe begins his dangerous game of deception.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because Christopher experiences a profound emotional and psychological…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Political Intrigue and Espionage
Roxhythe's elaborate scheme to infiltrate Shaftesbury's faction as a double agent, reporting to the King, exemplifies the chapter's focus on deception and political manipulation.
- Loyalty and Betrayal
Roxhythe's feigned betrayal of the King to gain Shaftesbury's trust, while remaining loyal to Charles, highlights the tension between appearance and true allegiance.
- Power and Ambition
Shaftesbury and Holles seek to recruit Roxhythe for his influence, while Roxhythe and the King maneuver to control the succession and maintain power.
Characters to notice
- Lord Roxhythe
Plays a double game, feigning opposition to the Duke of York to infiltrate Shaftesbury's faction while secretly serving King Charles II.
- King Charles II
Conspires with Roxhythe, agreeing to his plan to act as a secret agent against Shaftesbury and the exclusion movement.
- Lord Ashley-Cooper
Suspicious of Roxhythe but persuaded by Holles to consider recruiting him for the anti-York cause.
- Lord Holles
Hosts the dinner and advocates for bringing Roxhythe into the exclusionist camp, believing Roxhythe is uneasy about James's succession.
- Duke of York
Discussed as the target of exclusion; Roxhythe and the King plan to send him to Brussels to reduce agitation.
- Halifax
Mentioned as a potential ally who blows cold when the greater party blows hot; Roxhythe notes he may oppose Shaftesbury.
- Monmouth
Considered as a possible successor by Shaftesbury's faction; Roxhythe feigns support for him as part of his cover.
- William of Orange
Mentioned as a Protestant heir favored by Temple; Roxhythe secretly supports this option but hides it from Shaftesbury.
Key passages
“I am advocate for Mary, I am advocate for Monmouth.”
Roxhythe tells the King that he is pretending to support both Mary and Monmouth as potential heirs to deceive Shaftesbury.
Roxhythe reveals his double game to the King, showing how he manipulates perceptions of his allegiance.
“Very secretly I am with Temple—say Halifax. Not wholly. They are still in doubt about me. Shortly I shall be one of Shaftesbury's band. Then we shall see.”
Roxhythe explains that he is covertly aligned with Temple and Halifax but plans to join Shaftesbury's faction to gather intelligence.
This quote outlines Roxhythe's strategy of infiltration and his current ambiguous position.
“I shall throw myself into the cause against His Grace of York. Secretly.”
Roxhythe declares his intention to publicly oppose the Duke of York while secretly working for the King.
Roxhythe's plan to feign opposition to James as a cover for his true loyalty to Charles.
