The Great Roxhythe · Character

Duke of York

Charles's Catholic heir, torn between genuine faith and revulsion at the secret, dishonourable dealings his brother and Roxhythe conduct in the dark.

supporting

Also known as York, James, King James, James Dart, the Papist James

First appearance: ii the king his councillors

As a supporting figure in The Great Roxhythe, Duke of York is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Stiffens at Clifford's criticism of the French offer, supports Colbert, and later withdraws to let Charles and Roxhythe arrange matters privately.

In the storyII: The OfferOpen this moment free

James wants the French alliance and the restoration of his religion, but he wants them openly, with Parliament's consent and the army behind him — not through clandestine treaties that make kings into thieves. He resents Charles's careless confidence in Roxhythe and suspects Louis of laying traps. His moral anguish and his jealousy of the favourite make him a restless, dangerous counterforce within the royal family itself.

See Duke of York in II: The Offer Book page

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Character Web

44 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Court and Conspirators
Extended Cast of Intrigue
Rebellion Nobility

+39 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

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because Christopher experiences a profound emotional and psychological…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

King Charles II
family · ambivalent
The Duke of York is King Charles II's younger brother and heir, with a relationship… How this plays out →
Lord Roxhythe
professional · ambivalent
King Charles II
family · ambivalent
The Duke of York is King Charles II's younger brother and heir, with a relationship… How this plays out →
King Charles II
family · ambivalent
The Duke of York is King Charles II's younger brother and heir, with a relationship… How this plays out →
Lord Roxhythe
professional · ambivalent
Lord Roxhythe
professional · ambivalent

King Charles II
The Duke of York is King Charles II's younger brother and heir, with a relationship marked by loyalty but also religious and political tension.
Lord Roxhythe
The Duke of York and Lord Roxhythe maintain a working relationship, with Roxhythe often acting as a liaison between the king and his brother.
King Charles II
The Duke of York is King Charles II's younger brother and heir, with a relationship marked by loyalty but also religious and political tension.
King Charles II
The Duke of York is King Charles II's younger brother and heir, with a relationship marked by loyalty but also religious and political tension.
Lord Roxhythe
The Duke of York and Lord Roxhythe maintain a working relationship, with Roxhythe often acting as a liaison between the king and his brother.
Lord Roxhythe
The Duke of York and Lord Roxhythe maintain a working relationship, with Roxhythe often acting as a liaison between the king and his brother.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Duke of York in ii the king his councillors

In the story

Duke of York appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

II: The Offer
Stiffens at Clifford's criticism of the French offer, supports Colbert, and later withdraws to let Charles and Roxhythe arrange matters privately.
VI: The Price
Expresses unease and anger, arguing against secret negotiations and for open, royal dealings.
X: May, 1670
Furious and despairing about the secrecy of the treaty. He expresses jealousy of Roxhythe and mistrust of Louis XIV, fearing a trap.
I: Whitehall
Mentioned as causing unpopularity due to his Catholic marriage and refusal to conform to the Test Act.
II: The Coming of William
Present near the King during William's arrival, and his daughter Mary is discussed in the marriage scheme.
I: The Triple Game
Discussed as the target of exclusion; Roxhythe and the King plan to send him to Brussels to reduce agitation.
III: Agitations
Returns from Scotland; furious at Monmouth's return; accuses Roxhythe of double-dealing; argues for military action.
IV: The King His Triumph
Clamours for Monmouth's arrest and is wary of William of Orange.
February, 1685
Attends his brother's deathbed and becomes king after Charles's death.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Duke of York unlock in the free preview.

See Duke of York in ii the king his councillors

See Duke of York in II: The Offer