The Great Roxhythe · Character

Monmouth

The King's handsome illegitimate son, pushed toward the throne by Shaftesbury's ambition and his own restless sense of destiny.

supporting

Also known as Duke of Monmouth, the Duke

First appearance: VI: Monmouth

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

Joins in the banter at court, questioning Roxhythe about his latest ladylove.

In the storyI: January, 1669Open this moment free

See Monmouth in I: January, 1669 Book page

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Monmouth returns from Scotland triumphant, his cause fanned by rumours of a marriage certificate sealed in a box, and shows himself everywhere the moment Charles falls ill. Shaftesbury sways him to his will, inducing him to defy the King and return to London against orders. His ambition becomes the lever by which the Exclusion crisis is forced to a head — and the reason Charles must choose between a son who will not wait and a brother he has already banished once.

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The fuller portrait of Monmouth sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Monmouth in VI: Monmouth

Character Web

35 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Court and Conspirators
Extended Cast of Intrigue
Diplomatic Envoys

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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…

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Relationships

King Charles II
family · ambivalent
Monmouth is King Charles II's illegitimate son, whom the king loves but keeps at a… How this plays out →
Lord Roxhythe
professional · ambivalent
King Charles II
family · ambivalent
Monmouth is King Charles II's illegitimate son, whom the king loves but keeps at a… How this plays out →
Lord Roxhythe
professional · ambivalent
Lord Roxhythe
professional · ambivalent
King Charles II
family · ambivalent
Monmouth is King Charles II's illegitimate son, whom the king loves but keeps at a… How this plays out →

King Charles II
Monmouth is King Charles II's illegitimate son, whom the king loves but keeps at a political distance due to succession concerns.
Lord Roxhythe
Lord Roxhythe interacts with Monmouth as part of court politics, often managing the king's interests regarding his son.
King Charles II
Monmouth is King Charles II's illegitimate son, whom the king loves but keeps at a political distance due to succession concerns.
Lord Roxhythe
Lord Roxhythe interacts with Monmouth as part of court politics, often managing the king's interests regarding his son.
Lord Roxhythe
Lord Roxhythe interacts with Monmouth as part of court politics, often managing the king's interests regarding his son.
King Charles II
Monmouth is King Charles II's illegitimate son, whom the king loves but keeps at a political distance due to succession concerns.

Relationship notes

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

See Monmouth in VI: Monmouth

In the story

Monmouth appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I: January, 1669
Joins in the banter at court, questioning Roxhythe about his latest ladylove.
XI: Unrest
In high spirits at Bevan Court, talks of leading English troops to Holland the next year.
VIII: The Amiable Mr. Milward Again
Seen riding out to the chase; stays in a house in the town with his household.
IX: Disillusionment
Monmouth is referenced as the possible recipient of a letter Christopher delivered, and as the commander of English troops left in Holland.
I: The Triple Game
Considered as a possible successor by Shaftesbury's faction; Roxhythe feigns support for him as part of his cover.
II: The Schemers
Discussed as a puppet of Shaftesbury; his potential generalship in Scotland is proposed to boost his popularity.
III: Agitations
Returns to London secretly; deprived of generalship; used as a tool by Shaftesbury.
IV: The King His Triumph
Plans a rising but is kept uncertain by Roxhythe's machinations.
Plots
Hosts a meeting of conspirators but opposes murder, showing indecision and weakness.
VI: Monmouth
Confronted by Roxhythe; initially terrified and betrayed, then advised to flee and surrender later.
IX: The Sunderlands
Monmouth is mentioned as seeking to recruit Roxhythe, with Trenchard acting as his emissary.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Monmouth unlock in the free preview.

See Monmouth in VI: Monmouth

See Monmouth in I: January, 1669