# Henry Esmond — The History of Henry Esmond character guide > Henry Esmond in The History of Henry Esmond by William Makepeace Thackeray. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Harry Esmond, Colonel Esmond, Master Harry, young Esmond, little Harry, Henry Esmond, kinsman Henry, Colonel Henry Esmond **First appearance:** 0004-i-an-account-of-the-family-of-esmond-of-castlewood-hall ## Snapshot A grave, bookish orphan raised among his noble kin, Harry Esmond serves Castlewood as secretary, tutor, and scapegoat while quietly wondering whose son he really is. ## Who they are Esmond manages the estate accounts, teaches little Beatrix her catechism, and absorbs blame for scandals he never caused, all while his patron drinks and his mistress glares. His mysterious parentage and his secret loyalty to the exiled Stuart cause make every kindness he receives feel borrowed. His patient self-effacement — and the slow burn of resentment beneath it — drives the novel's early tension between service and self-worth. ## Relationships ### [Lord Mohun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/lord_mohun) _rivalry_ Henry Esmond and Lord Mohun are bitter enemies, with Mohun being a dangerous antagonist who ultimately kills Henry's beloved Lord Castlewood in a duel. ### [Lady Castlewood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/lady_castlewood) _romantic_ Henry Esmond shares a deep, devoted love with Lady Castlewood, who becomes his wife after years of mutual affection and loyalty. ### [Beatrix Esmond](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/beatrix_esmond) _romantic_ Beatrix Esmond is the object of Henry's passionate but unrequited love, as she is vain and ambitious, ultimately rejecting him. ### [Father Holt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/father_holt) _psychological_ Father Holt is a manipulative Jesuit priest who influences Henry's early life and political loyalties, acting as a secretive mentor and schemer. ### [Frank Castlewood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/frank_castlewood) _family_ Frank Castlewood is Henry's beloved younger half-brother and close companion, though Henry secretly knows Frank is the true heir to the title. ### [Tom Tusher](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/tom_tusher) _friendship_ Tom Tusher is Henry's childhood friend and fellow student at Cambridge, later a clergyman, with a cordial but somewhat distant relationship. ### [Sir George Esmond](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/sir_george_esmond) _family_ Sir George Esmond is Henry's distant cousin and the head of the family, with whom Henry has a formal, respectful but not close relationship. ### [Richard Steele](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/richard_steele) _friendship_ Henry Esmond is a friend and admirer of Richard Steele, the essayist and playwright, sharing literary and social circles. ### [Queen Anne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/queen_anne) _professional_ Henry Esmond serves Queen Anne as a loyal military officer and courtier, earning her favor and trust. ### [General Webb](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/general_webb) _professional_ General Webb is Henry's commanding officer in the army, who respects Henry's bravery and promotes his career. ### [King James II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/king_james_ii) _professional_ Henry Esmond briefly serves King James II as a page and later is involved in Jacobite plots, but their relationship is formal and political. ### [Lord Mohun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/lord_mohun) _rivalry_ Henry Esmond and Lord Mohun are bitter enemies, with Mohun being a dangerous antagonist who ultimately kills Henry's beloved Lord Castlewood in a duel. ## In the story ### [The History of Henry Esmond](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/the-history-of-henry-esmond) The protagonist, introduced as a young orphan boy brought to Castlewood. ### [Book I: The Early Youth of Henry Esmond, Up to the Time of His Leaving Trinity College, in Cambridge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/book-i-the-early-youth-of-henry-esmond-up-to-the-time-of-his-leaving-trinity-college-in-cambridge) The narrator and central figure, reflecting on history and his family's past. ### [An Account of the Family of Esmond of Castlewood Hall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/i-an-account-of-the-family-of-esmond-of-castlewood-hall) A twelve-year-old orphaned kinsman, found alone in the book-room, who is warmly welcomed by the new Lord and Lady Castlewood. ### [Whither in the Time of Thomas, Third Viscount, I Had Preceded Him as Page to Isabella](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/iii-whither-in-the-time-of-thomas-third-viscount-i-had-preceded-him-as-page-to-isabella) Young boy, called 'Little Frenchman,' being taken from Ealing to Castlewood; docile and affectionate, he learns English and forgets French. ### [IV: I Am Placed Under a Popish Priest and Bred to That Religion—Viscountess Castlewood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/iv-i-am-placed-under-a-popish-priest-and-bred-to-that-religion-viscountess-castlewood) The young page, deeply devoted to Father Holt, left alone at Castlewood after the family goes to London, and subjected to Lady Castlewood's harsh treatment. ### [My Superiors Are Engaged in Plots for the Restoration of King James II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/v-my-superiors-are-engaged-in-plots-for-the-restoration-of-king-james-ii) Young page, about eleven years old, loyal to Father Holt and the Castlewood family; learns the secret exit and is questioned by dragoons. ### [The Issue of the Plots—The Death of Thomas, Third Viscount of Castlewood; and the Imprisonment of His Viscountess](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/vi-the-issue-of-the-plots-the-death-of-thomas-third-viscount-of-castlewood-and-the-imprisonment-of-his-viscountess) As a page, he observes the search and later learns of Lord Castlewood's death, reflecting on his own orphaned and illegitimate status. ### [I Am Left at Castlewood an Orphan, and Find Most Kind Protectors There](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/vii-i-am-left-at-castlewood-an-orphan-and-find-most-kind-protectors-there) Now past twelve, he is a lonely orphan who finds a devoted protector in Lady Castlewood and begins to observe the strains in her marriage. ### [VIII: After Good Fortune Comes Evil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/viii-after-good-fortune-comes-evil) Accused of bringing smallpox to Castlewood after visiting the alehouse and sitting with the blacksmith's sick child. ### [IX: I Have the Smallpox, and Prepare to Leave Castlewood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/ix-i-have-the-smallpox-and-prepare-to-leave-castlewood) Recovers from smallpox, feels guilt for causing Lady Castlewood's illness, and prepares to leave Castlewood. ### [X: I Go to Cambridge, and Do but Little Good There](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/x-i-go-to-cambridge-and-do-but-little-good-there) Enters Trinity College, Cambridge; struggles with pride and loneliness; becomes known as a Jacobite and a dangerous character. ### [I Come Home for a Holiday to Castlewood, and Find a Skeleton in the House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/xi-i-come-home-for-a-holiday-to-castlewood-and-find-a-skeleton-in-the-house) Returns to Castlewood for his third long vacation; notices changes in Lady Castlewood; recalls saving young Frank from a fire. ### [My Lord Mohun Comes Among Us for No Good](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/xii-my-lord-mohun-comes-among-us-for-no-good) Returns to Castlewood for his last vacation, now 22 years old, with hopes of a fellowship; observes the household dynamics and Beatrix's transformation. ### [My Lord Leaves Us and His Evil Behind Him](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/xiii-my-lord-leaves-us-and-his-evil-behind-him) Observes the dangerous situation and tries to warn Lady Castlewood, then intervenes to prevent a duel. ### [XIV: We Ride After Him to London](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/xiv-we-ride-after-him-to-london) Accompanies Lord Castlewood to London, witnesses the duel, burns the dying lord's confession, and decides to give himself up to prison. ### [Book II: Contains Mr. Esmond’s Military Life, and Other Matters Appertaining to the Esmond Family](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/book-ii-contains-mr-esmond-s-military-life-and-other-matters-appertaining-to-the-esmond-family) Central figure; his military life and family matters are the focus of this book. ### [I: I Am in Prison, and Visited, but Not Consoled There](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/i-i-am-in-prison-and-visited-but-not-consoled-there) Imprisoned after the duel, wounded, and tormented by Lady Castlewood's accusations; he resolves to keep the secret of his birthright to protect the family. ### [II: I Come to the End of My Captivity, but Not of My Trouble](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/ii-i-come-to-the-end-of-my-captivity-but-not-of-my-trouble) Imprisoned in Newgate, recovering from wounds and grieving the death of Lord Castlewood; he is in despair over Lady Castlewood's rejection. ### [III: I Take the Queen's Pay in Quin's Regiment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/iii-i-take-the-queen-s-pay-in-quin-s-regiment) Takes the Queen's pay as an ensign in Quin's regiment; reflects on his Jacobite loyalty and his secret about being the true heir; confronts the Dowager with dignity. ### [IV: Recapitulations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/iv-recapitulations) Resolves to sacrifice his claim to the Castlewood title for the sake of his beloved family; visits Ealing to seek information about his parentage; prepares for military service with the help of his patroness. ### [V: I Go on the Vigo Bay Expedition, Taste Saltwater and Smell Powder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/v-i-go-on-the-vigo-bay-expedition-taste-saltwater-and-smell-powder) Junior ensign on the Vigo Bay expedition; his spirits revive amid the campaign; he is enraged by news of Tom Tusher's intentions toward Lady Castlewood and rides to Walcote. ### [VI: The 29th December](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/vi-the-29th-december) Returns from the wars, deeply moved by the reunion with his beloved mistress and young Frank. ### [VII: I Am Made Welcome at Walcote](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/vii-i-am-made-welcome-at-walcote) Returns to Walcote as a captain, feeling like a prodigal son welcomed home. He is deeply affected by Beatrix's beauty and begins to feel jealousy and curiosity about her romantic prospects. ### [VIII: Family Talk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/viii-family-talk) Struggles with his vow to his dying lord and his love for Lady Castlewood; decides to leave Castlewood to avoid temptation. ### [IX: I Make the Campaign of 1704](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/ix-i-make-the-campaign-of-1704) Protagonist; joins General Lumley, fights at Blenheim, is wounded, and returns to London. ### [X: An Old Story About a Fool and a Woman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/x-an-old-story-about-a-fool-and-a-woman) Returns to London after Blenheim, now a lieutenant and aide-de-camp; meets General Webb; embarrassed by a court squabble involving his kinswoman. ### [XI: The Famous Mr. Joseph Addison](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/xi-the-famous-mr-joseph-addison) Present at the meeting with Addison and Steele; shares his knowledge of the Battle of Blenheim and quotes Addison's Latin poetry. ### [XII: I Get a Company in the Campaign of 1706](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/xii-i-get-a-company-in-the-campaign-of-1706) Narrator and protagonist; promoted to captain after Ramillies; feels paternal tenderness toward Frank Castlewood. ### [I Meet an Old Acquaintance in Flanders, and Find My Mother's Grave and My Own Cradle There](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/xiii-i-meet-an-old-acquaintance-in-flanders-and-find-my-mother-s-grave-and-my-own-cradle-there) Narrator and protagonist; meets his old tutor Father Holt in Brussels and learns the truth about his mother and birth. ### [XIV: The Campaign of 1707, 1708](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/xiv-the-campaign-of-1707-1708) Narrator and participant in the campaigns; serves under General Webb and observes the political and military intrigues. ### [General Webb Wins the Battle of Wynendael](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/xv-general-webb-wins-the-battle-of-wynendael) As General Webb's aide-de-camp, he gains promotion and popularity, defends Webb's honor in a duel with Lord Mohun, and is celebrated by his family. ### [Book III: Containing the End of Mr. Esmond’s Adventures in England](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/book-iii-containing-the-end-of-mr-esmond-s-adventures-in-england) Protagonist and narrator, concluding his English adventures. ### [I: I Come to an End of My Battles and Bruises](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/i-i-come-to-an-end-of-my-battles-and-bruises) Resolves to quit the army after Beatrix's engagement, sells his majority, but later serves as General Webb's aide-de-camp; wounded at Oudenarde and nursed by Frank; writes a comedy during convalescence. ### [II: I Go Home, and Harp on the Old String](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/ii-i-go-home-and-harp-on-the-old-string) Returns to London as bearer of Frank's marriage news; reflects on his love for Beatrix and debates ambition with St. John. ### [III: A Paper Out of the Spectator](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/iii-a-paper-out-of-the-spectator) Suffering from unrequited love for Beatrix; considers leaving for the New World. ### [Beatrix's New Suitor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/iv-beatrix-s-new-suitor) Reveals his true lineage as the rightful heir to the Castlewood title, renounces it for his cousin's sake, and presents Beatrix with diamonds as a wedding gift. ### [Mohun Appears for the Last Time in This History](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/v-mohun-appears-for-the-last-time-in-this-history) Colonel Esmond declines the Duke of Hamilton's offer of a secretary position, writes political papers for the Tory Post-Boy, and has a confrontation with Dr. Swift. ### [VI: Poor Beatrix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/vi-poor-beatrix) Narrates the chapter; brings news of the Duke's death to Beatrix and Lady Castlewood; reflects on his past love for Beatrix. ### [VII: I Visit Castlewood Once More](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/vii-i-visit-castlewood-once-more) Returns to Castlewood after fourteen years, revisits his childhood room, discovers hidden papers, and confides in Lady Castlewood about his plans for Frank. ### [VIII: I Travel to France and Bring Home a Portrait of Rigaud](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/viii-i-travel-to-france-and-bring-home-a-portrait-of-rigaud) Travels to France under the alias Monsieur Simon, carrying out a secret scheme involving the Chevalier de St. George. ### [The Original of the Portrait Comes to England](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/ix-the-original-of-the-portrait-comes-to-england) Acts as the Prince's secretary and moral guide, warning him against imprudence and feeling torn by his own political loyalties. ### [We Entertain a Very Distinguished Guest at Kensington](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/x-we-entertain-a-very-distinguished-guest-at-kensington) Receives back the diamonds he gave to Beatrix. He is secretly pleased at the proposal to send Beatrix away, though he remains outwardly reserved. ### [XI: Our Guest Quits Us as Not Being Hospitable Enough](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/xi-our-guest-quits-us-as-not-being-hospitable-enough) Observes the Prince's anger, coordinates Beatrix's departure, and later serves as secretary in the Prince's council. ### [A Great Scheme, and Who Balked It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/xii-a-great-scheme-and-who-balked-it) The Colonel is the chief organizer of the Jacobite plot, spending sleepless nights summoning supporters and watching for the Prince. ### [XIII: August 1st, 1714](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/xiii-august-1st-1714) Confronts the Prince of Wales at Castlewood, burns his Stuart patents, and renounces his allegiance. ### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/endnotes) Colonel Esmond is described as humble, gentle, and devout in his final days; his life and death are praised by Mr. Benson. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/henry_esmond - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters