# Colonel Van Gilbert — The Iron Heel character guide

> Colonel Van Gilbert in The Iron Heel by Jack London.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** the great Colonel Van Gilbert

**First appearance:** 0004-ii-challenges

## Who they are

The nation's most celebrated corporation lawyer, whose polished irony and half-million-dollar fees make him the Oligarchy's velvet glove.

## Relationships

### [Ernest Everhard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_iron_heel_se/characters/ernest_everhard)

_rivalry_

Colonel Van Gilbert is a staunch conservative lawyer who debates and opposes Everhard's socialist views.

### [Jackson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_iron_heel_se/characters/jackson)

_professional_

Colonel Van Gilbert employs Jackson as a servant or assistant, with a master-servant dynamic.

### [Miss Brentwood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_iron_heel_se/characters/miss_brentwood)

_social_

Colonel Van Gilbert interacts with Miss Brentwood as a social acquaintance, often in formal settings.

### [Ernest Everhard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_iron_heel_se/characters/ernest_everhard)

_rivalry_

Colonel Van Gilbert is a staunch conservative lawyer who debates and opposes Everhard's socialist views.

### [Jackson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_iron_heel_se/characters/jackson)

_professional_

Colonel Van Gilbert employs Jackson as a servant or assistant, with a master-servant dynamic.

### [Jackson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_iron_heel_se/characters/jackson)

_professional_

Colonel Van Gilbert employs Jackson as a servant or assistant, with a master-servant dynamic.

## In the story

### [The Philomaths](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_iron_heel_se/chapters/v-the-philomaths)

Presides over the discussion, becomes emotionally agitated, fails to answer Ernest's charges, and resorts to personal attacks.

### [XIX: Transformation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_iron_heel_se/chapters/xix-transformation)

Becomes 'Snarling' Van Gilbert, drafts the new code after the Chicago Commune, and is sentenced to death by Avis and executed by Anna Roylston.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_iron_heel_se/characters/colonel_van_gilbert
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_iron_heel_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_iron_heel_se/characters