The Last Chronicle of Barset · Character

Adolphus Crosbie

The man who jilted Lily Dale, now haunted by his betrayal and reduced to a diminished figure in the very society he sacrificed her to gain.

supporting

Also known as Mr. Crosbie, this Crosbie, Crosbie

First appearance: Mr. Crosbie Goes Into the City

As a supporting figure in The Last Chronicle of Barset, Adolphus Crosbie is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

His wife Lady Alexandrina has died; he is now in legal dispute with Lady De Courcy over money, and his potential return to Lily Dale's life worries Eames.

In the storyUp in LondonOpen this moment free

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Adolphus Crosbie once chose ambition over love, abandoning Lily Dale for a match that promised social elevation—and found only misery. Now married into the cold De Courcy family and burdened by debt and regret, he writes to Lily in a desperate attempt to reopen what he closed. His letter forces Lily and her mother to confront whether forgiveness is possible, and whether the man who wronged them deserves a second chance.

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See Adolphus Crosbie in Mr. Crosbie Goes Into the City

Character Web

50 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central plot characters
Extended cast and minor characters
Medical and family figures
Comic relief characters
Crawley family associates

+45 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this chapter, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when John Eames, after years of unrequited love f…

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In the story

Adolphus Crosbie appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Up in London
His wife Lady Alexandrina has died; he is now in legal dispute with Lady De Courcy over money, and his potential return to Lily Dale's life worries Eames.
Miss Lily Dale's Resolution
Crosbie writes a letter to Mrs. Dale expressing his enduring love for Lily and his desire to reconcile after his wife's death.
Mrs. Dobbs Broughton's Dinner-Party
Present at the dinner, seated next to Miss Van Siever.
Mr. Crosbie Goes Into the City
Desperate for money, seeks a loan from Butterwell and then a bill renewal from Broughton's firm, but is refused.
XLIV: “I Suppose I Must Let You Have It.”
Desperate to avoid dishonor, Crosbie borrows £500 from Butterwell, revealing his financial ruin and emotional turmoil.
Rotten Row
Seen by Lily in Rotten Row; his altered appearance disenchants her.
A Lady Presents Her Compliments to Miss L. D.
Appears unexpectedly at the gallery with Fowler Pratt, causing discomfort to Lily.

Chapter companion notes

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See Adolphus Crosbie in Mr. Crosbie Goes Into the City

See Adolphus Crosbie in Up in London