The Last Chronicle of Barset · Character

Dr. Tempest

The shrewd rector of Silverbridge, summoned to the palace to help the bishop judge Mr. Crawley, and wary of Mrs. Proudie's interference.

supporting

Also known as Dr. Tempest of Silverbridge, old Tempest

First appearance: Dr. Tempest at the Palace

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

The rural dean of Silverbridge, whom Mrs.

In the storyMrs. Proudie Sends for Her LawyerOpen this moment free

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Dr. Tempest is the kind of clergyman whose good sense makes him valuable to bishops and dangerous to their wives, a man who agrees to dine at the palace while privately resolving to keep his visit short. He knows that Crawley's obstinacy in claiming his own pulpit has forced the bishop's hand, and he means to see the case handled with fairness rather than spectacle. His presence at the Proudie dinner table signals that the Crawley affair has become a matter for the diocese's most respected minds, not merely a local scandal.

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See Dr. Tempest in Dr. Tempest at the Palace

Character Web

34 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central plot characters
Protagonist

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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

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

Mrs. Proudie Sends for Her Lawyer
The rural dean of Silverbridge, whom Mrs. Proudie distrusts for showing mercy to Mr. Crawley; he is to head the commission of inquiry.
Mr. Toogood Travels Professionally
Discusses the potential ecclesiastical inquiry with Mr. Walker and Mr. Toogood; argues that if Crawley is convicted, resignation of the living should follow.
Dr. Tempest at the Palace
Rural dean of Silverbridge, summoned to the palace for a commission on Mr. Crawley; firmly refuses to discuss the matter with Mrs. Proudie.
The Clerical Commission
Hosts the clerical commission and steers the inquiry with prudence, keeping silent about his victory over Mrs. Proudie.
It's Dogged as Does It
Writes to Mr. Crawley on behalf of the clerical commission and later tries to persuade him to consider his family's welfare.
Mr. Crawley's Letter to the Dean
Writes a letter advising Mr. Crawley not to resign until after the trial.
The Obstinacy of Mr. Crawley
Sends for Robarts after Mrs. Proudie's death, hoping to use the changed circumstances to help Crawley.

Chapter companion notes

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See Dr. Tempest in Dr. Tempest at the Palace

See Dr. Tempest in Mrs. Proudie Sends for Her Lawyer