The Last Chronicle of Barset · Character

Mr. Robarts

The vicar of Framley, a steady friend to the Crawleys who must weigh loyalty against the uncomfortable question of whether Mr. Crawley actually took the cheque.

supporting

Also known as Robarts, Mr. Robarts of Framley, the Rev. Mark Robarts

First appearance: Dinner at Framley Court

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

See Mr. Robarts in Dinner at Framley Court Book page

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Mark Robarts moves between the magistrates, the lawyers, and the clerical gossips of Barsetshire, trying to serve a friend whose guilt or innocence he cannot determine. Bound to Mr. Crawley by an old obligation, he presses Mr. Walker and Mr. Winthrop for honest answers and receives only ambiguity. His quiet persistence keeps the Crawley case from being quietly buried, and his divided conscience mirrors the county's own unease.

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See Mr. Robarts in Dinner at Framley Court

Character Web

32 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central plot characters
Crawley family associates
Extended cast and minor characters

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

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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Relationships

Mr. Crawley
professional · positive
Mr. Crawley
professional · positive
Mr. Crawley
professional · positive

Relationship notes

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See Mr. Robarts in Dinner at Framley Court

In the story

Mr. Robarts appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Dinner at Framley Court
Deputed to persuade Mr. Crawley to accept legal defense; discusses the case with Lord Lufton and is present at the dinner.
Mr. Crawley Is Summoned to Barchester
Offers Mr. Crawley a ride to the palace, which is refused.
What Mr. Walker Thought About It
The parson of Framley who takes on the commission to advise Mr. Crawley to hire a lawyer and consults Mr. Walker.
Mr. Robarts on His Embassy
Acts as an emissary from the archdeacon, attempting to persuade Mr. Crawley to seek legal counsel.
Mr. Toogood
Previously advised Mr. Crawley to seek legal help, but his advice was rejected; mentioned as having conveyed the archdeacon's authority.
Dr. Tempest at the Palace
Mentioned as a clerical neighbour discussing the case with Dr. Tempest.
The Clerical Commission
Attends the commission and argues against the bishop's interference before the trial, criticizing Mrs. Proudie's influence.
LV: Framley Parsonage
Vicar of Framley; part of the ecclesiastical commission judging Mr. Crawley; hosts Grace at the parsonage; feels uneasy about the situation.
The Obstinacy of Mr. Crawley
Visits Crawley at Dr. Tempest's request to persuade him to retain his living, but is moved by Crawley's resolve.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. Robarts in Dinner at Framley Court