The Last Man · Character

Idris

A noblewoman of celestial grace and fierce loyalty who begs the narrator to rescue her brother and becomes the cherished partner of his life.

major

Also known as Lady Idris, dear Idris, III Idris, sweet Idris, the princely Idris

First appearance: the last man

As a major figure in The Last Man, Idris is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The unseen object of Lionel's idolatry; she is the sister of Adrian and the intended bride of Lord Raymond; described as lovely, amiable, and fascinating.

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Idris enters the novel as a vision of beauty in Perdita's alcove, then immediately reveals her steel by imploring Verney to find and restore the imprisoned Adrian. Her love for her brother and her later marriage to the narrator make her the emotional hinge between the political world and the domestic one. Radiant yet shielded by an almost unearthly distance from ordinary taint, she embodies the tenderness that the story's catastrophes will test to breaking.

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See Idris in the last man

Character Web

6 connections

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

Relationship types

Family
Other

Character groups

Central Family and Love Triangle
Supporting Characters and Political Factions
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this chapter, the narrator reaches an emotional and psychological peak by abandoning the detailed, chronolo…

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Relationships

Lord Raymond
family · ambivalent
Idris is Lord Raymond's sister, and their relationship is one of sibling affection and… How this plays out →
Lord Raymond
family · ambivalent
Idris is Lord Raymond's sister, and their relationship is one of sibling affection and… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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See Idris in the last man

In the story

Idris appears across 19 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

IV
The unseen object of Lionel's idolatry; she is the sister of Adrian and the intended bride of Lord Raymond; described as lovely, amiable, and fascinating.
V
Lionel's beloved; not present but central to his thoughts; her spirit haunts him.
VI
Visits Lionel with Adrian, developing love for him; escapes her mother's plot to take her to Austria, fleeing to Lionel for help.
VII
Warmly interested in the election outcome, she attempts to calm Perdita during the tense final night.
Chapter VIII
Returns to Windsor with Lionel, enjoying domestic peace.
IX
Idris is part of the happy group at Windsor Castle, but her role is peripheral in this chapter.
Chapter X
Initially shares Perdita's ill opinion of Evadne but becomes softened and interested after hearing Raymond's account of Evadne's sufferings.
Chapter XI
Passionately loves her brother Adrian and struggles with his absence; part of the family circle at Windsor.
IV
Described as a tender and loving mother, anxious about her children's health after losing one child.
VI
Adrian's sister; anxious about her brother's plans and watches over her children during the fair.
VII
Lionel's wife; grief-stricken over the death of her old nurse, fears for her children, and finds comfort in Lionel's return.
VIII
Lionel's wife, consumed by fear and grief over the plague, yet not angry at the haughty lady's pride.
IX
Idris is consumed by fear and grief over the plague, describing her ceaseless anxiety as a vulture feeding on her heart. She hides her wretchedness but breaks down when reunited with Adrian.
I
Idris becomes thin and pale from anxiety, suffers from sleeplessness and a slow fever, and weeps in secret over the fate of her children.
Chapter II
Struggles with leaving her homeland; weeps in the park; later wanders alone in a storm seeking Lionel; falls ill but survives.
III
Ill but hopeful, she expresses confidence in recovery and a desire to lead the group toward a peaceful future.
Chapter IV
Recently deceased; Lionel mourns her and mentions her orphaned children.
V
Lionel's wife; had loved Juliet in happier days; rescued by Juliet on the fatal twentieth of November.
The Last Man's Lament
Idris, Lionel's deceased wife, is recalled through her brother Adrian and her son Evelyn.

Chapter companion notes

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See Idris in the last man

See Idris in IV