The Laughing Cavalier · Character

Cornelius Beresteyn

A wealthy Haarlem councillor and patron of Frans Hals, whose household is shadowed by the Barneveld conspiracy and whose daughter's fate he guards with sober, anxious care.

supporting

Also known as Mynheer Beresteyn, Cornelius

First appearance: i new year s eve

As a supporting figure in The Laughing Cavalier, Cornelius Beresteyn is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Gilda's father, a man of rigid principles; she considers confessing the conspiracy to him.

In the storyAfter EvensongOpen this moment free

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In After Evensong: Gilda's father, a man of rigid principles; she considers confessing the conspiracy to him. Later, in Back Again in Haarlem: Mentioned as the wealthy grain merchant and deputy burgomaster whose…

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See Cornelius Beresteyn in i new year s eve

Character Web

15 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Main Plot Characters
Minor Background Figures
Servants and Household
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This chapter marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Stoutenburg…

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In the story

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

After Evensong
Gilda's father, a man of rigid principles; she considers confessing the conspiracy to him.
Back Again in Haarlem
Mentioned as the wealthy grain merchant and deputy burgomaster whose daughter was abducted.
A Grief-Stricken Father
Grief-stricken father, aged by the abduction of his daughter Gilda; sits huddled and tearful at the Lame Cow, urged by friends to attend the council.
A Double Pledge
Grief-stricken father who offers a fortune for his daughter's rescue; softened by grief, he shows unexpected graciousness to Frans Hals.
XLIII: Leyden Once More
Cornelius is present in the taproom below, speaking with Diogenes. He offers Diogenes money, which is refused, and asks to shake his hand before they part.
XLIV: Blake of Blakeney
Offers to find Diogenes' father, learns of Diogenes' parentage, and later listens to Gilda's confession about her feelings for Diogenes.
The End
Summons Diogenes, then quietly leaves the couple alone before returning to bless their union.

Chapter companion notes

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See Cornelius Beresteyn in i new year s eve

See Cornelius Beresteyn in After Evensong