# Daniel Touchett — The Portrait of a Lady character guide

> Daniel Touchett in The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** old Mr. Touchett

**First appearance:** 0002-i

## Who they are

Ralph's father and Isabel's uncle, a wealthy American banker.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_portrait_of_a_lady_se/chapters/i)

The old American banker, owner of Gardencourt, sits taking tea and engaging in banter with his son and Lord Warburton about his wife's return and her niece.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_portrait_of_a_lady_se/chapters/ii)

Sitting in a chair on the lawn, he welcomes Isabel warmly, kisses her, and compliments her beauty. He is old and infirm but cheerful.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_portrait_of_a_lady_se/chapters/iii)

Mrs. Touchett's husband, mentioned as having no involvement with her American investments.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_portrait_of_a_lady_se/chapters/iv)

Isabel's late father, remembered for his generosity, indifference to money, and unconventional parenting.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_portrait_of_a_lady_se/chapters/v)

Mentioned as being impatient for dinner; Isabel expresses liking him immensely.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_portrait_of_a_lady_se/chapters/vii)

Mentioned as being gravely ill in the spring, with doctors warning Ralph that another attack would be serious; currently appears free of pain but Ralph suspects a subterfuge.

### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_portrait_of_a_lady_se/chapters/viii)

Discusses Lord Warburton's character and political views with Isabel, offering a skeptical perspective on aristocratic radicalism.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_portrait_of_a_lady_se/chapters/xiii)

Listens to Isabel's news about Lord Warburton's proposal and supports her decision without interference.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_portrait_of_a_lady_se/chapters/xiv)

Leaves his room earlier than usual to join the luncheon party, hoping to support Isabel.

### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_portrait_of_a_lady_se/chapters/xvii)

Reported to have had a sharp attack of his old malady, prompting Ralph's return.

### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_portrait_of_a_lady_se/chapters/xviii)

Lies gravely ill, occasionally conscious, and speaks briefly with Ralph.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_portrait_of_a_lady_se/chapters/xix)

Mr. Touchett's illness provides the backdrop for the chapter, as his convalescence throws Isabel and Madame Merle together.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_portrait_of_a_lady_se/characters/daniel_touchett
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_portrait_of_a_lady_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_portrait_of_a_lady_se/characters