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The Portrait of a Lady · Character

Mr. Bantling

A good-natured Englishman who courts Henrietta.

minor

Also known as Bantling

First appearance: ix

Mr. Bantling shows up with force in Chapter XV. The page is where that presence becomes real.

A friend of Ralph's who joins them for tea, laughs at Henrietta's remarks, and invites her to his sister's house.
In the storyChapter XVOpen this moment free

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In Chapter XV: A friend of Ralph's who joins them for tea, laughs at Henrietta's remarks, and invites her to his sister's house. Later, in…

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The fuller portrait of Mr. Bantling sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Mr. Bantling in ix

Character Web

13 connections

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

ACAnnie ClimberSMSir Matthew HopeMMMadame MerlePOPansy OsmondLLLilian LudlowMBMr. Bantling

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Minor acquaintances and background figures
  • Isabel's European circle
  • Isabel's American family

+8 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Ralph Touchett,…

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In the story

Mr. Bantling appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mr. Bantling unlock in the free preview.

See Mr. Bantling in ix