# Ferdinand Lopez — The Prime Minister character guide > Ferdinand Lopez in The Prime Minister by Anthony Trollope. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Lopez, Mr. Lopez, Mr. Ferdinand Lopez, Poor Lopez **First appearance:** 0000-i-ferdinand-lopez ## Snapshot A magnetic, opaque financier who talks his way into the Wharton family, then turns his charm into a weapon when the money he married for stays locked away. ## Who they are Lopez moves through London as a man of no visible origin but immense persuasive force, winning Emily Wharton against her father's judgment and her cousin's steadier suit. What he wants is capital — Wharton's savings, a seat in Parliament, a place among men who already have both — and he pursues it with a coldness that even his young wife begins to read as blood-thirst rather than ambition. His refusal to be inspected, his ledgers no one may audit, sets the whole Wharton household on edge and drives the marriage toward the misery that defines the novel's middle. ## Relationships ### [Emily Lopez](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/characters/emily_lopez) _romantic_ Married couple whose relationship deteriorates from passionate romance to bitter conflict due to Ferdinand's dishonesty and manipulation. ### [Abel Wharton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/characters/abel_wharton) _family_ Father-in-law and son-in-law; Abel deeply distrusts Ferdinand and opposes the marriage, leading to constant tension and hostility. ### [Sexty Parker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/characters/sexty_parker) _professional_ Business partners in speculative ventures; Ferdinand manipulates Sexty into risky investments, leading to financial ruin for both. ### [Everett Wharton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/characters/everett_wharton) _rivalry_ Brother-in-law and antagonist; Everett despises Ferdinand for his treatment of Emily and actively works against him. ### [Lady Eustace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/characters/lady_eustace) _romantic_ Brief romantic entanglement; Ferdinand pursues Lady Eustace for her wealth, but she ultimately rejects him. ### [Arthur Fletcher](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/characters/arthur_fletcher) _rivalry_ Rivals for Emily's affection; Arthur despises Ferdinand as a dishonest man who mistreated the woman he loves. ### [Emily Lopez](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/characters/emily_lopez) _romantic_ Married couple whose relationship deteriorates from passionate romance to bitter conflict due to Ferdinand's dishonesty and manipulation. ### [Abel Wharton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/characters/abel_wharton) _family_ Father-in-law and son-in-law; Abel deeply distrusts Ferdinand and opposes the marriage, leading to constant tension and hostility. ### [Emily Lopez](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/characters/emily_lopez) _romantic_ Married couple whose relationship deteriorates from passionate romance to bitter conflict due to Ferdinand's dishonesty and manipulation. ### [Sexty Parker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/characters/sexty_parker) _professional_ Business partners in speculative ventures; Ferdinand manipulates Sexty into risky investments, leading to financial ruin for both. ### [Everett Wharton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/characters/everett_wharton) _rivalry_ Brother-in-law and antagonist; Everett despises Ferdinand for his treatment of Emily and actively works against him. ### [Sexty Parker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/characters/sexty_parker) _professional_ Business partners in speculative ventures; Ferdinand manipulates Sexty into risky investments, leading to financial ruin for both. ## In the story ### [Ferdinand Lopez](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/i-ferdinand-lopez) Introduced as a handsome, imperious man of mysterious origins, known for his impeccable dress, self-possession, and enigmatic background. ### [Everett Wharton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/ii-everett-wharton) Dines with Everett at the Progress Club, discusses politics and his indifference to Parliament. He flatters Everett and seeks to understand Mr. Wharton's view of him, as he aspires to marry Emily Wharton. ### [Mr. Abel Wharton, Q.C.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/iii-mr-abel-wharton-q-c) Decides to confront Mr. Wharton directly about marrying Emily, using his foreign birth as an open admission to avoid deeper scrutiny. ### [Mrs. Roby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/iv-mrs-roby) Referenced as the suitor whose proposal and background are the subject of family discussion; his foreign origins and lack of known family are criticized. ### [No One Knows Anything About Him](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/v-no-one-knows-anything-about-him) Discussed as the suitor who has won Emily's heart and convinced others of his worth, though his background remains obscure. ### [Mrs. Dick's Dinner Party.—No. I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/ix-mrs-dick-s-dinner-party-no-i) Lopez is invited to Mrs. Roby's dinner party, and his influence in the household is evident through the presence of his friend Mr. Mills Happerton. ### [X: Mrs. Dick’s Dinner Party.—No. II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/x-mrs-dick-s-dinner-party-no-ii) Sits next to Emily at dinner, converses intimately, and later declares his love to her in the back drawing-room. ### [Carlton Terrace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xi-carlton-terrace) Attends the Duchess's gatherings for the third time, having ingratiated himself through a deputation and the Duke's recommendation, drawing scrutiny from political insiders. ### [XIII: Mr. Wharton Complains](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xiii-mr-wharton-complains) Referenced as the man Emily loves; described as an adventurer and of foreign extraction; associated with the Duchess of Omnium's parties. ### [A Lover's Perseverance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xiv-a-lover-s-perseverance) Persists in his suit for Emily, seeks to reassure Mr. Wharton about his finances, and manipulates Sexty Parker into further speculation. ### [Arthur Fletcher](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xv-arthur-fletcher) Lopez is the interloper whom Arthur and the Wharton family dislike. He has been pressing his suit to Emily and is seen as a threat to Arthur's hopes. ### [Never Run Away!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xvi-never-run-away) Lopez is referred to as a 'greasy, black foreigner' and a 'Portuguese adventurer' by the Fletchers, who view him as beneath the Wharton family. ### [Goodbye](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xvii-goodbye) Referenced as Emily's chosen fiancé, though his background and character are viewed with suspicion by Arthur. ### [Sir Orlando's Policy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xx-sir-orlando-s-policy) Lopez is favored by the Duchess and participates in archery, drawing envy from Major Pountney and Captain Gunner. His mysterious background and wealth are noted. ### [The Duchess's New Swan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxi-the-duchess-s-new-swan) Secures the Duchess's favor, reveals his desire for a seat in Parliament, and confides about his engagement to Emily Wharton. ### [St. James's Park](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxii-st-james-s-park) Content with his recent visit to Gatherum Castle and hopeful about parliamentary prospects; tolerates Everett's rudeness but notes his foolishness. ### [Surrender](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxiii-surrender) Receives Mr. Wharton's consent and shares a passionate, intimate moment with Emily, solidifying their engagement. ### [The Marriage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxiv-the-marriage) Presses for an early marriage, visits Gatherum Castle, discusses parliamentary ambitions with the Duchess, and reveals his speculative and dishonest nature while professing love for Emily. ### [The Beginning of the Honeymoon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxv-the-beginning-of-the-honeymoon) Breaks his own resolution to avoid financial worries; pressures Emily to write to her father for money; reveals his speculative business in South American trade and his intention to teach Emily his views on money. ### [The End of the Honeymoon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxvi-the-end-of-the-honeymoon) Manipulates Emily about her father's debt; shows unnatural joy at the £3,000; writes a deceptive letter to Sexty Parker about his finances. ### [The Duke's Misery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxvii-the-duke-s-misery) He is mentioned in a letter that the Duchess has received, which adds to the Duke's distress. ### [The Two Candidates for Silverbridge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxix-the-two-candidates-for-silverbridge) Receives the Duchess's letter about the Silverbridge election; decides to stand despite the open contest and learns his opponent is Arthur Fletcher; considers asking Mr. Wharton for money. ### [Yes;—A Lie!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxx-yes-a-lie) Boasts of beating Arthur Fletcher again; dismisses Arthur's letter as a lie and threatens to horsewhip him; discusses finances with Sexty Parker, revealing his expectations from Mr. Wharton's wealth. ### [Yes;—with a Horsewhip in My Hand](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxxi-yes-with-a-horsewhip-in-my-hand) Travels to Silverbridge for election canvass; expresses distrust of the Duchess and resentment toward Arthur Fletcher; reveals financial concerns about the election costs. ### [XXXII: “What Business Is It of Yours?”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxxii-what-business-is-it-of-yours) Mentioned as the candidate the Duchess secretly supports for the Silverbridge election. ### [Showing That a Man Should Not Howl](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxxiii-showing-that-a-man-should-not-howl) Arthur's rival in love and now in the Silverbridge election; viewed by the Fletchers as an adventurer without solid standing. ### [The Silverbridge Election](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxxiv-the-silverbridge-election) Frustrated and humiliated after losing the Duke's backing, he considers horsewhipping Arthur Fletcher and reluctantly withdraws from the election. ### [Lopez Back in London](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxxv-lopez-back-in-london) Returns to London defeated after losing the Silverbridge election and a row with Arthur Fletcher. He manipulates his father-in-law into paying £500 and schemes to become indispensable to the Wharton family. ### [The Jolly Blackbird](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxxvi-the-jolly-blackbird) Mentioned as the husband who destroyed a letter and whose actions led to the 'row' at Silverbridge. ### [Get Round Him](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xxxix-get-round-him) Maintains anger at Emily for a week, then reconciles to use her to influence Mr. Wharton's will; reveals his manipulative and financially desperate nature. ### [Come and Try It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xl-come-and-try-it) Jovial about the move, instructs Emily on how to approach her father, and reveals his pragmatic and manipulative nature. ### [Retribution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xlii-retribution) Writes a letter to the Duke demanding reimbursement for election expenses, claiming the Duchess assured him of support at Silverbridge. ### [Kauri Gum](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xliii-kauri-gum) Writes a manipulative letter to the Duke, pockets the resulting £500 cheque, and uses it to finance a speculative cargo of Kauri gum with Sexty Parker. ### [Mr. Wharton Intends to Make a New Will](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xliv-mr-wharton-intends-to-make-a-new-will) Lopez lies about his capital and business, claiming £8,000 and a partnership with Parker, but is exposed by Mr. Wharton as a commercial adventurer. He resents Emily's loyalty to her father. ### [Mrs. Sexty Parker](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xlv-mrs-sexty-parker) Lopez brings his wife to Dovercourt to meet the Parkers, discusses his financial troubles with Sexty Parker, and considers how to respond to Mr. Wharton's demand for a schedule. ### [He Wants to Get Rich Too Quick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xlvi-he-wants-to-get-rich-too-quick) Shows ill temper toward Emily, pressures her to ask her father for money, writes a misleading letter to Mr. Wharton, and quarrels with Sexty Parker. ### [XLVII: As for Love!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xlvii-as-for-love) Displays moroseness, tyranny, and false affection; demands economy while insisting on appearances; forces Emily to invite Lady Eustace and Mrs. Leslie for commercial gain. ### [XLVIII: “Has He Ill-Treated You?”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xlviii-has-he-ill-treated-you) Arranges the catered dinner, shows momentary fear at Mr. Wharton's return but recovers, and acts as a cheerful host despite underlying tension. ### [XLIX: “Where Is Guatemala?”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/xlix-where-is-guatemala) Lopez threatens expatriation to Guatemala as leverage, insists on his marital authority, and reveals his desperation and ruthlessness in dealing with the Whartons. ### [Coddling the Prime Minister](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/li-coddling-the-prime-minister) Confronts Mr. Slide about the publication of his election expenses and eventually cooperates, providing letters to control the story. ### [I Can Sleep Here Tonight, I Suppose?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lii-i-can-sleep-here-tonight-i-suppose) Confronted by Mr. Wharton about the Silverbridge election expenses; defends himself but is evasive; pursues the Guatemala scheme as a genuine escape from financial ruin. ### [Mr. Hartlepod](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/liii-mr-hartlepod) Remains in Manchester Square despite Mr. Wharton's desire for him to leave; insists Emily must ask her father for money for her travel preparations. ### [LIV: Lizzie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/liv-lizzie) Contemplates his unhappy marriage, financial ruin, and schemes to extract money from Mr. Wharton or Lady Eustace; proposes elopement to Lady Eustace. ### [Mrs. Parker's Sorrows](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lv-mrs-parker-s-sorrows) Lopez remains defiant and evasive, refusing to pay his debts or leave the Wharton house. He dismisses Mrs. Parker's claims and orders Emily not to see her again. ### [What the Duchess Thought of Her Husband](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lvi-what-the-duchess-thought-of-her-husband) Mentioned as the candidate whose election expenses were allegedly paid by the Duke; source of Mr. Slide's information. ### [LVIII: “Quite Settled”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lviii-quite-settled) Publicly disgraced, rejected by Lady Eustace, and abandoned by the Mining Company; he confronts Everett and Mr. Wharton but is left without prospects. ### [The First and the Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lix-the-first-and-the-last) Lopez interrupts the farewell, accusing Arthur of creating discord. He reveals that the Guatemala plan is abandoned, leaving Emily's situation uncertain. ### [The Tenway Junction](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lx-the-tenway-junction) Reveals the Guatemala scheme is over; walks through London in despair, then takes a train to Tenway Junction after a cryptic goodbye to Emily. ### [The Ladies at Longbarns Doubt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/chapters/lxxi-the-ladies-at-longbarns-doubt) Mentioned in Emily's memories as a deceitful man whose lessons of iniquity opened her eyes to his true character. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/characters/ferdinand_lopez - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_prime_minister_se/characters