The Prime Minister · Character

Sir Orlando Drought

A senior statesman whose wounded vanity turns him from colleague to saboteur, testing the Prime Minister's faith in honest men.

supporting

Also known as Sir Orlando, Sir Orlando Drought, Drought, old Tory Sir Orlando Drought

First appearance: Sir Orlando's Policy

As a supporting figure in The Prime Minister, Sir Orlando Drought is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Assigned to lead the House of Commons as the principal spirit, though Mr.

In the storyThe Beginning of a New CareerOpen this moment free

Sir Orlando Drought has earned the name of statesman and cannot bear to be outshone by a leader he considers his inferior. Personal jealousy drives him to undermine the Coalition from within, and his baseness wounds the Duke more than any newspaper attack. He embodies the ordinary treachery of political life, and his defection sets the Ministry's slow unraveling in motion.

See Sir Orlando Drought in The Beginning of a New Career Book page

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Character Web

37 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Wharton family and associates
Social-climbing military men
Extended political and social network

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Sir Timothy Beesw…

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In the story

Sir Orlando Drought appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Beginning of a New Career
Assigned to lead the House of Commons as the principal spirit, though Mr. Rattler doubts his position.
The Gathering of Clouds
Answers Mr. Turnbull's attack with jokes, but his jauntiness is seen as a misstep by experienced politicians.
The Duke of Omnium Thinks of Himself
Mentioned as one of the early guests at Gatherum, whom the Duchess thinks the Duke would not specially care to meet.
Sir Orlando's Policy
Sir Orlando, feeling his position as Leader of the House, seeks to assert himself by questioning the Duke's policy direction. He is influenced by Sir Timothy Beeswax's insinuations.
The Duchess's New Swan
Mentioned as a man the Duchess advises the Duke not to snub, though the Duke finds him uncomfortable.
The Duke's Misery
He is mentioned as having spoken to the Duke about policy, and the Duke recalls his arrogance in giving advice in the park.
XXXII: “What Business Is It of Yours?”
Demands a more aggressive naval policy (four bigger ships) and challenges the Duke's leadership, causing a rift in the coalition government.
The Horns
Leads opposition within the Cabinet over shipbuilding and county suffrage; threatens resignation.
Sir Orlando Retires
Resigns from the Cabinet after complaining to the Duke about not being invited to private dinners; feels slighted and plots against the Coalition.
The Value of a Thick Skin
Resigns from the Coalition and is met with parliamentary indifference; later reconciles with Mr. Boffin.
What the Duchess Thought of Her Husband
Former coalition member who organizes opposition against the government over naval neglect, attacking the Duke as a fainéant minister.
The Explanation
Sounded about asking a hostile question but declines, recognizing the Duke's essential honor despite their political enmity.
Only the Duke of Omnium
Leads the attack on the Duke, accusing him of autocratic rule and withdrawing his support.

Chapter companion notes

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See Sir Orlando Drought in Sir Orlando's Policy

See Sir Orlando Drought in The Beginning of a New Career