# Mr. Ensign — The Sword of Damocles character guide > Mr. Ensign in The Sword of Damocles by Anna Katharine Green. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Clarence Ensign, Clarence **First appearance:** 0003-book-i-two-men ## Snapshot A mercurial young pianist whose devotion to Paula Fairchild burns bright and impatient, Clarence Ensign must prove himself a man before claiming a man's reward. ## Who they are Clarence Ensign moves through New York's drawing rooms as a suitor of decided talent and uncertain patience, his courtship of Paula advancing through letters and visits that the blindest eye could not fail to remark. His temperament is mercurial, never long under the bondage of a severe thought, and he worships the lofty with tabor and cymbal rather than quiet constancy. His impetuous devotion forces Paula toward a dreaded yes or no, making him a quiet engine of the novel's romantic tension. ## Relationships ### [Paula](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/paula) _professional_ Mr. Ensign is Paula's employer or superior, giving her orders and overseeing her work, though he shows some personal interest. ### [Mr. Sylvester](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/mr_sylvester) _professional_ Mr. Ensign works under Mr. Sylvester, executing his orders while maintaining a formal, distant relationship. ### [Young Mandeville](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/young_mandeville) _professional_ Mr. Ensign and Young Mandeville are colleagues, often working together on tasks assigned by Mr. Sylvester. ### [Paula](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/paula) _professional_ Mr. Ensign is Paula's employer or superior, giving her orders and overseeing her work, though he shows some personal interest. ### [Paula](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/paula) _professional_ Mr. Ensign is Paula's employer or superior, giving her orders and overseeing her work, though he shows some personal interest. ### [Mr. Sylvester](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/mr_sylvester) _professional_ Mr. Ensign works under Mr. Sylvester, executing his orders while maintaining a formal, distant relationship. ### [Young Mandeville](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/young_mandeville) _professional_ Mr. Ensign and Young Mandeville are colleagues, often working together on tasks assigned by Mr. Sylvester. ### [Mr. Sylvester](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/mr_sylvester) _professional_ Mr. Ensign works under Mr. Sylvester, executing his orders while maintaining a formal, distant relationship. ## In the story ### [XV: An Adventure—Or Something More](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xv-an-adventure-or-something-more) Meets Paula and Cicely in the park, is immediately attracted to Paula, and is described as a cheerful and responsible young man. ### [XVII: Grave and Gay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xvii-grave-and-gay) Flirts with Paula, engaging in witty banter about thistles and the country. ### [XXVIII: Sunshine on the Hills](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxviii-sunshine-on-the-hills) Surprises Paula by visiting her in the country; shows admiration and hints at deeper feelings. ### [XXIX: Mist in the Valley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxix-mist-in-the-valley) Mr. Ensign continues to show his devotion through letters and gifts, clearly moving toward a proposal. ### [A Question](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxi-a-question) Sends an exquisite casket of flowers to Paula, demonstrating his attentive courtship. ### [Full Tide](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxii-full-tide) Persistent in his courtship of Paula, becoming a rival to Mr. Sylvester. ### [XXXIII: Two Letters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxiii-two-letters) Proposes to Paula via letter and plans to call for her answer the next day. ### [XXXIV: Paula Makes Her Choice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxiv-paula-makes-her-choice) His letter is burned by Paula, indicating her rejection of his proposal. ### [Blue-Beard's Chamber](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxviii-blue-beard-s-chamber) Calls on Paula to accept her refusal, but seeks to retain her friendship. He shows generosity and true affection in his farewell. ### [Woman's Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/book-v-woman-s-love) Potentially involved in a courtship, adding to the chapter's exploration of romantic relationships. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/mr_ensign - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters