# Mr. Sylvester — The Sword of Damocles character guide > Mr. Sylvester in The Sword of Damocles by Anna Katharine Green. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Bertram, Bertram Sylvester, Sylvester, Mr. Bertram Sylvester **First appearance:** 0002-the-sword-of-damocles ## Snapshot A gentleman whose quiet defense of his nephew against a coffeehouse accusation reveals how much he knows—and how carefully he chooses when to speak. ## Who they are Bertram Sylvester moves through New York drawing rooms and bank corridors as a man whose word carries weight, yet whose composure masks something he is not saying. When his nephew stands accused of uttering threats in a Dey Street coffeehouse two years earlier, Sylvester produces the proof that clears him—then immediately turns the conversation toward the missing bonds and the absconded clerk Hopgood. His instinct to shield the young man while the shadow of suspicion still lingers makes him both protector and puzzle: a man whose generosity may be its own kind of concealment. ## Relationships ### [Paula](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/paula) _psychological_ Mr. Sylvester is obsessed with Paula, viewing her as a pawn in his grand scheme, exerting intense control over her life. ### [Mr. Stuyvesant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/mr_stuyvesant) _rivalry_ Mr. Stuyvesant and Mr. Sylvester are political and personal rivals, constantly maneuvering against each other. ### [Young Mandeville](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/young_mandeville) _professional_ Mr. Sylvester mentors and uses Young Mandeville as a tool in his schemes, with a paternal but exploitative dynamic. ### [Mr. Mandeville](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/mr_mandeville) _professional_ Mr. Mandeville is a business associate of Mr. Sylvester, bound by financial and political interests. ### [Sir Beaufort](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/sir_beaufort) _professional_ Mr. Sylvester and Sir Beaufort are colleagues in high society, collaborating on matters of state and finance. ### [Hamlet Hopgood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/hamlet_hopgood) _professional_ Hamlet Hopgood is Mr. Sylvester's loyal assistant or agent, carrying out his orders without question. ### [Ona Delafield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/ona_delafield) _psychological_ Mr. Sylvester manipulates Ona Delafield, using her feelings and position to further his own agenda. ### [Cicely Stuyvesant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/cicely_stuyvesant) _social_ Cicely is a social acquaintance of Mr. Sylvester, moving in the same elite circles but with no deep bond. ### [Mr. Ensign](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/mr_ensign) _professional_ Mr. Ensign works under Mr. Sylvester, executing his orders while maintaining a formal, distant relationship. ### [Mr. Roger Holt](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/mr_roger_holt) _rivalry_ Mr. Roger Holt and Mr. Sylvester are adversaries, competing for power and influence in their social sphere. ### [Paula](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/paula) _psychological_ Mr. Sylvester is obsessed with Paula, viewing her as a pawn in his grand scheme, exerting intense control over her life. ### [Paula](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/paula) _psychological_ Mr. Sylvester is obsessed with Paula, viewing her as a pawn in his grand scheme, exerting intense control over her life. ## In the story ### [Book I: Two Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/book-i-two-men) Introduced as one of the two men; a wealthy, reserved man recently returned from Europe. ### [II: A Discussion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/ii-a-discussion) Bertram's uncle, a Wall Street magnate, who warns against the dangers of speculation and the pursuit of wealth. ### [IV: Searchings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/iv-searchings) The narrator, who disguises himself as a workman to enter the Preston house and later reflects on his obsessive pursuit. ### [Mrs. Sylvester](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/vii-mrs-sylvester) Listens to his nephew's story, offers cautious advice, and reveals his ambition to head a bank. ### [X: The Barred Door](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/x-the-barred-door) Shows deep unease at the sight of the woman and the barred house, revealing his connection to the Japha family. He is melancholic and finds comfort in Paula's presence. ### [XI: Miss Stuyvesant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xi-miss-stuyvesant) Hosts the reception, reveals his ambition to become bank president, and is deeply impressed by Miss Stuyvesant's character. Later writes to Miss Belinda to arrange taking Paula. ### [XII: Miss Belinda Makes Conditions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xii-miss-belinda-makes-conditions) Proposes to take Paula into his home, showing deep affection and a desire to make her his child. He negotiates with Miss Belinda, offering her oversight of Paula's moral welfare. ### [XIII: The End of My Lady's Picture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xiii-the-end-of-my-lady-s-picture) Proudly introduces Paula to his wife and nephew; reveals his election as bank president and a changed opinion of women. ### [Life and Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/book-ii-life-and-death) Receives a mysterious summons, hinting at a significant event. ### [Miss Belinda Has a Question to Decide](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xiv-miss-belinda-has-a-question-to-decide) The subject of the letters and the request. He is portrayed as a kind, generous, and respected man, though Paula's letters hint at a mysterious trouble or secret in his past. ### [XVI: The Sword of Damocles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xvi-the-sword-of-damocles) Shaken by Paula's story, he reacts with a start when she mentions the sword of Damocles, revealing his inner turmoil. ### [XVII: Grave and Gay](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xvii-grave-and-gay) Warned by Miss Stuyvesant about Stadler's inquiries; appears uneasy and turns pale. ### [XVIII: In the Night Watches](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xviii-in-the-night-watches) Returns home late, passes Ona's room, goes out again, and returns at six o'clock, stopping at Ona's room. ### [A Day at the Bank](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xiv-a-day-at-the-bank) Bertram's uncle and president of the bank, who fails to appear for a crucial directors' meeting, causing widespread concern. ### [The Dregs in the Cup](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xx-the-dregs-in-the-cup) Shows signs of profound grief and a deeper, unfathomable emotion; gives Bertram a secret mission to retrieve papers. ### [XXI: Departure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxi-departure) Grieving and conflicted, he sends Bertram on a mission and later bids Paula a heart-wrenching farewell, revealing his deep affection and his decision to keep her at a distance. ### [XXII: Hopgood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxii-hopgood) Visits Hopgood's daughter, questions Hopgood about the vault incident, appears distressed. ### [Book III: The Japha Mystery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/book-iii-the-japha-mystery) Appears to be drawn into the Japha mystery, showing a keen interest in Jacqueline's story. ### [XXVI: A Man’s Justice and a Woman’s Mercy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxvi-a-man-s-justice-and-a-woman-s-mercy) The narrator, who recounts the events and offers mercy to Jacqueline. ### [XXVIII: Sunshine on the Hills](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxviii-sunshine-on-the-hills) Recalled by Paula through memories of her time in New York; his influence lingers in her thoughts. ### [XXIX: Mist in the Valley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxix-mist-in-the-valley) Mentioned as looking wan and ill, and lonely, which triggers Paula's desire to go back to him. ### [Book IV: From A. To Z.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/book-iv-from-a-to-z) Bertram Sylvester, whose past and present actions shape the course of events. ### [XXX: Miss Belinda Presents Mr. Sylvester with a Christmas Gift](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxx-miss-belinda-presents-mr-sylvester-with-a-christmas-gift) Receives Paula as a Christmas gift, shows deep emotion, gives her a locket, and asks for her prayers. ### [A Question](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxi-a-question) Struggles with jealousy and guilt over Paula's affection for Ensign; questions his own worthiness. ### [Full Tide](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxii-full-tide) Struggles with his love for Paula, feeling the conflict between his past and his desire for happiness. ### [XXXIII: Two Letters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxiii-two-letters) Writes a passionate letter to Paula, confessing his love and asking for her undivided affection. ### [XXXIV: Paula Makes Her Choice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxiv-paula-makes-her-choice) Waits anxiously for Paula's decision, shows deep emotion and vulnerability, ultimately encourages her to follow her heart. ### [Miss Belinda Makes Conditions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxv-miss-belinda-makes-conditions) Towers over Bertram with a terrible expression upon hearing of the bank robbery, but his wonder remains. He sits down dazed, and insists on a private inquiry, showing his authority and concern for the bank's reputation. ### [Morning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxvi-morning) Not present but central; his letter and note drive the chapter's events. ### [XXXVII: The Opinion of a Certain Noted Detective](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-opinion-of-a-certain-noted-detective) Hosts the meeting with the detective, questions the janitor, and is visibly affected by Hopgood's revelation about his early morning visit to the vaults. ### [XXXVII: The Opinion of a Certain Noted Detective](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-opinion-of-a-certain-noted-detective) Present during the interrogation, his pale countenance and quivering lip suggest inner turmoil; he is called out during the questioning. ### [Blue-Beard's Chamber](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxviii-blue-beard-s-chamber) Absent from the chapter, but his note and the mystery of his private room dominate Paula's thoughts. His letter to Paula is discovered. ### [XXXIX: From A. To Z.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xxxix-from-a-to-z) Confesses his past sins and the blackmail by Mr. Delafield. ### [Woman's Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/book-v-woman-s-love) Key figure in Paula's life, representing a potential romantic interest or commitment. ### [XLI: The Work of an Hour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xli-the-work-of-an-hour) Confronts Roger Holt about Jacqueline Japha, reveals his identity as the bank president, and is present when the fire breaks out. ### [XLII: Paula Relates a Story She Has Heard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xlii-paula-relates-a-story-she-has-heard) Takes charge of the situation, promising care for Jacqueline and the child's burial, and confronts Holt. ### [XLIII: Determination](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xliii-determination) Struggles with guilt and the weight of his confession, tries to protect Paula from his disgrace. ### [In Mr. Stuyvesant’s Parlors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xliv-in-mr-stuyvesant-s-parlors) Clears Bertram's name and advocates for mercy, showing his just and merciful nature. ### [In Mr. Stuyvesant’s Parlors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xliv-in-mr-stuyvesant-s-parlors) Demonstrates integrity by refusing to accept Cicely's hand until fully exonerated. ### [The Man Cummins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xlvi-the-man-cummins) Celebrates his marriage to Paula and learns the truth about the bank robbery from Cummins, who is revealed to be Hopgood in disguise. ### [The Man Cummins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/chapters/xlvi-the-man-cummins) Present at the wedding, discusses the search for Hopgood, and witnesses Cummins's revelation. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters/mr_sylvester - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_sword_of_damocles_se/characters