Philip Jettan

Cleone Charteris

Cleone is Philip's primary love interest, and their relationship is central to the story, marked by romantic tension and eventual union.

Sir Thomas Jettan

Sir Thomas is Philip's uncle, a supportive family member who often mediates between Philip and his father.

Mr. Bancroft

Mr. Bancroft is Philip's tailor and confidant, helping him navigate fashion and social expectations.

Sir Deryk Brenderby

Philip and Sir Deryk are romantic rivals for Cleone, leading to conflict and competition.

Jennifer Winton

Jennifer Winton is a friend of Philip and Cleone, part of their social circle.

Comte de Saint-Dantin

The Comte is a French friend and mentor who helps Philip refine his manners and style.

Lady Malmerstoke

Lady Malmerstoke is an older socialite who takes an interest in Philip's transformation.

De Bergeret

De Bergeret is a French acquaintance and fellow traveler in Philip's social circle.

James Winton

James Winton is a friend of Philip, part of the same social set and a confidant.

Cleone Charteris

Cleone is Philip's primary love interest, and their relationship is central to the story, marked by romantic tension and eventual union.

Cleone Charteris

Cleone is Philip's primary love interest, and their relationship is central to the story, marked by romantic tension and eventual union.

Sir Thomas Jettan

Sir Thomas is Philip's uncle, a supportive family member who often mediates between Philip and his father.

I: The House of Jettan

Introduced as the son of Maurice Jettan, now about twenty-three, tall and handsome but described by his father as 'an unpolished cub' who prefers country life to society.

II: In Which Is Presented Mistress Cleone Charteris

Deeply in love with Cleone but disapproved of for his boorish manners and lack of style; he is disturbed by the news of Bancroft's return.

III: Mr. Bancroft Brings Trouble Into Little Fittledean

Philip is angered by Bancroft's presence and his attentions to Cleone, showing jealousy and suspicion.

IV: The Trouble Comes to a Head

Struggles with jealousy and inadequacy, challenges Bancroft to a duel, and resists his father's advice to change.

V: In Which Philip Finds That His Uncle Is More Sympathetic Than His Father

Returns home angry and hurt after Cleone's rejection and defeat by Bancroft; decides to go to London to transform himself; seeks out his uncle Tom for guidance.

VI: The Beginning of the Transformation

Undergoes a physical and social transformation in Paris, learning to dress, fence, and move in high society while maintaining his inner loyalty to Cleone.

VII: Mr. Bancroft Comes to Paris and Is Annoyed

Now a polished Parisian gentleman, Philip is the darling of the salon, charming Mademoiselle de Chaucheron and others, and coolly handling Bancroft's provocations.

VIII: In Which Philip Delivers Himself of a Rondeau

Arrives late to Saint-Dantin's party, having spent the day composing a rondeau. He learns of Bancroft's gossip about Cleone and plans to silence him, revealing his intention to marry her.

Mr. Bancroft Is Enraged

Dressed in exquisite grey and pink, Philip deliberately provokes Bancroft over his remarks about Cleone and accepts the ensuing duel challenge.

X: In Which a Letter Is Read

Is the subject of the letter; he fought a duel with Bancroft's son over a French woman and is now the darling of fashionable Paris.

XI: Philip Astonishes His Uncle

Returns to London transformed, dressed in Parisian fashion, and plans to test Cleone's love by acting as a fop.

Philip Plays a Dangerous Game

Now fully transformed into a foppish gentleman, he plays a dangerous game of affectation with Cleone, hiding his true feelings behind a mask of Parisian polish.

XIV: The Strange Behaviour of Mistress Cleone

Discusses Cleone's changed behavior with his father; admits he still cares for her greatly.

XV: Lady Malmerstoke on Husbands

Accompanies Lady Malmerstoke, flirts with Jennifer, and is the subject of Cleone's jealousy.

XVI: Mistress Cleone Finds There Is No Safety in Numbers

Proposes to Cleone but is rejected; seeks advice from Lady Malmerstoke.

XVII: Mistress Cleone at Her Wits’ End

Bursts into breakfast frantic over Cleone's double betrothal; later learns the full story from his father and resolves to intervene.

XVIII: Philip Takes Charge of the Situation

Takes charge by dueling Brenderby and negotiating with Winton to secure Cleone's hand.

XIX: Philip Justifies His Chin

Visits Cleone, releases her from her engagement, and reconciles with her, showing his masterful yet tender nature.

XX: Mademoiselle de Chaucheron Rings Down the Curtain

Makes a dramatic entrance at the ball in white, presenting his wife to Parisian society.