The Vicar of Bullhampton · Character

George Brattle

The miller of Bullhampton, a proud and stubborn father whose estranged daughter Carry's disgrace weighs on him more than he will ever admit.

supporting

Also known as old Brattle, Brattle, the miller, Mr. Brattle

First appearance: The Miller

As a supporting figure in The Vicar of Bullhampton, George Brattle is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The miller, a respected but troubled figure in the parish.

In the storyThe Vicar of BullhamptonOpen this moment free

George Brattle is a respectable tradesman whose family has been shadowed by scandal: his daughter Carry has left home and his son Sam is entangled in trouble. He is a man of stern principle and deep feeling, caught between his sense of shame and his buried love for his children. His reluctance to forgive and his pride in his position make him a quiet but persistent source of tension in the parish, and his dealings with the Vicar over Carry's fate test both his patience and his conscience.

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Character Web

33 connections

A slice of how George Brattle sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Family
Other

Character groups

Central characters and family
Protagonist

+28 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it represents the emotional and psychological peak of the confl…

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Relationships

Mr. Fenwick
friendship · positive
George, a miller, respects Fenwick as a friend and ally, often seeking his advice… How this plays out →
Sam Brattle
family · ambivalent
Carry Brattle
family · ambivalent
Mr. Fenwick
friendship · positive
George, a miller, respects Fenwick as a friend and ally, often seeking his advice… How this plays out →
Sam Brattle
family · ambivalent
Mr. Fenwick
friendship · positive
George, a miller, respects Fenwick as a friend and ally, often seeking his advice… How this plays out →
Carry Brattle
family · ambivalent

Mr. Fenwick
George, a miller, respects Fenwick as a friend and ally, often seeking his advice regarding family troubles.
Sam Brattle
George is Sam's older brother, who feels a mix of anger and protective responsibility for Sam's wayward behavior.
Carry Brattle
Carry is George's sister, and he struggles with shame and a desire to protect her from societal scorn.
Mr. Fenwick
George, a miller, respects Fenwick as a friend and ally, often seeking his advice regarding family troubles.
Sam Brattle
George is Sam's older brother, who feels a mix of anger and protective responsibility for Sam's wayward behavior.
Mr. Fenwick
George, a miller, respects Fenwick as a friend and ally, often seeking his advice regarding family troubles.
Carry Brattle
Carry is George's sister, and he struggles with shame and a desire to protect her from societal scorn.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See George Brattle in The Miller

In the story

George Brattle appears across 29 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Vicar of Bullhampton
The miller, a respected but troubled figure in the parish.
I: Bullhampton
The miller, referred to as Jacob Brattle, who is at odds with his landlord over mill repairs.
Sam Brattle
Mentioned as Sam's father; Fenwick hopes to spare him and the family from the full truth of Sam's actions.
The Miller
The miller, a hardworking but bitter and litigious man, brooding over past injuries and his daughter Carry's fate.
VI: Brattle's Mill
The miller, sitting outside smoking; he is suspicious and uncommunicative with Mr. Fenwick.
The Miller's Wife
The miller; described as a 'Pagan' who rarely speaks but shows affection for Sam; Fenwick wishes he were as honest as his father.
Crunch'em Can't Be Had
The miller is overseeing mill repairs with Sam's help, and has reconciled with his son.
XI: Don’t You Be Afeard About Me
The miller, seen standing sadly before the mill, lamenting the timing of repairs.
XII: Bone'm and His Master
Silent and stricken at the mill when the magistrate arrives.
The Police at Fault
The old miller; initially resistant to legal help, later yields to repairs but remains deeply sorrowful and withdrawn.
Sam Brattle Returns Home
The miller; cold and reluctant to discuss Sam's innocence, but agrees to pay the lawyer's bill.
What the Fenwicks Thought About It
Sam's father, who had praised Sam's hard work but now refuses to say where Sam has gone.
XXVII: “I Never Shamed None of Them.”
The miller refuses to forgive Carry, insisting she has shamed the family, and angrily rejects Fenwick's intercession.
XXVIII: Mrs. Brattle’s Journey
Seen standing at the mill door when Mrs. Brattle returns; speaks briefly and sternly, showing his hard and unforgiving nature.
Bullhampton News
Remains cold toward Fenwick, avoiding him since the Vicar's attempt to discuss Carry.
Sam Brattle Goes Off Again
Quarreled with Sam over Carry, struck at him with a mill-bolt, and cursed him.
The Three Honest Men
Carry's eldest brother, a prosperous farmer near Fordingbridge, whom Fenwick considers approaching for help.
Trotter's Buildings
Carry's prosperous elder brother; Mr. Fenwick plans to visit him at Startup Farm to ask him to take Carry in.
Startup Farm
Farmer at Startup; initially resistant to helping Carry, offers money but refuses her a home; ultimately leaves decision to his wife.
Mr. Quickenham, Q.C.
Identified as the oldest man in the parish with good memory; Mr. Quickenham plans to interview him about the land.
Sam Brattle Is Wanted
The miller; remains silent when told the police want Sam again; walks away into the mill.
The Grinder and His Comrade
Receives news of Sam's innocence from Fenwick with restrained gratitude, acknowledging the comfort it will bring his wife.
Carry Brattle’s Journey
The miller, father of Carry and Fanny; not directly present but discussed as likely to disapprove of Fanny's journey.
The Fatted Calf
The stern miller who initially refuses to yield but eventually allows Carry to stay, though he does not speak to her.
The Miller Tells His Troubles
Sends Carry a £20 note but declines to be seen with her in Salisbury.
At the Mill
Decides to accompany Carry to Salisbury; remains stern but shows a slight softening by giving her a cushion.
The Squire Is Very Obstinate
The miller sits beside Carry in the witness room, leaning on his stick and looking down.
The Trial
Accompanies Carry to Salisbury, remains silent and grim throughout, but offers her a rare word of comfort before she testifies.
Conclusion
The miller forgives Carry but remains haunted by shame; he refuses religious conversion and faces death stoically.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for George Brattle unlock in the free preview.

See George Brattle in The Miller

See George Brattle in The Vicar of Bullhampton