# George Primrose — The Vicar of Wakefield character guide

> George Primrose in The Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0002-i

## Snapshot

The vicar's second son, who leaves home to make his fortune and returns with wit, experience, and a heart still fixed on Arabella Wilmot.

## Who they are

George Primrose is the family's adventurer, sent into the world with little more than a good education and a willingness to try his luck at anything from acting to teaching. His love for the wealthy Arabella Wilmot is thwarted by the matchmaking ambitions of Mr. Thornhill, and his pride makes him slow to accept charity even when he needs it most. His wanderings and his duel with Thornhill pull the family deeper into the snares of the neighborhood's most dangerous gentleman.

## In the story

### [The Vicar of Wakefield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/the-vicar-of-wakefield)

The eldest son, who is about to depart for London to seek his fortune.

### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/i)

Eldest son, educated at Oxford, intended for a learned profession.

### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/ii)

The eldest son, who is engaged to Miss Arabella Wilmot and deeply affected by the loss of fortune.

### [A Migration](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/iii)

George departs for London on foot with a blessing, five guineas, a staff, and a book from his father.

### [Chapter XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xix)

He is discovered as a new performer in a strolling company, becomes emotional upon seeing his father and Miss Wilmot, and later joins them at Mr. Arnold's.

### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xx)

Narrates his own story of failed schemes, poverty, and service to Mr. Thornhill.

### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxi)

George receives an ensign's commission procured by Mr. Thornhill and departs for the West Indies.

### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxii)

Awakened by the fire, he helps wake the family and later brings Olivia home.

### [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxiii)

Sent by his father to old Mr. Wilmot's to confirm the marriage report and deliver a letter; returns with confirmation but unable to deliver the letter.

### [Chapter XXIV: Fresh Calamities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxiv)

Clears snow from the door and alerts the family to the arrival of the officers; assists in preparing for departure.

### [Chapter XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxv)

Leads one of the little ones by the hand during the journey.

### [Chapter XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxviii)

George's letter is read aloud; he is happy, favored by his colonel, and unaware of the family's misfortunes.

### [Happier Prospects Begin to Appear](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxx)

Brought into the prison in irons, shows reverence upon seeing Sir William.

### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxxi)

Freed from imprisonment and enters handsomely dressed in regimentals; bows to Miss Wilmot.

### [The Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxxii)

Visits his father early in the morning to share news of the recovered fortune and offers to release his father from the settlement; marries Miss Arabella Wilmot.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/characters/george
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/characters