# Moses Primrose — The Vicar of Wakefield character guide

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

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0002-i

## Snapshot

The vicar's bookish eldest son, whose head is so full of learning that a sharp stranger can empty his pockets with a single tale of wonder.

## Who they are

Moses Primrose is the family's scholar, sent to market with the household's money and returning with nothing but a gross of green spectacles and a pocketful of regret. His credulity and appetite for knowledge make him easy prey for flatterers and conmen, yet his earnestness keeps him likable rather than foolish. His misadventure at the fair sets the pattern for the family's collisions with a world far more cunning than their fireside ever prepared them for.

## In the story

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

Second son, educated at home and designed for business.

### [A Proof That Even the Humblest Fortune May Grant Happiness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/iv)

Engages in philosophical arguments with his father during meals.

### [A New and Great Acquaintance Introduced](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/v)

Moses attempts to engage Mr. Thornhill with questions from the ancients, but is laughed at for his efforts.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/vi)

Defends Mr. Burchell's character and cites an ancient fable to argue against unnecessary cruelty.

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

Engages in a debate with Thornhill and is ridiculed, sitting silently for the rest of the evening.

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

Engages in a literary debate about Ovid versus Gay, preferring the Roman poet's use of contrast.

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

Trims the horses for the church expedition, though the plan ends in mishap.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xii)

The son sent to sell the colt; he returns having been tricked into buying a gross of green spectacles.

### [The Family Use Art, Which Is Opposed with Still Greater](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xvi)

The son, to be depicted in the portrait with a hat and white feather.

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

Engages in lighthearted banter about marriage markets before the crisis erupts.

### [Chapter XXVI: A Reformation in the Gaol](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxvi)

The Vicar's son, who is instructed to work as a day-laborer to support the family. He forgives Mr. Jenkinson for a past deception.

### [Chapter XXVII: The Vicar's Reform of the Prisoners](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxvii)

Mentioned among the family who disapprove of the Vicar's scheme.

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

Leads one of the Miss Flamboroughs at the wedding; has taken a liking to her and may seek his father's consent.

## Links

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