The Vicar of Wakefield · Character

Mr. Thornhill

The neighborhood squire whose polished manners, ready gallantries, and taste for both Primrose sisters make him the most dangerous kind of neighbor a country family can have.

major

Also known as Thornhill, young Mr. Thornhill, Master Thornhill

First appearance: i

As a major figure in The Vicar of Wakefield, Mr. Thornhill is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

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Thornhill moves through Wakefield society as its wealthiest and most eligible young man, dispensing favors and flattery with equal ease. His charm is genuine enough to fool the Primroses and calculated enough to serve…

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Character Web

19 connections

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

Relationship types

Family
Other

Character groups

Primrose family and associates
Protagonist

+14 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 chapter marks the dramatic climax because it captures the emotional and psychological peak of the Vicar’s…

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Relationships

Sir William Thornhill
family · negative
Sir William Thornhill
family · negative
Sir William Thornhill
family · negative

Relationship notes

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In the story

Mr. Thornhill appears across 16 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

A Migration
Mr. Thornhill is described by the landlord as a pleasure-seeking gentleman with a reputation for seducing farmer's daughters.
A New and Great Acquaintance Introduced
The young landlord introduces himself to the family, flatters the daughters, and accepts their hospitality, later sending a gift of venison.
Chapter VII
Visits the Primrose family, flirts with Olivia, and humiliates Moses in a mock philosophical argument.
Chapter VIII
Mentioned as having provided music and refreshments for a moonlight ball, and as the object of Olivia's affections.
Chapter IX
Arrives with two ladies, leads the dance with Olivia, and makes a dishonorable proposal to her.
XIV
Visits the family to inform them that the daughters' journey to London is canceled due to malicious reports.
The Family Use Art, Which Is Opposed with Still Greater
Visits frequently, flatters Olivia, and agrees to be painted as Alexander the Great in the family portrait, hinting at his intentions.
Chapter XVII
Appears dejected by Olivia's engagement to Williams, but makes no honorable declaration; he eventually elopes with Olivia.
XVIII
Questioned by the Vicar; denies involvement in Olivia's elopement.
Chapter XX
Referred to as Ned Thornhill, George's old university friend and patron who employs him and later recommends him to his uncle.
Chapter XXI
Thornhill courts Miss Wilmot, procures a commission for George, and is revealed as Olivia's seducer.
Chapter XXIII
Reported to be marrying Miss Wilmot, despite his earlier contempt for her; his breach of fidelity deepens Olivia's affliction.
Chapter XXIV: Fresh Calamities
Visits the family with false assurances, proposes a degrading arrangement for Olivia, and retaliates by having the Vicar arrested for debt.
Chapter XXVIII
Mr. Thornhill rejects the Vicar's submission, is preparing for marriage in three days, and is described as facetious and cruel.
Happier Prospects Begin to Appear
Sends a message requesting to appear and vindicate his innocence.
XXXI
Attempts to defend himself but is exposed as a villain by Jenkinson and the butler.

Chapter companion notes

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