# Mr. Thornhill — The Vicar of Wakefield character guide

> Mr. Thornhill in The Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith.

**Role:** major

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

**First appearance:** 0002-i

## Snapshot

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.

## Who they are

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 his appetites, and his interest in Olivia and Sophia alike signals trouble beneath the courtesy. He embodies the worldliness the vicar's household is least equipped to resist.

## Relationships

### [Sir William Thornhill](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/characters/sir_william_thornhill)

_family_

Mr. Thornhill is Sir William's unscrupulous nephew, whose actions bring shame and conflict to the family.

### [Sir William Thornhill](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/characters/sir_william_thornhill)

_family_

Mr. Thornhill is Sir William's unscrupulous nephew, whose actions bring shame and conflict to the family.

### [Sir William Thornhill](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/characters/sir_william_thornhill)

_family_

Mr. Thornhill is Sir William's unscrupulous nephew, whose actions bring shame and conflict to the family.

## In the story

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

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/v)

The young landlord introduces himself to the family, flatters the daughters, and accepts their hospitality, later sending a gift of venison.

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

Visits the Primrose family, flirts with Olivia, and humiliates Moses in a mock philosophical argument.

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

Mentioned as having provided music and refreshments for a moonlight ball, and as the object of Olivia's affections.

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

Arrives with two ladies, leads the dance with Olivia, and makes a dishonorable proposal to her.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xvi)

Visits frequently, flatters Olivia, and agrees to be painted as Alexander the Great in the family portrait, hinting at his intentions.

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

Appears dejected by Olivia's engagement to Williams, but makes no honorable declaration; he eventually elopes with Olivia.

### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xviii)

Questioned by the Vicar; denies involvement in Olivia's elopement.

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

Thornhill courts Miss Wilmot, procures a commission for George, and is revealed as Olivia's seducer.

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

Visits the family with false assurances, proposes a degrading arrangement for Olivia, and retaliates by having the Vicar arrested for debt.

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

Sends a message requesting to appear and vindicate his innocence.

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

Attempts to defend himself but is exposed as a villain by Jenkinson and the butler.

## Links

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