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The hero of the piece, described as a priest, husbandman, and father of a family.
The Vicar of Wakefield
The narrator and patriarch of the Primrose family, a clergyman who values virtue and simplicity.
Chapter I
The narrator and patriarch, who values family and moral living.
Chapter II
The narrator and vicar, who manages the spiritual affairs of his family and parish, and is a staunch monogamist.
A Migration
The narrator resolves to move his family to a small cure after losing his fortune, sends his son George to London, and offers charity to a stranger at an inn.
A Proof That Even the Humblest Fortune May Grant Happiness
Describes the family's new life and delivers a moral lecture on vanity.
A New and Great Acquaintance Introduced
The vicar observes the encounter with Mr. Thornhill and warns his family against forming disproportionate friendships.
VI
Delivers a moral lecture on the consequences of youthful extravagance, using Mr. Burchell as an example.
Chapter VII
Hosts the dinner, debates with Moses about freethinking, and expresses disapproval of Thornhill's character.
Chapter VIII
The narrator observes Mr. Burchell's growing attachment to his daughter and reflects on the merits of the two sexes in judging character.
Chapter IX
The Vicar hosts the ball, rebuffs Thornhill's proposal, and refuses to let his daughters go with the ladies.
Chapter X
The vicar reluctantly agrees to his family's plans for a genteel church appearance, later observing their misfortunes with secret satisfaction.
Chapter XI
The narrator observes the family's mortification at being seen in vulgar play, and later approves his wife's plan to secure companion positions for their daughters.
XII
The narrator and father, who reluctantly agrees to the horse sale and later consoles the family after Moses's poor bargain.
XIII
The vicar narrates, attempts to moralize the fable, and later reproves his wife for driving Burchell away.
XIV
The narrator goes to the fair to sell his horse, meets a stranger, and is duped into accepting a draft from the rogue Jenkinson.
XV
Discovers the letter and leads the confrontation with Burchell, ultimately delivering a moral allegory about guilt and shame.
The Family Use Art, Which Is Opposed with Still Greater
The vicar observes the family's schemes with some unease, ultimately consenting to the plan to pressure Mr. Thornhill.
Chapter XVII
The vicar insists on a deadline for Olivia's choice, then reacts with fury and later repentance upon learning of her elopement.
XVIII
The Vicar pursues his daughter, falls ill, borrows money, and meets a strolling player.
Chapter XIX
The Vicar visits Mr. Arnold's home, reunites with Miss Wilmot, and discovers his son George performing in a play.
Chapter XXI
The vicar learns the truth about Olivia's seduction and forgives her.
XXII
The vicar brings Olivia home, rescues his children from the fire, and advocates for forgiveness and family unity.
Chapter XXIII
Reads to his family, attempts to console Olivia with a story, and sends George to investigate Thornhill's marriage.
Chapter XXIV: Fresh Calamities
Remains steadfast in his moral principles, refusing Thornhill's offers and accepting imprisonment rather than compromising his honor.
Chapter XXV
The vicar leads his family to prison, calms his parishioners, and meets Mr. Jenkinson in gaol.
Chapter XXVI: A Reformation in the Gaol
The Vicar awakens to find his family in tears, reassures them, and arranges lodging. He preaches to the prisoners and attempts to reform them.
Chapter XXVII: The Vicar's Reform of the Prisoners
The Vicar devises and implements a plan to reform the prisoners, delivering moral instruction and organizing work programs.
Chapter XXVIII
The Vicar refuses to submit to Mr. Thornhill, despairs over Sophia's kidnapping, and receives George's letter.
Chapter XXIX
Delivers a sermon to his fellow prisoners on the consolations of religion.
Happier Prospects Begin to Appear
The vicar welcomes Sophia and Mr. Burchell, offers his daughter in marriage, and relates George's misfortunes.
XXXI
Silent during much of the confrontation; reflects on the accidental meeting with Miss Wilmot.
The Conclusion
Awakens to find his son George by his bedside, learns of restored fortune, officiates the weddings, and presides over the joyful family gathering.
