# Augustus Melmotte — The Way We Live Now character guide > Augustus Melmotte in The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Mr. Melmotte, Melmotte, old Melmotte, the great Melmotte **First appearance:** 0001-ii-the-carbury-family ## Snapshot A colossal financier of uncertain origin whose Grosvenor Square grandeur and Abchurch Lane schemes make dukes court him and rivals whisper that he is the greatest swindler alive. ## Who they are Melmotte arrives in London with a fortune made abroad, a wife who barely speaks English, and a talent for making money dear or cheap as he pleases; within a year a Royal Prince and the cream of duchesses are dining at his table. He is purse-proud, bullying, and magnificent, a man whose power redeems his vulgar face but never quite his reputation. He matters because every ambition in the novel—social, financial, marital—must pass through him, and no one, including his own daughter, can decide whether he is a genius or a fraud. ## Relationships ### [Lord Nidderdale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/characters/lord_nidderdale) _professional_ Melmotte cultivates Lord Nidderdale as a potential son-in-law to gain social status, while Nidderdale is interested in Marie's dowry. ### [Sir Felix Carbury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/characters/sir_felix_carbury) _professional_ Melmotte initially welcomes Felix as a suitor for Marie, but later sees him as a worthless fortune hunter. ### [Sir Felix Carbury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/characters/sir_felix_carbury) _professional_ Melmotte initially welcomes Felix as a suitor for Marie, but later sees him as a worthless fortune hunter. ### [Lord Nidderdale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/characters/lord_nidderdale) _professional_ Melmotte cultivates Lord Nidderdale as a potential son-in-law to gain social status, while Nidderdale is interested in Marie's dowry. ### [Lord Nidderdale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/characters/lord_nidderdale) _professional_ Melmotte cultivates Lord Nidderdale as a potential son-in-law to gain social status, while Nidderdale is interested in Marie's dowry. ### [Sir Felix Carbury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/characters/sir_felix_carbury) _professional_ Melmotte initially welcomes Felix as a suitor for Marie, but later sees him as a worthless fortune hunter. ## In the story ### [The Beargarden](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/iii-the-beargarden) Mentioned as being more concerned with dukes than his daughter's suitors. ### [Madame Melmotte's Ball](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/iv-madame-melmotte-s-ball) Hosts the grand ball, demonstrating his wealth and social ambition; interacts with Lord Alfred Grendall. ### [Lovesick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/viii-lovesick) Characterized as a gigantic swindler whose house Roger considers disgraceful. ### [The Great Railway to Vera Cruz](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/ix-the-great-railway-to-vera-cruz) Millionaire financier; agrees to consider the railway proposal and becomes chairman of the new company. ### [Mr. Fisker's Success](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/x-mr-fisker-s-success) Chairman of the British branch of the railway company; gives an awkward but effective speech at the farewell dinner, embodying the speculative spirit. ### [Sir Felix in His Mother's House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xii-sir-felix-in-his-mother-s-house) The wealthy financier whose approval Felix needs to marry Marie; Lady Carbury speculates on his motives. ### [XIII: The Longestaffes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xiii-the-longestaffes) Receives Longestaffe in his office, explains he cannot create property, and refuses him a seat on the railway board. ### [Carbury Manor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xiv-carbury-manor) Referenced as the chairman of the railway board, viewed by Roger as a gigantic swindler. ### [You Should Remember That I Am His Mother.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xv-you-should-remember-that-i-am-his-mother) Mentioned as an adventurer and swindler; his daughter Marie is the object of Felix's matrimonial plans. ### [Lady Pomona’s Dinner Party](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xx-lady-pomona-s-dinner-party) Dines with Lady Carbury, is dismissive of her flattery, and shows little interest in Sir Felix's role at the board. ### [Everybody Goes to Them](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxi-everybody-goes-to-them) Melmotte extends an invitation to Georgiana to stay with his family, a move that underscores his growing social influence. ### [Lord Nidderdale’s Morality](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxii-lord-nidderdale-s-morality) Defends his preferential treatment of Lord Alfred, dismisses Nidderdale's complaint, and hints at future rewards if Nidderdale marries Marie. ### [Yes;—I'm a Baronet.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxiii-yes-i-m-a-baronet) Receives Felix in the book-room; sternly interrogates him about his finances, asserting that 'money expects money' and demanding a clear statement of income. ### [In Grosvenor Square](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxv-in-grosvenor-square) Described as the general enemy in his household, aware that no one trusts him; he values his daughter for potential aristocratic alliances. ### [Mrs. Hurtle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxvi-mrs-hurtle) Discussed by Mrs. Hurtle as a figure of commercial grandeur; Paul privately considers him a scoundrel. ### [Dolly Longestaffe Goes Into the City](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxviii-dolly-longestaffe-goes-into-the-city) Cordially handles the financial transaction between Dolly and Felix, buying shares for Felix without revealing details. ### [Miss Melmotte's Courage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxix-miss-melmotte-s-courage) Present at Grosvenor Square but takes no notice of Felix; is described as having a heavy sternness and being dismissive of Marie's refusal to marry Nidderdale. ### [Mr. Melmotte's Promise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxx-mr-melmotte-s-promise) Attends Lady Carbury's party, makes awkward conversation, and privately threatens to disinherit Marie if she marries Felix while offering to make Felix's fortune if he withdraws. ### [Lady Monogram](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxxii-lady-monogram) Host of Georgiana; his social success is shadowed by rumors of swindling and his candidacy for Parliament. ### [Melmotte's Glory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxxv-melmotte-s-glory) Reaches peak of commercial greatness, buying Pickering Park, standing for Parliament, and planning the Emperor's dinner; threatens Marie for refusing Nidderdale. ### [The Boardroom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-boardroom) Dictates the renunciation letter, bribes Felix with £200 and promises of shares, and dominates the board meeting to suppress Paul Montague. ### [Paul Montague's Troubles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxxviii-paul-montague-s-troubles) Involved in the Railway Board; avoids Paul but takes Felix into a private room, suggesting a secret alliance. ### [XL: “Unanimity Is the Very Soul of These Things.”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xl-unanimity-is-the-very-soul-of-these-things) Pressures Paul for unanimity, offers a bribe of a dinner ticket, and discusses the railway scheme. ### [All Prepared](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xli-all-prepared) Mentioned as conducting business on Sunday morning and as the source of the money Marie hopes to access; his opposition to the elopement is implied. ### [Can You Be Ready in Ten Minutes?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xlii-can-you-be-ready-in-ten-minutes) Mentioned as having made a proposal to Paul to go to Mexico; Paul reflects on Melmotte's offer and the possibility of getting his money back. ### [The Coming Election](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xliv-the-coming-election) The Conservative candidate for Westminster, praised as a commercial genius and attacked as a fraud; his campaign is marked by grand promises and legal threats. ### [Mr. Melmotte Is Pressed for Time](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xlv-mr-melmotte-is-pressed-for-time) Pressed for time with electioneering, dinner preparations, and commercial affairs; handles Sir Felix and Paul Montague briefly. ### [The Journey to Liverpool](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/l-the-journey-to-liverpool) Arranges to have Marie intercepted at Liverpool, confronts her upon her return, and threatens to prosecute Sir Felix for stealing the cheque. ### [The India Office](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/liv-the-india-office) Melmotte is the central figure of the chapter, portrayed as losing his head amid his political campaign. He becomes increasingly arrogant and vulgar, scolding Earls and snubbing Dukes, and at the India Office, he drunkenly demands an introduction to the Emperor of China from Lord De Griffin. ### [Clerical Charities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lv-clerical-charities) Discussed extensively in Suffolk and at the Bishop's dinner; his charitable donations and conversion to Catholicism are central topics. ### [Father Barham Visits London](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lvi-father-barham-visits-london) Agitated about seating for the Emperor's dinner, dismisses Father Barham rudely, but later feels inflated by the priest's visit. ### [Lord Nidderdale Tries His Hand Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lvii-lord-nidderdale-tries-his-hand-again) Preoccupied with political and social engagements, including a priest's visit and preparations for a dinner with an Imperial Majesty; dismissive of the priest's concerns. ### [Mr. Squercum Is Employed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lviii-mr-squercum-is-employed) Subject of forgery rumors; accused of forging Dolly's signature to acquire the Pickering property. ### [The Dinner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lix-the-dinner) Hosts the grand dinner, becomes anxious and bewildered as many guests fail to appear, and desperately seeks answers from his allies. ### [Miss Longestaffe's Lover](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lx-miss-longestaffe-s-lover) His grand reception tickets are a hot commodity; the Melmottes approve of Georgiana's engagement to Brehgert. ### [Lady Monogram Prepares for the Party](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxi-lady-monogram-prepares-for-the-party) The subject of spreading rumors about forgery and ruin; his grand reception is the focal point of the chapter. ### [The Party](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxii-the-party) Hosts the party, reflects on his precarious position, and resolves to face his dangers with courage. ### [Mr. Melmotte on the Day of the Election](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxiii-mr-melmotte-on-the-day-of-the-election) Melmotte rises early, destroys documents in Mr. Longestaffe's study, walks through London with a triumphant smile, and visits his bank to maintain appearances despite the election and fraud rumors. ### [The Election](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxiv-the-election) Returns home comforted by the day's proceedings, swaggers before his wife and servants, receives a letter from Slow and Bideawhile, and learns he has been elected for Westminster. ### [Sir Felix Protects His Sister](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxvii-sir-felix-protects-his-sister) Pays Sir Felix with depreciated railway scrip instead of cash, reflecting his own financial troubles. ### [Miss Melmotte Declares Her Purpose](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxviii-miss-melmotte-declares-her-purpose) Suspicious and controlling, he interrogates Hetta and oversees the dismantling of his Grosvenor Square decorations, determined to maintain his parliamentary position despite his crumbling empire. ### [Melmotte in Parliament](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxix-melmotte-in-parliament) Takes his seat in Parliament, introduced by the Conservative leader, and later rises to make his maiden speech. ### [Marie's Fortune](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxxiii-marie-s-fortune) Struggles with financial pressures, the forgery of Dolly Longestaffe's signature, and his daughter's rebellion; considers the Nidderdale marriage as a strategic move. ### [Melmotte Makes a Friend](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxxiv-melmotte-makes-a-friend) Absent from the chapter but central to the club dispute and Marie's marriage negotiations; Dolly accuses him of forgery. ### [In Bruton Street](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxxv-in-bruton-street) Presents a desperate plea to avoid legal action, offering to pay the £50,000 by Friday to save his credit. ### [Another Scene in Bruton Street](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxxvii-another-scene-in-bruton-street) Attempts to coerce Marie into signing over property; loses his temper and becomes violent when she refuses. ### [Mr. Cohenlupe Leaves London](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxxxi-mr-cohenlupe-leaves-london) Promises to pay Dolly on Friday; later arrives at his office in Abchurch Lane, and that night sits up alone drinking and smoking, doing no work. ### [LXXXII: Marie's Perseverance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxxxii-marie-s-perseverance) Confronts his clerk Croll, who returns forged documents from Brehgert, revealing that his forgery has been discovered but not yet exposed. ### [Melmotte Again at the House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxxxiii-melmotte-again-at-the-house) Defiantly attends the House, drinks heavily, and collapses after attempting to speak. ### [Breakfast in Berkeley Square](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxxxv-breakfast-in-berkeley-square) Reported dead; his drunken speech in the House and subsequent death are central to the chapter. ### [The Meeting in Bruton Street](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxxxvi-the-meeting-in-bruton-street) Dead by suicide, his body lies in the study; his ruin is attributed to Cohenlupe's desertion and the fall of railway shares. ### [The Inquest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxxxviii-the-inquest) Found dead from prussic acid; the inquest determines he was not insane, leading to a verdict of felo de se. ### [The Wheel of Fortune](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxxxix-the-wheel-of-fortune) Mentioned as having poisoned himself, with the inquest held the previous Saturday. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/characters/augustus_melmotte - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/characters