The Way We Live Now · Character

Mr. Broune

A powerful newspaper editor fond of handsome women, he trades editorial leniency for Lady Carbury's smiles and whispers, never quite sure when to stop.

supporting

Also known as Broune, Poor Mr. Broune, this Mr. Broune

First appearance: ii the carbury family

As a supporting figure in The Way We Live Now, Mr. Broune is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Editor of the 'Breakfast Table'; agrees to publish a favorable review after a personal interview with Lady Carbury, which includes an unwanted kiss.

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Broune edits the Morning Breakfast Table and holds real power over the literary fortunes of Lady Carbury, who cultivates him with calculated charm while angling for better payment and gentler reviews. When a moment of enthusiasm leads him to put his arm round her waist, she rebukes him with a smile rather than a rupture, preserving a friendship she needs more than he does. His mixture of professional authority and susceptible good nature makes him both useful and vulnerable in the novel's economy of favours.

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See Mr. Broune in ii the carbury family

Character Web

42 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central plot drivers
Minor and background figures
Lower-class and rural connections

+37 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 excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it reveals the central emotional and psychological crisis: Hett…

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Relationships

Lady Carbury
professional · ambivalent
Lady Carbury
professional · ambivalent
Lady Carbury
professional · ambivalent

Lady Carbury
Mr. Broune, as a newspaper editor, helps Lady Carbury publish her writings, while she flirts with him to secure his patronage.
Lady Carbury
Mr. Broune, as a newspaper editor, helps Lady Carbury publish her writings, while she flirts with him to secure his patronage.
Lady Carbury
Mr. Broune, as a newspaper editor, helps Lady Carbury publish her writings, while she flirts with him to secure his patronage.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Mr. Broune in ii the carbury family

In the story

Mr. Broune appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Three Editors
Editor of the 'Breakfast Table'; agrees to publish a favorable review after a personal interview with Lady Carbury, which includes an unwanted kiss.
Lady Carbury at Home
Editor of the Breakfast Table, supports Lady Carbury with a favorable review and personal attention.
Mr. Melmotte's Promise
Stays after the party to advise Lady Carbury; dismisses Melmotte's promise as unreliable and hesitates to endorse an elopement.
Mr. Broune Has Made Up His Mind
Declares his love and proposes to Lady Carbury, despite her initial disbelief and resistance.
Mr. Broune's Perils
Regrets his proposal immediately after making it, feels relief upon receiving Lady Carbury's refusal, and resolves to maintain their friendship.
The Coming Election
Discusses the election with Lady Carbury, criticizing Mr. Alf's tactics and the cost of libel actions.
The Results of Love and Wine
Advises Lady Carbury to recover the money from Felix and send him abroad; offers to help repay the sum.
Mr. Melmotte on the Day of the Election
Mr. Broune paid £250 to Melmotte on account of money taken by Sir Felix from Marie Melmotte.
The Election
Visits Lady Carbury to discuss the Melmotte scandal and the election; expresses uncertainty about Melmotte's guilt.
Hetta and Her Lover
Visits Lady Carbury daily, advises her on family matters, and shares news about Melmotte's troubles.
Paul Montague’s Vindication
Discusses Melmotte's likely ruin and forgery with Lady Carbury; advises against Felix marrying Marie Melmotte.
The Wheel of Fortune
Visits Lady Carbury, offers to arrange a favorable review for her novel, and shows continued affection.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mr. Broune unlock in the free preview.

See Mr. Broune in ii the carbury family

See Mr. Broune in Three Editors