# Sir Felix Carbury — The Way We Live Now character guide > Sir Felix Carbury in The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Felix, Felix Carbury, Carbury, Sir Carbury **First appearance:** 0001-ii-the-carbury-family ## Snapshot A handsome, idle baronet who treats love, money, and his mother's patience as resources to be spent, and Marie Melmotte's fortune as the prize that will reset his debts. ## Who they are Sir Felix drifts through London clubs and drawing-rooms with charm enough to be forgiven and no income to justify it, forever calculating what a good marriage might pay off. His pursuit of the Melmotte heiress is less romance than arithmetic, and his casual cruelty toward his sister and mother exposes how little he thinks of anyone who cannot fund him. He matters because his gambling, borrowing, and bluster drag the Carbury name into the very circles where Melmotte's money is being made and tested. ## Relationships ### [Ruby Ruggles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/characters/ruby_ruggles) _romantic_ Ruby is infatuated with the charming but irresponsible Felix, who seduces her with promises he never intends to keep. ### [Lady Carbury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/characters/lady_carbury) _family_ Lady Carbury dotes on her son Felix, constantly excusing his reckless behavior and trying to shield him from consequences. ### [Marie Melmotte](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/characters/marie_melmotte) _romantic_ Marie is passionately in love with Felix and agrees to elope with him, despite his obvious interest in her fortune. ### [Roger Carbury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/characters/roger_carbury) _family_ Roger is Felix's cousin and stern moral critic, constantly reproaching him for his dissolute lifestyle. ### [Mrs. Hurtle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/characters/mrs_hurtle) _romantic_ Mrs. Hurtle briefly flirts with Felix as a way to make Paul jealous, but she despises his cowardice. ### [Hetta Carbury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/characters/hetta_carbury) _family_ Hetta is ashamed of her brother Felix's behavior and frequently clashes with him over his dishonesty. ### [Augustus Melmotte](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/characters/augustus_melmotte) _professional_ Melmotte initially welcomes Felix as a suitor for Marie, but later sees him as a worthless fortune hunter. ### [Lady Carbury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/characters/lady_carbury) _family_ Lady Carbury dotes on her son Felix, constantly excusing his reckless behavior and trying to shield him from consequences. ### [Hetta Carbury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/characters/hetta_carbury) _family_ Hetta is ashamed of her brother Felix's behavior and frequently clashes with him over his dishonesty. ### [Ruby Ruggles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/characters/ruby_ruggles) _romantic_ Ruby is infatuated with the charming but irresponsible Felix, who seduces her with promises he never intends to keep. ### [Roger Carbury](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/characters/roger_carbury) _family_ Roger is Felix's cousin and stern moral critic, constantly reproaching him for his dissolute lifestyle. ### [Augustus Melmotte](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/characters/augustus_melmotte) _professional_ Melmotte initially welcomes Felix as a suitor for Marie, but later sees him as a worthless fortune hunter. ## In the story ### [The Carbury Family](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/ii-the-carbury-family) Lady Carbury's handsome, selfish son, who is incapable of genuine affection and lives only for immediate gratification. ### [The Beargarden](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/iii-the-beargarden) Asks his mother for money, gambles at the Beargarden, wins over £700, and goes hunting. ### [Madame Melmotte's Ball](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/iv-madame-melmotte-s-ball) Dances with Marie Melmotte, showing physical animation and charm; pursues her as a potential heiress. ### [After the Ball](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/v-after-the-ball) Wins nearly £2,000 from Grasslough and over £400 from Grendall at the Beargarden; returns to the club after the ball to continue gambling. ### [Mentor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/vii-mentor) Avoids Roger but is caught; defiantly defends his gambling and hopes to marry Marie Melmotte; returns £20 to Roger. ### [Lovesick](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/viii-lovesick) Described as having 'grovelled in the gutters' and being a potential professional gambler. ### [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) Mentioned as a potential director; later listed among the directors of the railway company. ### [Mr. Fisker's Success](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/x-mr-fisker-s-success) A director of the railway and member of the Beargarden; helps introduce Paul Montague to club life. ### [Lady Carbury at Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xi-lady-carbury-at-home) Lady Carbury's son, flirts with Marie Melmotte during the gathering. ### [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) Returns home drunk in the early morning after a night at the Beargarden, evasive about his proposal to Marie Melmotte. ### [Carbury Manor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xiv-carbury-manor) Mentioned as a director of the Great American Railway, which Roger despises. ### [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) Expected to visit Carbury Manor on Saturday; his pursuit of Marie Melmotte is the central point of contention. ### [Marie Melmotte Hears a Love Tale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xvii-marie-melmotte-hears-a-love-tale) Arrives late at Carbury Manor, lies about his delay, and proposes to Marie Melmotte for her money. ### [Ruby Ruggles Hears a Love Tale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xviii-ruby-ruggles-hears-a-love-tale) Felix arranges a clandestine meeting with Ruby, flatters her with empty promises, and privately resolves not to keep his next appointment. He views the affair as a casual amusement and plans to lure her to London. ### [XIX: Hetta Carbury Hears a Love Tale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xix-hetta-carbury-hears-a-love-tale) Discusses returning to London but is persuaded by his mother to stay for the Longestaffes' dinner; reveals that Marie Melmotte has accepted him. ### [Lady Pomona’s Dinner Party](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xx-lady-pomona-s-dinner-party) Sits next to Marie Melmotte at dinner, discusses their engagement, and considers the risks of eloping with her. ### [Lord Nidderdale’s Morality](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxii-lord-nidderdale-s-morality) Anxious about being jockeyed out of profits, he questions Nidderdale about shares and later fears Melmotte's power over his marriage prospects. ### [Yes;—I'm a Baronet.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxiii-yes-i-m-a-baronet) Hesitates to propose to Marie Melmotte, calculating financial risks; eventually visits Melmotte but is humiliated by the financier's probing questions about his income and property. ### [Miles Grendall's Triumph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxiv-miles-grendall-s-triumph) Desperate to raise money to impress Melmotte, he tries to collect debts from Dolly and Miles, and later suspects Miles of cheating at cards. ### [In Grosvenor Square](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxv-in-grosvenor-square) His letter to Marie lacks passion, causing her disappointment. ### [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) Distressed by Miles Grendall's cheating, he seeks Dolly's help to recover money and invest in railway shares, but is indifferent to Marie's affections. ### [Miss Melmotte's Courage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxix-miss-melmotte-s-courage) Contemplates Marie's proposal to elope and rob her father; is urged by his mother to run away with Marie; visits Grosvenor Square and is embraced by Marie despite the risk. ### [Mr. Melmotte's Promise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxx-mr-melmotte-s-promise) Discussed as being engaged to Marie Melmotte; his mother considers his prospects and the risk of ruin if he marries without money. ### [Mr. Broune Has Made Up His Mind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxxi-mr-broune-has-made-up-his-mind) Mentioned as a potential burden or beneficiary of Lady Carbury's possible marriage to Mr. Broune. ### [John Crumb](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxxiii-john-crumb) Mentioned as the London lover who made an appointment with Ruby but neglected to keep it, fueling her refusal of John Crumb. ### [Ruby Ruggles Obeys Her Grandfather](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxxiv-ruby-ruggles-obeys-her-grandfather) Suspected by Daniel Ruggles and John Crumb of being involved with Ruby; Roger Carbury doubts his involvement. ### [Melmotte's Glory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxxv-melmotte-s-glory) Invests his winnings from the Beargarden in Melmotte's shares, but later realizes he has nothing to sell. ### [Mr. Broune's Perils](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxxvi-mr-broune-s-perils) His drunkenness and dissipation are cited by Lady Carbury as reasons for her refusal, and Mr. Broune dreads having him in his household. ### [The Boardroom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-boardroom) Accepts Melmotte's bribe to write a renunciation letter, feels ashamed but continues gambling at the Beargarden. ### [Paul Montague's Troubles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxxviii-paul-montague-s-troubles) Seen in the city with Melmotte; Hetta fears he is being drawn into Melmotte's dishonest schemes. ### [I Do Love Him.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xxxix-i-do-love-him) Suspected by Roger of being involved with Ruby Ruggles' disappearance; lies about his knowledge. ### [All Prepared](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xli-all-prepared) Reluctantly agrees to the elopement plan, though he is plagued by doubts about the financial risks and his own commitment. ### [XLIII: The City Road](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xliii-the-city-road) Felix is Ruby's lover, seen at a music-hall in incognito attire. He refuses to promise marriage to Ruby, leading to their quarrel and her decision to leave him. ### [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) Visits Melmotte to demand his money back, receives only £200, and later taunts Paul Montague about Mrs. Hurtle. ### [Ruby a Prisoner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xlviii-ruby-a-prisoner) Ruby's lover, who agrees to meet her at the Music Hall on Tuesday before his planned departure for New York. ### [Sir Felix Makes Himself Ready](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xlix-sir-felix-makes-himself-ready) Anxious and reluctant, Felix finalizes elopement plans with Marie, receives money from Didon, and informs his mother. ### [The Journey to Liverpool](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/l-the-journey-to-liverpool) Fails to appear at Liverpool; remains in London after losing the elopement money at cards and drinking heavily. ### [Which Shall It Be?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/li-which-shall-it-be) Mentioned by Ruby as being possibly still in London; she has written to him but received no reply. ### [The Results of Love and Wine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lii-the-results-of-love-and-wine) Lies in bed all day, sick and ashamed after failing to elope with Marie Melmotte; confesses to having received £250 from her and losing it at play. ### [Clerical Charities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lv-clerical-charities) Referenced in connection with the failed elopement and as a recipient of funds from his mother, which Roger disapproves of. ### [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) Referenced indirectly through the £250 paid by Mr. Broune on account of money Sir Felix took from Marie Melmotte. ### [So Shall Be My Enmity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxvi-so-shall-be-my-enmity) Reported missing for several days; rumored to have drowned himself after the Melmotte affair. ### [Sir Felix Protects His Sister](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxvii-sir-felix-protects-his-sister) Financially desperate and idle, he tries to collect debts, receives worthless scrip from Melmotte, and resumes his pursuit of Ruby Ruggles. ### [Miss Melmotte Declares Her Purpose](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxviii-miss-melmotte-declares-her-purpose) Absent but central; his rejection of Marie is conveyed through Hetta, confirming the end of their engagement. ### [Sir Felix Meddles with Many Matters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxx-sir-felix-meddles-with-many-matters) Acts the protective brother by confronting Paul Montague, then visits Ruby Ruggles and clashes with Mrs. Hurtle over his intentions. ### [John Crumb Falls Into Trouble](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxxi-john-crumb-falls-into-trouble) Beaten by John Crumb, left bloodied and moaning, taken to hospital. ### [LXXII: “Ask Himself.”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxxii-ask-himself) Beaten by John Crumb; in the hospital with bruises, missing teeth, and cut lips; no broken bones. ### [Melmotte Makes a Friend](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxxiv-melmotte-makes-a-friend) Mentioned as having been thrashed in the streets over a young lady; Marie still harbors feelings for him but acknowledges his poor behavior. ### [Hetta and Her Lover](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxxvi-hetta-and-her-lover) Remains upstairs as an invalid, avoiding the world after being thrashed. ### [Ruby Prepares for Service](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxxx-ruby-prepares-for-service) Mentioned as having been beaten by John Crumb; he refuses to press charges, and Ruby begins to see him as unreliable and of little account. ### [LXXXII: Marie's Perseverance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxxxii-marie-s-perseverance) Refuses to see Marie, ashamed of his facial injuries and skeptical about her fortune, preferring to avoid the immediate nuisance of a scene. ### [Paul Montague’s Vindication](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/lxxxiv-paul-montague-s-vindication) Mentioned as Lady Carbury's son who may need to be taken abroad; his potential marriage to Marie Melmotte is discussed. ### [Where "The Wild Asses Quench Their Thirst"](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xcvi-where-the-wild-asses-quench-their-thirst) Arrives at the Beargarden seeking dinner and play, but finds the club in ruins. He announces his plan to travel with a clergyman, but is exposed as heartless and cowardly by Grasslough. ### [Marie Melmotte's Fate](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/chapters/xcviii-marie-melmotte-s-fate) Mentioned as Marie's former romantic interest; her infatuation with him is now over, and she views love as a learned lesson rather than genuine feeling. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_way_we_live_now_se/characters/sir_felix_carbury - 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