These Old Shades · Character

Lord Rupert Alastair

The Duke of Avon's charming, reckless younger brother, a gambler who masks sharp instincts beneath his foppish chatter and comic horror of poets.

supporting

Also known as Lord Rupert, Rupert, Alastair

First appearance: XIV: The Appearance on the Scene of Lord Rupert Alastair

As a supporting figure in These Old Shades, Lord Rupert Alastair is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned as Avon's mad brother, possibly in a sponging house or living on Edward Marling's bounty.

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Rupert moves through the Polite World as a lounging man about town, forever betting Merivale a monkey on his brother's schemes and fleeing drawing rooms where anyone reads verse. Yet his real tension is loyalty: he has lived with Justin for years and knows that still waters run deep, that the quarrel with Saint-Vire was never forgotten. His gleeful suspicion that 'there's something afoot' makes him the reader's first hint that Avon is playing a long game.

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See Lord Rupert Alastair in XIV: The Appearance on the Scene of Lord Rupert Alastair

Character Web

54 connections

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Other

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Court, society, and extended cast
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This chapter is the dramatic climax because it marks the psychological and emotional peak of the Duke of Avon’…

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In the story

Lord Rupert Alastair appears across 19 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Introducing the Comte de Saint-Vire
Mentioned as Avon's mad brother, possibly in a sponging house or living on Edward Marling's bounty.
XIV: The Appearance on the Scene of Lord Rupert Alastair
Arrives at Merivale with much baggage, curious about the Duke's ward and the rumors surrounding her.
Lord Rupert Makes the Acquaintance of Léonie
Visits the Court to meet Léonie, charms Madam Field, and becomes Léonie's fencing partner and friend.
XVI: The Coming of the Comte de Saint-Vire
Spends his days with Léonie, teaching her to fish and quarreling with her like a child. He is suspicious of Saint-Vire's presence and notes the resemblance between Saint-Vire and Léonie.
Of a Capture, a Chase, and Confusion
Chases Léonie, then pursues the coach to Portsmouth but arrives too late.
XVIII: The Indignation of Mr. Manvers
Has been staying with the Merivales; is in pursuit of Saint-Vire and Léonie.
Lord Rupert Wins the Second Trick
Follows Léonie to France, is wounded by Saint-Vire, but manages to rescue her. He is weak but determined, and they hide together.
His Grace of Avon Takes Command of the Game
Injured in the shoulder, recounts the rescue, and is ordered to rest by Avon.
XXI: The Discomfiture of the Comte de Saint-Vire
Mentioned as being above-stairs with an indisposition.
The Arrival of Another Player in the Game
Recovering from his wound, observes the change in Avon's behavior and deduces his brother's feelings for Léonie.
Mr. Marling Allows Himself to Be Persuaded
Debates with Fanny about Avon's intentions; jokes with Edward and supports the plan to travel to Paris.
XXIV: Hugh Davenant Is Agreeably Surprised
Spreads rumors about Léonie's beauty and hints at mystery; later goes out gambling with Marling.
XXV: Léonie Curtsies to the Polite World
Avon's rakish brother, dances with Léonie and is tasked by Avon to lead out Mademoiselle de Vauvallon.
XXVI: The Presentation of Léonie
Accompanies the party to Versailles, complains of gambling losses, and teases Léonie.
The Hand of Madame de Verchoureux
Offers to escort Léonie home; greets Merivale warmly.
The Disappearance of Léonie
Mentions plans to visit a new gaming-house in the Rue Chambéry; leaves with Fanny earlier in the evening.
His Grace of Avon Trumps the Comte's Ace
Arrives with d'Anvau and Lavoulère, is teased by Madame du Deffand, and admires Avon's regal appearance.
XXXI: His Grace of Avon Wins All
Mentioned as being present at the soirée and helping to guard the doors.
His Grace of Avon Astonishes Everyone for the Last Time
Optimistic about Avon's success, toasts the new Duchess.

Chapter companion notes

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See Lord Rupert Alastair in XIV: The Appearance on the Scene of Lord Rupert Alastair

See Lord Rupert Alastair in Introducing the Comte de Saint-Vire