# Lord Hovenden — Those Barren Leaves character guide

> Lord Hovenden in Those Barren Leaves by Aldous Huxley.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Hovenden, Young Lord Hovenden

**First appearance:** 0000-part-i-an-evening-at-mrs-aldwinkle-s

## Snapshot

A young, titled Englishman at the villa, amiably out of his depth in Italian and in the emotional errands others assign him.

## Who they are

When crisis strikes, Lord Hovenden is dispatched to Rome to fetch a specialist, dutifully writing down the talismanic name and confessing he is 'no good at ve language.' His blushing evasions about his own English doctor suggest a young man more comfortable being managed than managing. He embodies the well-meaning, slightly helpless Englishness against which the villa's artistic intensities play.

## Relationships

### [Irene](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/characters/irene)

_romantic_

Irene and Lord Hovenden are young lovers, with a sweet but somewhat naive romantic attachment.

### [Irene](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/characters/irene)

_romantic_

Irene and Lord Hovenden are young lovers, with a sweet but somewhat naive romantic attachment.

### [Irene](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/characters/irene)

_romantic_

Irene and Lord Hovenden are young lovers, with a sweet but somewhat naive romantic attachment.

## In the story

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/iv)

Walks apart, humming loudly to show he is occupied with his own thoughts, disturbed by Irene's knowledge of passion, and asks Mr. Falx about Fascist Trades Unions.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/vi)

Sighs over Irene's affection for her aunt; laughs at the suggestion he become an artist; defends Irene against Mrs. Aldwinkle's criticism.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/vii)

Finds Calamy's introspection incomprehensible; knows he likes dancing and desires Irene; drinks little wine.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/viii)

Mentioned by Mrs. Aldwinkle as the object of Irene's supposed affection; she claims he follows Irene 'like a dog.' Irene expresses genuine surprise at the suggestion.

### [Part III: The Loves of the Parallels](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/part-iii-the-loves-of-the-parallels)

Hovenden confronts Irene, reflecting the emotional snobbery and performance in their relationship.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/iv)

Confronts Irene about her avoidance and jealousy over Chelifer, then apologizes and kisses her, causing her distress.

### [Mrs. Chelifer's Arrival](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/x)

Welcomes Mrs. Chelifer; her arrival ends Irene's duties as a spy.

### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/xi)

Subject of Irene's thoughts and Mrs. Aldwinkle's speculation about his sexual orientation.

### [Part IV: The Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/part-iv-the-journey)

Confronts Irene about her behavior, adding tension to the group dynamic.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/i)

Transformed by speed from a shy, diffident boy into a cool-headed hero; his courage peaks in the car but wanes on solid ground.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/ii)

Accelerates the car; whispers to Irene about the paintings at Spoleto.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/iv)

Avoids the Labour Conference to spend time with Irene; shops for antiques and discusses wedding plans.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/v)

Appears suddenly on a barrow, runs to greet the party, and diplomatically avoids shaking Irene's hand.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/vi)

Mentioned as one who often pays for the dinners ordered by Mr. Cardan.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/viii)

Drives to Rome with Chelifer; admits he is poor at Italian and blushes when questioned about a previous doctor.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/chapters/ii)

Mentioned as Irene's love interest; she plans to marry him at the New Year.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/characters/lord_hovenden
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/those_barren_leaves_se/characters