The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman · Character

Le Fever

A dying lieutenant whose son is taken in by Uncle Toby and Trim.

minor

Also known as lieutenant Le Fever, young Le Fever

First appearance: xvii

Le Fever's tie to Uncle Toby is one of the pressures that moves The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

The story of Le Fever is inscribed to Lady Spencer.

In the storyTo the Right Honourable John, Lord Viscount SpencerOpen this moment free

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With Uncle Toby (friendship): Le Fever is a dying lieutenant whom Toby and Trim compassionately befriend and care for, embodying Toby's kindness. In To the Right Honourable John, Lord Viscount Spencer: The story of Le…

With Uncle Toby (friendship): Le Fever is a dying lieutenant whom Toby and Trim compassionately befriend and care for, embodying Toby's kindness.

In To the Right Honourable John, Lord Viscount Spencer: The story of Le Fever is inscribed to Lady Spencer.

Later, in The Kitchen Conference on Death and Toby's Kindness: Mentioned as the lieutenant whose death caused Toby prolonged sorrow, and whose story Susannah requests.

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See Le Fever in xvii

Character Web

17 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Shandy Household Core
Narrative and Historical Figures
Wide Cast of Digressions

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This passage is the dramatic climax because it depicts the precise moment the corporal’s long-standing resista…

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Relationships

Uncle Toby
friendship · positive
Le Fever is a dying lieutenant whom Toby and Trim compassionately befriend and care for,… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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See Le Fever in xvii

In the story

Le Fever appears across 18 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

To the Right Honourable John, Lord Viscount Spencer
The story of Le Fever is inscribed to Lady Spencer.
The Kitchen Conference on Death and Toby's Kindness
Mentioned as the lieutenant whose death caused Toby prolonged sorrow, and whose story Susannah requests.
Book VI
A dying lieutenant whose story is recounted, highlighting themes of mortality and compassion.
V
His son is recommended by Uncle Toby to be Tristram's governor.
The Story of Le Fever
The poor army officer lying ill at the inn, who asks for a glass of sack and a thin toast.
VII: The Story of Le Fever Continued
The dying lieutenant who recalls his service with Uncle Toby and the tragic death of his wife; kisses a ring tied with a black ribbon.
VIII: The Story of Le Fever Continued
The dying lieutenant; the object of Uncle Toby's charity, though he does not appear directly in this chapter.
X: The Story of Le Fever Continued
Lying near death, briefly rallies upon seeing his son and Uncle Toby's kindness.
Chapter XI
The deceased lieutenant, buried with military and ecclesiastical honors; his son is recommended as Tristram's preceptor.
Chapter XII
The deceased lieutenant; his affairs are settled by Uncle Toby, and his sword is saved for his son.
Chapter XII
Young Le Fever, the lieutenant's son, is educated by Uncle Toby, leaves school to join the army, and receives his father's sword and a purse of guineas.
Chapter XIII
Le Fever has suffered a series of mischances and is now ill at Marseilles, having lost his time, services, and health, but kept his sword.
Chapter XX
Left to recover and get home from Marseilles as he can.
Chapter XL
His episode marks the end of a section of the narrative.
Chapter VIII
Mentioned in passing as the poor Le Fever who died at the little inn not yet built.
The Siege of Widow Wadman
Referenced through the regimental coat given to Trim to wear for his sake.
Chapter II
His regimental coat is worn by Corporal Trim for the occasion.
V
Mentioned as the former owner of the coat Trim is wearing.

Chapter companion notes

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See Le Fever in xvii

See Le Fever in To the Right Honourable John, Lord Viscount Spencer