# Le Fever — The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman character guide

> Le Fever in The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman by Laurence Sterne.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** lieutenant Le Fever, young Le Fever

**First appearance:** 0150-xvii

## Who they are

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

## Relationships

### [Uncle Toby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/characters/uncle_toby)

_friendship_

Le Fever is a dying lieutenant whom Toby and Trim compassionately befriend and care for, embodying Toby's kindness.

## In the story

### [To the Right Honourable John, Lord Viscount Spencer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/chapters/x)

Mentioned as the lieutenant whose death caused Toby prolonged sorrow, and whose story Susannah requests.

### [Book VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/chapters/book-vi)

A dying lieutenant whose story is recounted, highlighting themes of mortality and compassion.

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

His son is recommended by Uncle Toby to be Tristram's governor.

### [The Story of Le Fever](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/chapters/vi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/chapters/x-the-story-of-le-fever-continued)

Lying near death, briefly rallies upon seeing his son and Uncle Toby's kindness.

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

The deceased lieutenant, buried with military and ecclesiastical honors; his son is recommended as Tristram's preceptor.

### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/chapters/xii)

The deceased lieutenant; his affairs are settled by Uncle Toby, and his sword is saved for his son.

### [Chapter XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/chapters/xx)

Left to recover and get home from Marseilles as he can.

### [Chapter XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/chapters/xl)

His episode marks the end of a section of the narrative.

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

Mentioned in passing as the poor Le Fever who died at the little inn not yet built.

### [The Siege of Widow Wadman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/chapters/xxx)

Referenced through the regimental coat given to Trim to wear for his sake.

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

His regimental coat is worn by Corporal Trim for the occasion.

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

Mentioned as the former owner of the coat Trim is wearing.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/characters/le_fever
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tristram_shandy_se/characters