Uncle Silas
Maud's uncle, a mysterious figure with a dark reputation, living at Bartram-Haugh.
Uncle Silas
Maud's mysterious uncle, depicted in a portrait as handsome but associated with great faults and wrongs.
A Curious Conversation
Uncle Silas is discussed as a younger brother who was 'a most expensive and vicious young man' and later suspected of murder, now living in a neglected state.
XIII: Before and After Breakfast
Maud reflects on her uncle Silas's portrait, imagining him as a prodigal, hero, and martyr. She feels a girlish admiration and hopes to vindicate him.
Austin Ruthyn Sets Out on His Journey
Rev. Fairfield describes Uncle Silas as a saintly and devout Christian, contradicting earlier suspicions.
XXII: Somebody in the Room with the Coffin
Sends a letter to Maud expressing grief and offering help, but Lady Knollys suspects he is scheming for her inheritance. He also sends his solicitor, Mr. Sleigh, to represent him.
I Talk with Doctor Bryerly
Uncle Silas is discussed as the subject of the will's provisions; Maud describes him as very religious, though she has never met him.
The Opening of the Will
Maud's uncle, appointed as her sole guardian; his representative is present at the reading.
XXV: I Hear from Uncle Silas
Sends a letter to Maud asserting his guardianship and warning against discussing him with Lady Knollys.
The Story of Uncle Silas
Uncle Silas is the subject of the story, depicted as a ruined gambler, a neglectful husband, and a man under suspicion of involvement in Mr. Charke's death.
More About Tom Charke’s Suicide
Discussed as the subject of the scandal; accused of involvement in Charke's death and debt, but defended himself in a published pamphlet.
I Am Persuaded
Uncle Silas is mentioned as the author of the letter directing Maud to come to Bartram-Haugh, and his reputation and past scandals are discussed at length.
How the Ambassador Fared
Uncle Silas is mentioned as having refused to vacate the guardianship, citing conscientious and reputational reasons.
XXXI: Bartram-Haugh
Uncle Silas is mentioned as the 'Governor' and is awaiting Maud in his room; Maud is about to meet him for the first time.
XXXII: Uncle Silas
Described as marble-faced, silver-haired, with fiery eyes; speaks with elegant precision, shows coldness toward Milly, questions Maud about her father's death.
The Windmill Wood
Referred to as 'the Governor' by Milly; his authority is invoked in the dispute over the gate.
XXXV: We Visit a Room in the Second Storey
Described as being in a 'queerish' daze, sometimes calling for people and then dismissing them.
I: An Arrival at Dead of Night
Maud's guardian; suffers from strange cataleptic episodes; silent and apathetic, but formidable in presence.
Doctor Bryerly Emerges
Uncle Silas converses with Doctor Bryerly, dismisses Maud's concerns about Dickon Hawkes, and scolds Milly for mentioning the chaise.
Cousin Monica and Uncle Silas Meet
Receives Lady Knollys in his room; his appearance is described as spectral and changed; he engages in ironic banter and refuses to let the girls leave immediately.
V: In Which I Make Another Cousin's Acquaintance
Uncle Silas praises Dudley extravagantly, defends his honesty, and dismisses Maud's concerns. He appears ill and uses eau-de-cologne.
VI: My Cousin Dudley
Uncle Silas is mentioned as having taken Dudley to task for neglect and as being engaged with the curate in prayer and disputation.
News at Bartram Gate
Sends a letter granting a week's extension of leave, with philosophical and religious admonitions.
A Friend Arises
In a coma after an overdose of opium; bled by Doctor Jolks; startles Maud by rising and snatching a Bible from her.
X: A Chapter-Full of Lovers
Uncle Silas is recovering but appears much weaker; he sees Lord Ilbury briefly.
The Rivals
Ill and reclining, he reviews the note and writes a curt reply to Captain Oakley.
Doctor Bryerly Reappears
Defends himself against Bryerly's accusations, using religious language and claiming persecution; forbids Bryerly from speaking privately with Maud.
XIII: Question and Answer
Uncle Silas interrogates Maud about Lady Knollys, writes a scathing refusal of the invitation, and later receives Maud's complaint about Dudley's proposal.
XIV: An Apparition
Silas pressures Maud to accept Dudley, appears devastated after her refusal, and suffers a fit following Dudley's departure.
XV: Milly’s Farewell
Uncle Silas pressures Maud to accept Dudley's proposal, pleading desperately and invoking his misery and the fate of the Ruthyn line.
XVI: Sarah Matilda Comes to Light
Uncle Silas initially feigns ignorance but becomes visibly disturbed upon reading the marriage notice. He interrogates Dudley with cold sarcasm and barely suppressed rage, revealing his manipulative and sinister nature.
XVII: The Picture of a Wolf
Reveals his financial ruin and plans to send Maud to France; displays a mysterious and intimidating nature.
An Odd Proposal
Uncle Silas reassures Maud about Dudley's departure but shows signs of agitation; his pale, averted look haunts Maud.
In Search of Mr. Charke's Skeleton
Uncle Silas dismisses Maud's accusations against Madame de la Rougierre, attributing them to a mistake or delusion, and insists Madame will remain as her companion.
I Conspire
Pretends Dudley is at sea while secretly harboring him; scrutinizes Maud's demeanor during their meeting.
The Letter
Confronts Maud with her intercepted letter, displaying a frightening and accusatory demeanor.
XXIII: Lady Knollys' Carriage
Receives Lady Knollys with feigned warmth, lies about Maud going to Elverston, and discusses his legal troubles and plans for Maud's custody.
XXIV: A Sudden Departure
Uncle Silas dictates a letter to Lady Knollys, citing an imminent execution threat, and orders Maud to leave for France with Madame.
The Journey
Sends a terse letter instructing Madame to take Maud to Dover, underlining the word 'Dover' in a way that alarms Maud.
XXVI: Our Bedchamber
Uncle Silas is implied to be behind Madame's scheme, as Maud suspects he ordered the trick to bring her back to Bartram-Haugh.
Spiced Claret
Confronts Maud in his room, dismisses her fears as insanity, and claims bailiffs are the reason for her changed room.
XXIX: The Hour of Death
Enters after the murder, directs Dudley and Hawkes, and shows cold calculation.
Conclusion
Found dead from an accidental overdose of laudanum; his religious sincerity is questioned.
