# Uncle Silas — Uncle Silas character guide

> Uncle Silas in Uncle Silas by J. Sheridan Le Fanu.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Silas, Mr. Ruthyn, Mr. Silas Ruthyn, Silas Ruthyn, Silas Aylmer Ruthyn, Monsieur Ruthyn, Uncle Silas Meet Cousin Monica

**First appearance:** 0004-volume-i-ii-uncle-silas

## Who they are

A ruined aesthete and suspected murderer who receives his orphaned niece at Bartram-Haugh with exquisite manners and a will that leaves her utterly in his power.

## Relationships

### [Maud Ruthyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters/maud_ruthyn)

_family_

Maud is the niece of Uncle Silas, who becomes her guardian after her father's death, but his sinister intentions create a tense and dangerous relationship.

### [Lady Knollys](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters/lady_knollys)

_rivalry_

Lady Knollys deeply distrusts Uncle Silas and actively opposes his influence over Maud, viewing him as a dangerous manipulator.

### [Milly Ruthyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters/milly_ruthyn)

_family_

Milly is Uncle Silas's daughter, but she is neglected and kept in ignorance by her father, who shows her little genuine care.

### [Doctor Bryerly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters/doctor_bryerly)

_rivalry_

Doctor Bryerly and Uncle Silas are antagonists, with Bryerly suspecting Silas of foul play and working to protect Maud's interests.

### [Madame de la Rougierre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters/madame_de_la_rougierre)

_psychological_

Madame de la Rougierre and Uncle Silas are co-conspirators in a plot to defraud and possibly murder Maud, bound by mutual greed and manipulation.

### [Lady Knollys](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters/lady_knollys)

_rivalry_

Lady Knollys deeply distrusts Uncle Silas and actively opposes his influence over Maud, viewing him as a dangerous manipulator.

### [Maud Ruthyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters/maud_ruthyn)

_family_

Maud is the niece of Uncle Silas, who becomes her guardian after her father's death, but his sinister intentions create a tense and dangerous relationship.

### [Madame de la Rougierre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters/madame_de_la_rougierre)

_psychological_

Madame de la Rougierre and Uncle Silas are co-conspirators in a plot to defraud and possibly murder Maud, bound by mutual greed and manipulation.

### [Maud Ruthyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters/maud_ruthyn)

_family_

Maud is the niece of Uncle Silas, who becomes her guardian after her father's death, but his sinister intentions create a tense and dangerous relationship.

### [Lady Knollys](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters/lady_knollys)

_rivalry_

Lady Knollys deeply distrusts Uncle Silas and actively opposes his influence over Maud, viewing him as a dangerous manipulator.

### [Milly Ruthyn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters/milly_ruthyn)

_family_

Milly is Uncle Silas's daughter, but she is neglected and kept in ignorance by her father, who shows her little genuine care.

### [Madame de la Rougierre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters/madame_de_la_rougierre)

_psychological_

Madame de la Rougierre and Uncle Silas are co-conspirators in a plot to defraud and possibly murder Maud, bound by mutual greed and manipulation.

## In the story

### [Uncle Silas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/uncle-silas)

Maud's uncle, a mysterious figure with a dark reputation, living at Bartram-Haugh.

### [Uncle Silas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-ii-uncle-silas)

Maud's mysterious uncle, depicted in a portrait as handsome but associated with great faults and wrongs.

### [A Curious Conversation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xx-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xxiii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xxiv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xxvi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xxvii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xxviii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xxix-how-the-ambassador-fared)

Uncle Silas is mentioned as having refused to vacate the guardianship, citing conscientious and reputational reasons.

### [XXXI: Bartram-Haugh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-xxxiii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-i-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-ii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-iv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-viii-news-at-bartram-gate)

Sends a letter granting a week's extension of leave, with philosophical and religious admonitions.

### [A Friend Arises](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-ix-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-x-a-chapter-full-of-lovers)

Uncle Silas is recovering but appears much weaker; he sees Lord Ilbury briefly.

### [The Rivals](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-xi-the-rivals)

Ill and reclining, he reviews the note and writes a curt reply to Captain Oakley.

### [Doctor Bryerly Reappears](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-xii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-xviii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-xix-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxi-i-conspire)

Pretends Dudley is at sea while secretly harboring him; scrutinizes Maud's demeanor during their meeting.

### [The Letter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxii-the-letter)

Confronts Maud with her intercepted letter, displaying a frightening and accusatory demeanor.

### [XXIII: Lady Knollys' Carriage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxviii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxix-the-hour-of-death)

Enters after the murder, directs Dudley and Hawkes, and shows cold calculation.

### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/chapters/volume-ii-conclusion)

Found dead from an accidental overdose of laudanum; his religious sincerity is questioned.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters/uncle_silas
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/uncle_silas_se/characters