Waverley · Character

Colonel Gardiner

A brave and excellent English officer whose intercepted letters and unanswered summonses leave Waverley superseded, disgraced, and unable to explain himself.

supporting

Also known as James, Gardiner, Colonel James Gardiner

First appearance: part ii vi a volunteer sixty years since

As a supporting figure in Waverley, Colonel Gardiner is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Commanding officer of Waverley's regiment, described as tall, handsome, active, and a religious enthusiast with a mysterious conversion story.

In the storyVII: A Horse-Quarter in ScotlandOpen this moment free

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Gardiner commands Waverley's regiment and writes him the final summons that never reaches him, so that his apparent neglect of orders becomes the pretext for his removal. He is a man of honor whose good opinion Waverley desperately wants, and the discovery that his letters were intercepted by Donald Bean's schemes forces Waverley to make amende honorable to his memory. His fate at Prestonpans hangs over the narrative as a reminder of what the rebellion costs men of principle.

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See Colonel Gardiner in part ii vi a volunteer sixty years since

Character Web

9 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Minor and Historical Figures
Central Jacobite and Waverley Circle
Hanoverian Authority and Allies
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this passage, Waverley reaches an emotional and psychological peak as he violently oscillates between self-…

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In the story

Colonel Gardiner appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

VII: A Horse-Quarter in Scotland
Commanding officer of Waverley's regiment, described as tall, handsome, active, and a religious enthusiast with a mysterious conversion story.
News from England
Sends a peremptory order for Edward to join the regiment; Edward writes a cold resignation in response.
A Conference and the Consequence
Waverley's commanding officer; wrote letters to Waverley about his conduct and the mutiny in his troop.
An Old and a New Acquaintance
His regiment is mentioned as one of the two horse regiments that threatened the Highlanders.
XVII: The Eve of Battle
Rides into view to reconnoitre, nearly shot by Callum Beg, but spared by a seer's intervention.
The Conflict
Falls in battle, receiving multiple wounds and dying after a sorrowful look at Waverley.
Rather Unimportant
Mentioned as deceased; Edward expresses sorrow for his death.
XXII: Intrigues of Love and Politics
Writes letters to Waverley expressing concern and later revises his opinion after Houghton's testimony.
Chapter of Accidents
His dying look and gesture haunt Edward's memory, reinforcing his regret over the civil conflict.
Endnotes
His death at the Battle of Prestonpans is described, with a quotation from Doddridge's account.

Chapter companion notes

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See Colonel Gardiner in part ii vi a volunteer sixty years since

See Colonel Gardiner in VII: A Horse-Quarter in Scotland