# Mr. Morton — Waverley character guide

> Mr. Morton in Waverley by Walter Scott.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Morton, the Reverend Mr. Morton

**First appearance:** 0036-part-ii-ii-an-examination

## Snapshot

A kindly clergyman who argues for mercy over severity, insisting that youth misled by visionary chivalry may yet deserve pardon rather than the halter.

## Who they are

Morton is the minister invited to remain during Waverley's examination, and he becomes the prisoner's only advocate in the room. Where Major Melville sees a case for the law, Morton sees a young man whose guilt is not yet established, and he pleads the claims of moral motive against the machinery of justice. His quiet debate with Melville frames the novel's central question of how a well-ordered society should treat those who err from romance rather than malice.

## In the story

### [Shows That the Loss of a Horse's Shoe May Be a Serious Inconvenience](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-ii-i-shows-that-the-loss-of-a-horse-s-show-may-be-a-serious-inconvenience)

The venerable clergyman of Cairnvreckan; calms the mob, tends to the wounded smith, and arranges for Waverley to be taken before the justice of the peace.

### [An Examination](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-ii-ii-an-examination)

Present during the examination; he is inclined to see Waverley's surprise as a sign of innocence.

### [A Conference and the Consequence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-ii-iii-a-conference-and-the-consequence)

The clergyman of Cairnvreckan; argues for mercy and a more charitable view of Waverley's actions; requests a private interview with the prisoner.

### [A Confidant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-ii-iv-a-confidant)

Visits Waverley, offers his help, and listens to his account of events.

### [Things Mend a Little](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-ii-v-things-mend-a-little)

Acts as mediator between Waverley and Major Melville; uses tact to persuade Waverley to accept the invitation and helps lighten the mood at dinner.

### [A Volunteer Sixty Years Since](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-ii-vi-a-volunteer-sixty-years-since)

Present at the exchange, shares an affectionate farewell with Waverley.

### [What’s to Be Done Next?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxiii-what-s-to-be-done-next)

The Scottish parson who corresponded with Colonel Talbot and helped secure Donald Bean Lean's confession.

### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-ii-xlii)

Arrives as a guest and is asked to say grace.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/characters/mr_morton
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/waverley_se/characters