Waverley · Character

Prince Charles Edward Stuart

The young Chevalier whose landing with seven attendants has raised the Highlands, and who now confides his military situation to his newest adherent.

supporting

Also known as Charles Edward, Prince Charles, the Prince, Charles Stuart

First appearance: part ii xvii the eve of battle

As a supporting figure in Waverley, Prince Charles Edward Stuart is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned in the gallant hour of Holyrood.

In the storyEditor's Introduction to WaverleyOpen this moment free

See Prince Charles Edward Stuart in Editor's Introduction to Waverley Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Charles Edward appears at the height of his early success, having driven Cope's forces north and entered Edinburgh, and he treats Waverley as a valuable political acquisition. He is eager to display confidence in his new adherent, explaining the council-of-war debates over whether to advance or retreat. His charm and openness are real, but so is the precariousness of his position, and his need for men like Waverley exposes how much of the rising depends on the conversion of romantic young gentlemen.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Prince Charles Edward Stuart sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Prince Charles Edward Stuart in part ii xvii the eve of battle

Character Web

36 connections

A slice of how Prince Charles Edward Stuart sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

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

+31 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

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-…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

In the story

Prince Charles Edward Stuart appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Editor's Introduction to Waverley
Mentioned in the gallant hour of Holyrood.
IX: A Nocturnal Adventure
Mentioned as the prince in whose service Lieutenant-Colonel Donald Stewart commands the garrison at Castle Doune.
An Old and a New Acquaintance
Receives Waverley at Holyrood, offers him a choice, and later commissions him as a volunteer.
The Ball
Notices Edward's distress, speaks with him privately, and advises him to control his feelings.
XV: The March
Has already left for the King's Park; his standard with the motto 'Tandem Triumphans' is displayed at the front of the army.
Rather Unimportant
Receives Waverley with favor; entrusts Colonel Talbot to Edward's charge; holds court at Pinkie House.
Fergus a Suitor
Denies Fergus's requests for the earldom and reveals Rose's engagement, causing Fergus's fury.
Exertion
Grants Talbot's release personally, showing kindness and political calculation.
XXVIII: The March
Leads the march into England; later attempts to mediate the quarrel between Edward and Fergus.
The Confusion of King Agramant’s Camp
Acts as umpire between Waverley and Fergus; reveals the misunderstanding about Rose Bradwardine and restores order.
XXXVI: More Explanation
Intended Waverley for Rose, not Flora; rejected Fergus's suit and remained neutral in the rivalry.
A Postscript Which Should Have Been a Preface
His escape after Culloden is cited as the most striking example of hair-breadth escapes.
Endnotes
Discussed in endnotes regarding his conduct at Culloden, his character, and his amiable disposition as recorded by James Maxwell of Kirkconnell.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Prince Charles Edward Stuart unlock in the free preview.

See Prince Charles Edward Stuart in part ii xvii the eve of battle

See Prince Charles Edward Stuart in Editor's Introduction to Waverley