Waverley · Character

Richard Waverley

Edward's Whig father, a calculating London politician whose neglect of his son's upbringing sets the whole story quietly in motion.

supporting

Also known as Richard, Mr. Richard Waverley, Sir Richard Waverley

First appearance: Waverley-Honour—A Retrospect

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

Edward's father, a pragmatic Hanoverian politician whose ambitions contrast with his brother's Jacobite leanings.

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Richard Waverley is an ambitious Hanoverian placeman who trades his son's education for his own advancement, leaving Edward to be raised by his Jacobite uncle and to drift, unguided, into the Highlands. The family's split loyalties — Whig father, Tory uncle — make Edward a man without a political home, and the Prince's later remark that a Waverley is welcome among Stuarts lands because the name itself carries weight. Richard never appears in person, but his cold calculation shadows every choice his son makes.

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See Richard Waverley in Waverley-Honour—A Retrospect

Character Web

12 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 Exposition.

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

Richard Waverley appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Waverley
Edward's father, a pragmatic Hanoverian politician whose ambitions contrast with his brother's Jacobite leanings.
Waverley-Honour—A Retrospect
Edward's father, a Whig placeman who breaks with family Tory tradition; his political career and marriage lead to a cold but eventually renewed relationship with Sir Everard.
III: Education
Edward's father, too preoccupied with his own ambitions to notice Edward's true inclinations.
Choice of a Profession
Arranges Edward's commission after a hint from the minister; writes to Sir Everard justifying the decision.
VI: The Adieus of Waverley
Edward's father is referenced as having consented to his son's military career, in accordance with God's will.
News from England
His political disgrace is reported in the newspaper; his earlier letters hinted at greatness but now he is disgraced.
A Brave Man in Sorrow
Mentioned in the letter as being at large but not permitted to leave London.
A Journey to London
Reported dead in a newspaper article; his death is attributed to a lingering disorder worsened by suspicion of high treason.

Chapter companion notes

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See Richard Waverley in Waverley-Honour—A Retrospect

See Richard Waverley in Waverley