# Charles I — What’s Wrong with the World character guide

> Charles I in What’s Wrong with the World by G. K. Chesterton.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Charles, Yours, your

**First appearance:** 0001-what-s-wrong-with-the-world

## Who they are

The executed king, referenced as a historical example of authority and martyrdom.

## Relationships

### [The English](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_s_wrong_with_the_world_se/characters/the_english)

_psychological_

Charles I's relationship with the English is one of historical tension and symbolic conflict.

## In the story

### [The Unfinished Temple](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_s_wrong_with_the_world_se/chapters/v-the-unfinished-temple)

Referenced indirectly as 'the only perfect King of England was he who was smothered,' alluding to the Jacobite cause.

### [X: Oppression by Optimism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_s_wrong_with_the_world_se/chapters/x-oppression-by-optimism)

Mentioned as a figure whose face was used by nobles to distract peasants from land theft.

### [I: The Unmilitary Suffragette](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_s_wrong_with_the_world_se/chapters/i-the-unmilitary-suffragette)

Mentioned as an example of a king whose beheading ended a revolution decisively.

### [XI: The School for Hypocrites](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_s_wrong_with_the_world_se/chapters/xi-the-school-for-hypocrites)

Mentioned as a historical figure debated in school societies with the same frivolity as a sporting match, illustrating the lack of concern for factual truth.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_s_wrong_with_the_world_se/characters/charles_i
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_s_wrong_with_the_world_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/what_s_wrong_with_the_world_se/characters