# Clarence — Zuleika Dobson character guide

> Clarence in Zuleika Dobson by Max Beerbohm.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0004-ii

## Snapshot

The Duke's valet, whose silent, immaculate service keeps his master presentable while privately absorbing the tremors of a household in romantic upheaval.

## Who they are

Clarence inhabits the Duke's rooms and routines, a figure so unobtrusive that his employer's grandest gestures depend on his quiet competence. His loyalty is total, yet it is tested by a master whose moods swing between glacial reserve and secret passion, and whose obsessions demand ever more delicate handling. He matters because his perspective quietly measures the gap between the Duke's public magnificence and the private chaos beneath it.

## Relationships

### [Katie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuleika_dobson_se/characters/katie)

_romantic_

Clarence, a fellow servant, is in love with Katie and tries to win her affection, but she remains devoted to the Duke.

### [Mrs. Batch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuleika_dobson_se/characters/mrs_batch)

_professional_

Clarence and Mrs. Batch are fellow servants in the Duke's lodgings, working together with a shared concern for the household.

### [Katie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuleika_dobson_se/characters/katie)

_romantic_

Clarence, a fellow servant, is in love with Katie and tries to win her affection, but she remains devoted to the Duke.

### [Mrs. Batch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuleika_dobson_se/characters/mrs_batch)

_professional_

Clarence and Mrs. Batch are fellow servants in the Duke's lodgings, working together with a shared concern for the household.

### [Katie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuleika_dobson_se/characters/katie)

_romantic_

Clarence, a fellow servant, is in love with Katie and tries to win her affection, but she remains devoted to the Duke.

### [Mrs. Batch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuleika_dobson_se/characters/mrs_batch)

_professional_

Clarence and Mrs. Batch are fellow servants in the Duke's lodgings, working together with a shared concern for the household.

## In the story

### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuleika_dobson_se/chapters/xviii)

Mentioned as Mrs. Batch's child, but not present in the chapter.

### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuleika_dobson_se/chapters/xx)

Acts as the messenger, delivering news of the Duke's suicide and the mass drownings, taking pride in his role.

### [Chapter XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuleika_dobson_se/chapters/xxii)

Dances for joy at Noaks' exposure and volunteers to fight him.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuleika_dobson_se/characters/clarence
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuleika_dobson_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuleika_dobson_se/characters