"The Small House at Allington" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In "The Small House at Allington" by Anthony Trollope, the characters play various roles that drive the plot and create conflicts and relationships. The protagonist, Lily Dale, is a young woman caught between her desire for love and her sense of duty. Adolphus Crosbie serves as the antagonist, causing heartbreak and creating tension. Other supporting characters, such as Johnny Eames, Lady Julia de Guest, Mrs. Dale, and Bernard Dale, contribute to the development of the story and its themes.

Character Descriptions

Lily Dale

Lily Dale is the central character of the novel and represents the ideal Victorian woman. She is described as beautiful, intelligent, and morally upright. Lily is a young woman with a strong sense of duty and loyalty to her family. Her physical appearance is often noted, with references to her delicate features and graceful demeanor. Lily's character is defined by her struggle to reconcile her desire for love and marriage with her commitment to her family.

Adolphus Crosbie

Adolphus Crosbie serves as the primary antagonist in the novel. He is portrayed as a handsome and charming man who captures the attention of Lily Dale. Crosbie is ambitious and self-centered, and he ultimately breaks Lily's heart by abruptly ending their engagement. His actions reveal his true character, highlighting his lack of integrity and disregard for others' feelings.

Johnny Eames

Johnny Eames is a close friend of Lily Dale and plays a supportive role throughout the novel. He is depicted as a loyal and hardworking young man who harbors deep feelings for Lily. Johnny's character arc revolves around his unrequited love for Lily and his pursuit of success in his career. He serves as a contrast to Adolphus Crosbie, showcasing loyalty and sincerity in contrast to Crosbie's selfishness.

Lady Julia de Guest

Lady Julia de Guest is a wealthy widow and a close friend of the Dale family. She is portrayed as a strong and independent woman who offers guidance and support to Lily. Lady Julia serves as a mentor figure to Lily and influences her decisions throughout the novel. Her character highlights the importance of female relationships and the power of friendship.

Mrs. Dale

Mrs. Dale is Lily's mother and provides a loving and nurturing presence in the novel. She is depicted as a devoted mother who prioritizes her children's happiness. Mrs. Dale's character arc revolves around her concern for Lily's well-being and her efforts to protect her daughter from heartbreak. Her character represents the traditional values of Victorian motherhood.

Bernard Dale

Bernard Dale is Lily's brother and serves as a supporting character in the novel. He is portrayed as a responsible and caring young man who looks out for his sister. Bernard's character provides a familial bond and support system for Lily, highlighting the importance of family relationships.

Character Traits

Lily Dale

• Dutiful: Lily has a strong sense of duty towards her family and often sacrifices her own happiness for their sake.
• Resilient: Despite facing heartbreak and disappointment, Lily maintains her strength and composure.
• Virtuous: Lily is morally upright and holds herself to high standards of integrity.

Adolphus Crosbie

• Ambitious: Crosbie is driven by his desire for social advancement and is willing to make sacrifices to achieve his goals.
• Self-centered: Crosbie prioritizes his own needs and desires above the feelings of others.
• Superficial: Crosbie is attracted to superficial qualities and is easily swayed by appearances.

Johnny Eames

• Loyal: Johnny is fiercely loyal to Lily and is willing to support her through any challenges.
• Determined: Johnny is determined to succeed in his career and works hard to achieve his goals.
• Sincere: Johnny's feelings for Lily are genuine and sincere, and he is honest about his emotions.

Lady Julia de Guest

• Wise: Lady Julia provides wise counsel and guidance to Lily, offering her insights and advice.
• Independent: Lady Julia is a strong and independent woman who has carved her own path in society.
• Supportive: Lady Julia offers emotional and practical support to Lily, serving as a pillar of strength.

Mrs. Dale

• Nurturing: Mrs. Dale provides a nurturing and caring presence, ensuring the well-being of her children.
• Protective: Mrs. Dale is fiercely protective of Lily and takes steps to shield her from harm.
• Loving: Mrs. Dale's love for her family is evident in her actions and sacrifices.

Bernard Dale

• Responsible: Bernard takes on the role of the responsible older brother, looking out for Lily's best interests.
• Caring: Bernard cares deeply for Lily and is always there to support her.
• Reliable: Bernard can be relied upon to provide assistance and guidance when needed.

Character Background

The characters in "The Small House at Allington" come from various backgrounds, reflecting the social dynamics of Victorian society. Lily Dale and her family belong to the middle class. Lily's mother, Mrs. Dale, comes from a more affluent background, allowing for connections with the upper class. Adolphus Crosbie, on the other hand, represents the upwardly mobile middle class, driven by ambition and the desire for social advancement. Johnny Eames comes from a more modest background, but his hard work and determination enable him to climb the social ladder.

Character Arcs

Lily Dale

Lily's character arc revolves around her journey from innocence to experience. Initially, she is portrayed as a sheltered young woman with a romanticized view of love and marriage. However, as she experiences heartbreak and disappointment, Lily becomes more pragmatic and realistic. Her character arc highlights the challenges faced by Victorian women in navigating societal expectations and personal desires.

Adolphus Crosbie

Crosbie's character arc is one of moral decline. Initially presented as charismatic and charming, his true character is gradually revealed as he betrays Lily and abandons their engagement. Crosbie's actions have consequences, and he ultimately faces the repercussions of his selfishness and lack of integrity.

Johnny Eames

Johnny's character arc centers around his unrequited love for Lily and his journey towards self-improvement. Initially, he is depicted as somewhat immature and lacking direction. However, as the novel progresses, Johnny becomes more focused on his career and personal growth. His unrequited love for Lily serves as a catalyst for his self-improvement and drives him to achieve success.

Lady Julia de Guest

Lady Julia's character arc is one of mentorship and friendship. She serves as a guiding figure for Lily, offering advice and support. Lady Julia's relationship with Lily allows her to reflect on her own experiences and provide valuable insights. Through her interactions with Lily, Lady Julia finds fulfillment in her role as a mentor and friend.

Relationships

The relationships between the characters in "The Small House at Allington" shape the narrative and drive the plot forward. Lily Dale's relationship with Adolphus Crosbie forms the central conflict of the novel. Their engagement and subsequent breakup highlight the challenges faced by Victorian women in navigating love and marriage.

Johnny Eames's unrequited love for Lily creates tension and adds complexity to their friendship. Johnny's loyalty to Lily is tested as he grapples with his feelings for her. The relationship between Lily and Johnny provides a contrast to the superficiality of Lily's relationship with Crosbie, highlighting the importance of genuine emotions and sincerity.

Lady Julia de Guest's friendship with Lily offers support and guidance. Lady Julia's role as a mentor figure allows her to share her wisdom and experiences with Lily. Their relationship demonstrates the power of female friendships and the importance of female support systems.

The familial relationships in the novel, such as Lily's relationship with her mother, Mrs. Dale, and her brother, Bernard, provide emotional support and stability. These relationships highlight the significance of family bonds and the impact they have on an individual's choices and actions.

In conclusion, "The Small House at Allington" by Anthony Trollope presents a cast of diverse and compelling characters. From the protagonist, Lily Dale, to the antagonist, Adolphus Crosbie, each character plays a crucial role in driving the plot and exploring themes of love, duty, and societal expectations. As the characters navigate their relationships and face challenges, their character arcs and interactions provide insights into Victorian society and human nature.