The White Company: Analysis of Major Characters
"The White Company: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the key figures within Arthur Conan Doyle's historical novel set in the 14th century. The narrative centers around Sir Nigel Loring, an English nobleman characterized by his bravery and leadership qualities despite his slight build and soft-spoken nature. Alleyne Edricson, initially a timid young man raised in an abbey, undergoes significant character development, evolving into a courageous knight and ultimately marrying Lady Maude, Sir Nigel's spirited daughter. Other notable characters include Hordle John, a strong yet unsuited novitiate who finds his place as a bowman, and Samkin Aylward, a loyal companion to Alleyne. Additionally, the story introduces Alleyne's brother, the rascal Socman of Minstead, and the stern Abbot of Beaulieu, who serves as Alleyne's guardian. The narrative also explores the fate of the Seneschal of Villefranche, a cruel lord whose actions incite rebellion among his serfs, creating a backdrop of conflict and danger. Overall, the character dynamics and their development against the backdrop of historical events offer rich insights into themes of bravery, loyalty, and the struggle for honor.
The White Company: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Arthur Conan Doyle
First published: 1891
Genre: Novel
Locale: England, France, and Spain
Plot: Historical
Time: Fourteenth century
Sir Nigel Loring, an English nobleman. Although he is soft-spoken and slight of build, with squinting eyes, he is a brave man. He leads the White Company of English bowmen. He is captured by the Moors in Spain but released after a period of captivity.
Alleyne Edricson, a young Englishman reared in the Abbey of Beaulieu. He leaves the abbey a timid, unworldly person, but he develops into a brave yet gentle knight, becoming the Socman of Minstead. He falls in love with Lady Maude, Sir Nigel Loring's daughter, and finally wins her hand in marriage.
Lady Maude, the daughter of Sir Nigel Loring. She is a beautiful and spirited young aristocrat. When Alleyne proves himself as a knight, she agrees to marry him.
Hordle John, an immensely strong young Englishman who fails to adapt himself to the life in the Abbey of Beaulieu, where he is a novitiate. Leaving the abbey, he becomes a bowman in the White Company. A good soldier, he finally becomes squire to Alleyne after Alleyne is knighted by Prince Edward.
Samkin Aylward, a bowman in the White Company, a companion to Alleyne.
The Socman of Minstead, Alleyne Edricson's brother. A great, yellow-bearded fellow, he is a rascal. He mistreats Lady Maude, who is rescued by Alleyne. He is killed while assaulting Sir Nigel's castle in Sir Nigel's absence.
The Abbot of Beaulieu (boh-LYEW), a stern, unworldly man. He is Alleyne's guardian.
The Seneschal of Villefranche (veel-FRAHNSH), a wicked and rapacious French lord who drives his serfs to hatred and violence. When his serfs rebel, he is brutally killed. The rebellion endangers the lives of his English guests, who include Sir Nigel and Hordle John.