Humphry Character Analysis in Moll Flanders

Humphry is Moll’s son with her third husband, the plantation owner. Humphry is the only one of Moll’s 12 children to be mentioned by name, although even Humphry’s name isn’t revealed until he is well into adulthood. Moll abandons Humphry after she discovers his father is really her half-brother, and she doesn’t see her son again for over 20 years. After Moll is transported to Virginia from Newgate Prison, she sends her half-brother a letter, which is intercepted by Humphry. Humphry has been maintaining the plantation Moll’s mother left Moll in her will, and despite her long absence, he happily welcomes Moll as a mother. Humphry is a kind man who cares for his aging and senile father, and he never marries. At the end of the novel, Moll hires Humphry to continue managing her plantation, and they enjoy a pleasant and easy relationship as mother and son.

Humphry Character Timeline in Moll Flanders

The timeline below shows where the character Humphry appears in Moll Flanders. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...man living on her brother’s plantation, and she learns that he lives with his son, Humphry. Humphry is the name of her own son, and she has not seen or spoken... (full context)

...with her brother. And, Moll says, she wants to at least see her brother and Humphry before relocating. Moll again interrupts her story and reminds the reader that the publication of... (full context)

...write him a letter stating her case, in which she adds several warm remarks about Humphry, whom, Moll says, she knows to be her son. (full context)

Moll sends the letter to her brother, and when it arrives, Humphry intercepts it. Soon after, Humphry arrives at Moll’s lodgings in town. Moll is pleasantly surprised... (full context)

Humphry comes to visit Moll again, and he brings with him the will of Moll’s mother,... (full context)

Moll tells Humphry that he is her only child and sole heir, and she says the plantation will... (full context)

The next year, Moll goes to see Humphry on her plantation to collect her earnings, and she learns that her brother has died.... (full context)