Lord Grenville Character Analysis in The Scarlet Pimpernel

The head of the Secretary of State in England. Lord Grenville wishes he could “turn his back” on Chauvelin, an “accredited agent” of France, but diplomacy dictates otherwise, and Lord Grenville is forced to accept and even entertain him. Lord Grenville invites Chauvelin to his ball, the social event of the year, where Chauvelin ultimately learns the secret identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel with the help of Lady Blakeney.

Lord Grenville Quotes in The Scarlet Pimpernel

The The Scarlet Pimpernel quotes below are all either spoken by Lord Grenville or refer to Lord Grenville. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:

Social Class and the French Revolution Theme Icon

“I am sure,” said the Comtesse, pursing up her thin lips, "that if this Chauvelin wishes to do us mischief, he will find a faithful ally in Lady Blakeney.”

“Bless the woman!” ejaculated Lady Portarles; “did ever anyone see such perversity? My Lord Grenville, you have the gift of the gab—will you please explain to Madame la Comtesse that she is acting like a fool? In your position here in England, Madame,” she added, turning a wrathful and resolute face towards the Comtesse, “you cannot afford to put on the hoity-toity airs you French aristocrats are so fond of. Lady Blakeney may or may not be in sympathy with those Ruffians in France; she may or may not have had anything to do with the arrest and condemnation of St. Cyr, or whatever the man’s name is, but she is the leader of fashion in this country; Sir Percy Blakeney has more money than any half-dozen other men put together, he is hand and glove with royalty, and your trying to snub Lady Blakeney will not harm her, but will make you look a fool. Isn’t that so, my lord?”

Related Characters: Lady Portarles (speaker), The Comtesse de Tournay (speaker), The Scarlet Pimpernel / Sir Percy Blakeney, Bart. / The Hag / The Jew, Marguerite St. Just / Lady Blakeney, Chauvelin, The Marquis de St. Cyr, Lord Grenville

Page Number and Citation: 81

Explanation and Analysis:

Lord Grenville Character Timeline in The Scarlet Pimpernel

The timeline below shows where the character Lord Grenville appears in The Scarlet Pimpernel. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

London’s high society gathers at Covent Garden Theatre for a staging of Orpheus, where Lord Grenville, the head of the Secretary of State, has a private box. Chauvelin is his guest... (full context)

“Ah, Monsieur,” the Comtesse cries, “and my poor husband still in that awful country.” Lord Grenville assures the Comtesse that the Scarlet Pimpernel and his men will get the Comte out... (full context)

...to Madame la Comtesse that she is acting like a fool?” Lady Portarles asks Lord Grenville. She tells the Comtesse that regardless of what Lady Blakeney did or said in France,... (full context)

Lord Grenville returns to his opera box just as Sir Percy and Lady Blakeney arrive. Sir Percy... (full context)

...at G.’s ball.” Chauvelin smiles. “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” Lady Blakeney says, “and G.’s ball means Grenville’s ball…” Chauvelin nods. He simply wants Lady Blakeney to watch for him tonight—look for anything... (full context)

Lord Grenville’s ball is considered “the most brilliant function of the year” in London, and even the... (full context)

...Highness permit me to introduce M. Chauvelin, the accredited agent of the French Government?” Lord Grenville asks the Prince of Wales. He graciously agrees and welcomes the Frenchman to his country.... (full context)

“There is someone else I would crave permission to present to Your Royal Highness,” Lord Grenville says, leading the Prince of Wales to the Comtesse de Tournay. “This is a pleasure,... (full context)

Disguise, Deception, and Dual Identity Theme Icon

Lord Grenville appears to escort Lady Blakeney to her carriage, and Chauvelin is waiting at the door.... (full context)

...agent” of France, is never again seen in London, “after that memorable evening at Lord Grenville’s ball.” (full context)