Bishop Fisher Character Analysis in Wolf Hall

Fisher is Bishop of Rochester and legal adviser to Queen Katherine. He stays committed to Katherine’s cause and therefore incurs the anger of Anne Boleyn and Henry. Fisher admits to supporting the Maid, and he issues a public apology for this after the Maid’s prophecies are revealed to be a hoax. When Cromwell meets him, he warns Fisher that he is on the wrong side in a “war,” and that he should take to his bed and claim to be sick in order to avoid the fallout from the scandal surrounding the Maid. Fisher seems to take his suggestion.

Bishop Fisher Character Timeline in Wolf Hall

The timeline below shows where the character Bishop Fisher appears in Wolf Hall. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Power, Ambition, and Deception Theme Icon

...will put herself “out of the estate of queen and wife,” and that only Bishop Fisher speaks the truth that “the House of Commons is full of heathens.” Cromwell notices her... (full context)

Children and Human Connection Theme Icon

Dogmatism vs. Open-Mindedness Theme Icon

In February, a priest named Thomas Hitton is accused by Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, of smuggling Tyndale’s books, and he is burned as a heretic. More... (full context)

...comic,” and Cromwell says he has brought up “irreverent children.” Rafe says that More and Fisher have visited the girl, and Cromwell says the king is “disposed to believe in prophecies.” (full context)

...her away since he thinks she is an impostor. The Maid is popular with Bishop Fisher and she has been received by Lady Exeter, who More says is “a foolish and... (full context)

...him is Thomas More, and Anne Boleyn asks Cromwell to include More’s name next to Fisher’s in the bill against Eliza Barton, the Maid. Cromwell protests, saying More is innocent of... (full context)

Bishop Fisher comes to see Cromwell that afternoon. Cromwell walks into the room demanding how Fisher could... (full context)

...against the Maid and her allies is brought before the House of Lords in February, Fisher’s name is on it, as is More’s, at Henry’s command. Parliament is “indignant over More’s... (full context)

...asks Cromwell to prevent him from doing it. Norfolk says he is sure More and Fisher will be put to death since they will refuse to swear the oath to uphold... (full context)

Soon after, Bishop Fisher asks the king to pardon him, asking him to consider that Fisher is “ill and... (full context)

...More a merciful death. Cromwell notes that this unnerves More. Riche says that at least Fisher dissents openly, while More stays silent since he knows he will be a traitor if... (full context)

...to “bend his knee to [her] queenship.” She says she will have no peace until Fisher and More are dead. She circles the room agitatedly and pauses to touch Henry now... (full context)