Thomas Wriothesley/“Call-Me-Risley” Character Analysis in Wolf Hall

Wriothesley is a clerk who works for both Stephen Gardiner and Thomas Cromwell. Rafe and Richard mock Wriothesley for his complicated last name, which he says is pronounced “Risley,” and also because he works for Gardiner, whose dislike of Cromwell is well known. They say that he must be a spy for Gardiner and ask Cromwell not to trust him. However, Cromwell understands Wriothesley’s ambition because it is much like his own. Wriothesley serves two masters and his allegiance will lie with whoever triumphs over the other. At one point, Cromwell thinks of himself and Wriothesley being akin to wolves fighting over scraps, since they both hunger for power and will fight without scruples to get it.

Thomas Wriothesley/“Call-Me-Risley” Character Timeline in Wolf Hall

The timeline below shows where the character Thomas Wriothesley/“Call-Me-Risley” appears in Wolf Hall. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Power, Ambition, and Deception Theme Icon

...so many people that it is impossible to be alone. A young man named Thomas Wriothesley is the newest addition to the household. Richard and Rafe laugh at him for his... (full context)

...to talk to Cromwell alone, he asks him if he knows which one of them Wriothesley is working for. Cromwell says he thought he was working for Gardiner since he is... (full context)

...hounding him, but rumors reach the court that he is leading a lavish, extravagant life. Wriothesley goes up to Southwell to get a petition signed by the cardinal, and he reports... (full context)

...again” and bring back the charges against him. He notices Norfolk and Gardiner whispering together. Wriothesley diligently helps Cromwell and is a better assistant than even Rafe. Johane’s daughter sews an... (full context)

Later, Cromwell asks Wriothesley if Cranmer is as orthodox as he claims to be. Wriothesley says that Cranmer doesn’t... (full context)

Outside, Wriothesely, Rafe, and Gregory are waiting for Cromwell. He tells them that he told Katherine that... (full context)

...Henry has “a heart full of feeling” and is “the most scrutinized soul in Christendom.” Wriothesley tells him that Gregory is his son, “not an ambassador,” and Cromwell lets go of... (full context)

Rafe worries that Wriothesley can’t be trusted, but Cromwell says that he understands “unprincipled men” like him. Wriothesley has... (full context)

Cromwell leaves them, and Wriothesely brings him news that Percy is at an inn nearby. When Cromwell gets there, Percy... (full context)

Wriothesley brings news that Gardiner is back from France, and that he is threatening to ruin... (full context)