The setting of Ivanhoe is medieval England, sometime in the late twelfth century. The scenes take place in some of England's finest cities and countrysides around York and Sheffield. The principal events take place at Ashby and Coningsburgh (actual places), and at Rotherwood, Torquilstone, and Templestowe, (imaginary places). Events and people move from woods and forests to castles and country mansions.
The historical atmosphere in which this novel takes place is one of
rapid change and tumultuous politics. Saxon England has been conquered
by the Norman French for over a century, but the plunder of England's
finest homes and land is still going forward at full speed. The Normans
in power are taking full advantage of their position as conquerors. Additionally,
at the onset of the novel, society's finest knights are traveling to or
have just returned from The Crusades abroad. Throughout the book, there
is a great deal of social and political change, a poorly focused Norman
leadership, and an entire country full of displaced and resentful Saxons.
In short, the timing of the novel finds England in one of her most vulnerable
eras; she is a country divided by enormous social and political differences,
nearing the limits of peace. Anything can happen
Cedric
Saxon nobleman, father of Ivanhoe. He hates the Normans and wishes
to restore the Saxon monarchy.
Ivanhoe
Son of Cedric. Although named Wilfred, he is called Ivanhoe because
he has been given a great manor called Ivanhoe. He is a Crusader and a
loyal follower of the Norman King Richard I.
Athelstane
Lord of Coningsburgh. He is a weak and inert character, descended
from Saxon nobility. He is Cedric's last great hope for Saxon restoration
to the throne.
Rowena
Cedric's ward. Her descent can be traced to Alfred the Great.
She is beautiful and well bred, and Ivanhoe is in love with her.
Brian de Bois-Guilbert
Knight of the Order of the Knights Templar. Like Ivanhoe, he
is recently returned from the Crusades in Jerusalem.
Front-de-Boeuf
Norman owner of Torquilstone Castle, companion of de Bois-Guilbert.
Richard Plantagenet
The rightful King of England and called the Lion-Hearted. He
has been kidnapped on his way back from the Crusades.
John Plantagenet
Richard's brother. He spends most of his time plotting to keep
his brother from coming back to England, since he wants to inherit the
throne.
Waldemar Fitzurse
John's advisor, a wily man who thinks of nothing but his own
rise to power if John succeeds in supplanting Richard.
Isaac
A Jewish moneylender of York. He is rich but miserly and much
disliked by both Saxons and Normans.
Rebecca
A beautiful young Jewess, daughter of Isaac of York. Unlike her
father, she is generous and kind-hearted. As well, she is a healer.
Maurice De Bracy
A knight attached to Prince John's dubious court.
Prior Aymer of Jorvaulx Abbey
A Rich, lazy, and worldly Cisterian monk.
Lucas Beaumanoir
The Grand Master of the Knights Templar.
Locksley
The outlaw leader. In reality, he is Robin Hood of famous legend.
Friar Tuck
The clerk of Copmanhurst. He is a skilled fighter and friend
of Robin Hood.
Gurth
A Saxon slave and swineherd belonging to Cedric
Wamba
Cedric's jester
Urfried or Ulrica
An old hag living in Front-de-Boeuf's castle
Richard de Malvoisin, Ralph de Vipont and Hugh de Grantmesnil
Noble Norman Knights who take part in the Ashby tournament.
Edith
The mother of Athelstane.
Clapsaddle, Diane. "TheBestNotes on A Long Way Gone".
TheBestNotes.com.
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