The Scarlet Pimpernel
Character sketch essay
Baroness Orczy’s “The Scarlet Pimpernel” follows the main character Sir
Percy Blakeney. He’s a seemingly altogether foppish, easygoing, English
aristocrat who happens to b
...
The Scarlet Pimpernel
Character sketch essay
Baroness Orczy’s “The Scarlet Pimpernel” follows the main character Sir
Percy Blakeney. He’s a seemingly altogether foppish, easygoing, English
aristocrat who happens to be one of the most popular members of the
King’s court and “the richest man in England”. However, he also has a
secret identity known as the Scarlet Pimpernel. The Scarlet Pimpernel is
a hero who’s a master of disguise, rescues French aristocrats from the
sinister Chauvelin, and smuggles them to a safer place, his native
England. These actions alone indicate some of the character traits he
embodies. Three of these traits are heroic, cheerful, and clever. Sir
Percy is indeed a unique and fascinating character.
While his heroic trait doesn’t seem obvious, when he’s himself, it is
certainly apparent when he’s the Scarlet Pimpernel. The name was
given to him because during his heroic missions he always left a note
behind signed with a flower drawn in red ink. Sir Percy is heroic
because he chooses repeatedly to leave the safety of his homeland
England, to put his own life in jeopardy to save those in emanate
danger. In the beginning, Sir Percy goes on a rescue mission for an
aristocrat, the Duc De Chalais, and his family. In disguise, he drives the
very cart which hid the aristocratic family and risks being caught by
guards at the gate. Sir Percy again proves his heroic bravery as he goes
to save Marguerite’s brother, Armand, the Count de Tournay and other
fugitives. He devises a dangerous plan knowing that it would bring his
doom if it were to fail
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