Character Sketches of Romance, Fiction, and the Drama, Vol. 2: A Revised American Edition of the Reader's Handbook

"Character Sketches of Romance, Fiction, and the Drama, Vol. 2" by E. Cobham Brewer is a collection of literary references and character analyses written in the late 19th century. The work serves as a comprehensive handbook that provides brief descriptions of a myriad of characters from classic works of literature, addressing their roles and the themes they embody across various genres. This volume also aims to shed light on the sources of these narratives and the historical incidents reflected in them. The opening of this collection outlines the intent behind the creation of the handbook, emphasizing its utility for readers and speakers seeking concise overviews of characters and plots from both familiar and obscure literary works. Among the characters sketched are notable figures like Falkland from Godwin's "Caleb Williams", whose tragic internal struggle and honorable flaws are highlighted, as well as classic personalities from Shakespeare's works such as Sir John Falstaff. The introduction promises an engaging synthesis of information that connects modern readers with the vast landscape of literature through its thoughtfully curated entries.