| Little Lord Fauntleroy | |
|---|---|
 | |
|
Real Name |
Cedric Errol |
|
First Appearance |
Little Lord Fauntleroy (1885) |
|
Original Publisher |
St. Nicholas Magazine |
|
Created by |
Frances Hodgson Burnett |
Origin[]
Lord Fauntleroy is a charming and endearing young boy whose innocence, kindness, and noble demeanor captivate those around him. Born Cedric Errol, he lived with his mother in a shabby side street in New York City in genteel poverty after the death of his father, Captain Cedric Errol. One day, they are visited by an English lawyer named Havisham, who informs them that he inherited the title of Lord Fauntleroy and a vast estate from his surviving paternal grandfather, the Earl of Dorincourt, who wants him to live in England and be educated as an English aristocrat. He offers his son's widow a house and guaranteed income, but because of his distaste for the United States, refuses to have anything else to do with her, even after she declines his money.
Despite his young age, Cedric possesses a wisdom and maturity beyond his years, often dispensing insightful advice to those around him. He serves as a moral compass for the adults in his life, gently guiding them towards kindness, generosity, and forgiveness. These remarkable qualities that set him apart from his aristocratic relatives and endear him to both high society and common folk alike.
Cedric's most defining characteristic is his unwavering goodness and innate sense of fairness. Despite his newfound status as a member of the aristocracy, he remains humble and compassionate, treating everyone with kindness and respect regardless of their social standing. His empathy and compassion extend even to those who mistreat him, as he tries to understand their perspectives and help them see the error of their ways through his example.
One of Cedric's most admirable traits is his ability to see the best in people and bring out their better selves. Through his genuine warmth and sincerity, he gradually wins over the gruff and initially unlikable Lord Dorincourt, his estranged grandfather, bridging the gap between generations and healing old wounds within the family.
Public Domain Appearances[]
Public domain Literary Appearances[]
- Little Lord Fauntleroy (1885)
- The Enchanted Castle (1907): An older Cedric Errol is mentioned as having aged sometime since the book's events and became quite prudish.
Public Domain Film Appearances[]
- Little Lord Fauntleroy (1914)
- Little Lord Fauntleroy (1921)
- Little Lord Fauntleroy (1936)