Robert Shaw

Robert Shaw

Portrayed by Rupert Penry-Jones
Full Name	Robert Shaw
Title	none
Associated Noble House(s)	none
Date of Birth	1 April, 1783
Father	Sir Paul Shaw
Father's Rank	gentry
Mother	Mary Shaw
Mother's Rank	gentry
Town Residence	15 Grosvenor Street
School
University
Profession	clergyman
Income	250 p.a.

Robert is a vicar, currently serving at St. George's in London in the absence of Dr. Hodgson. He has just moved into the parsonage on Grosvenor Street with his wife and child.

Played by Emily.

Family

Wife: Pippa Shaw

Daughter: Sophia Shaw, b. 1810

Father: Sir Paul Shaw, b. 1751

Mother: Mary Shaw (Lady Shaw), b. 1764

Sister: Lucy Shaw, b. 1789

Background

Robert Shaw was born the only son of Sir Paul Shaw, in Sussex. His father's knighthood and a modest, though by no means paltry inheritance not being enough to secure Robert's family's future along with that of his mother and sister (should she remain unmarried) led him to pursue the church as a profession.

In 1809, as he neared the end of his curacy, he met the woman who would become his wife, Pippa. Their courtship was called a whirlwind by some, the span between meeting and marriage being altogether just over six weeks, and there were many who shook their heads over what they called such rash impulse. Pippa and Robert, however, knew better. They had been honest with one another from the start, and vowed that that would remain a constant in their relationship. Spirited friendship, frank discussion and, admittedly, admiration of fine features on both sides soon led to talk of marriage; and once there was talk, there was only one question of any importance to be settled--should they or shouldn't they? They made up their minds as promptly as anyone could wish, and stood firm by their decision, as was natural that they should do, both being of rather unwavering dispositions. In common parlance, they "made a go of it", and have done well under those honest principles thus far.

A year later, their daughter Sophia was born healthy and happy, and is generally a good, pretty baby.

His father having a bishop as an old school-friend quite luckily secured a decent appointment for the son, albeit not a country parish as Robert’s mother might have preferred. Still, there is time enough for that, and as it is, Robert is quite happy to have settled in London. He is currently serving as vicar at St. George’s, as the rector (the Reverend Hodgson,) has recently been required to remove himself to the parish of St. John’s for an indefinite amount of time, as the Methodists have been making alarming inroads in that community. Robert has just as recently taken on a young curate, newly-ordained, by the name of Mr. Thrupwood. The Shaw family is not very pressed for money, given that Robert’s father is generous enough and life in town can be cheap for such a small family, with a modest staff comprising a cook, two footmen, a maid, and a nurse to see to their comfort. They are a picture of familial felicity and quiet domestic tranquillity. (From the outside, at least.)

Robert has sandy-reddish hair, straight, but cropped short; blue eyes, and fair skin with a slightly ruddy complexion, which freckles at the slightest hint of sunlight. He's tall at 5'11", perhaps a little thin compared to some, (lanky in his youth,) but strong and active, for a clergyman. He is a great walker, and rides when he gets the chance, but does much of his parish work on foot.

Personality

Naturally a charismatic speaker, with staunch convictions and deep-seated passions, one might have supposed him destined to practice law or politics at some point; but Robert's brimstone is reserved for the pulpit. He sees himself as a servant to his parish, and will never hesitate to help a fellow-being in need, if he is able, even if all he may offer is kind words to give succour to the spirit. Robert is reflective and gentle, though no less firm, with those he perceives to be fragile or hurt; and it is this that endears him to many of his parishioners.

If he believes someone strong enough to take it and deserving of a little wrath, however, he can unleash a vicious temper at times, when goaded to do so. Most often the cause of these outbursts is his wife, whose temper easily matches his own.

The Shaw home is often ringing with shouts--and the occasional crash of crockery or fire-tongs--but Robert has never yet laid a hand on his wife in anger. (In reconciliation, on the other hand…) Philippa and Robert tend to resolve their disputes as tempestuously as they enter into them, and this cycle of extremes suits them down to the ground. They would sooner make each other angry by honesty rather than simper through sweet deceitfulness.

That being said, when they aren't screaming empty, vile and hateful things, they are quite madly in love with one another. An odd pair, certainly, and one that seemed doomed to misery, even by their slightly-dubious families; and while misery has its fair share of their waking hours, as it does in any marriage, they get by well enough.

The only person Robert could possibly love more than his wife is his daughter--who gets none of his temper, as yet. Sophia has her father wrapped around her pretty little finger, and Robert doesn't much mind.

Relationships

Love Interests

God help him if he so much as looks at anyone other than Pippa.