The intrepid Archdeacon of Barchester and Rector of Plumstead Episcopi. He was the son of Bishop Grantly and hoped vainly to follow his father as Bishop of the diocese.

"...he looked like an ecclesiastical statue ... as a fitting impersonation of the church militant here on earth; his shovel hat, large, new, and well-pronounced, a churchman's hat in every inch, declared the profession as plainly as does the Quakers broad brim; his heavy eyebrow, large, open eyes, and full mouth and chin expressed the solidity of his order; the broad chest, amply covered with fine cloth, told how well to do was his estate; one hand ensconced within his pocket, evinced the practical hold which our mother church keeps on her temporal possessions; and the other, loose for action, was ready to fight if need be for her defence; and, below these, the decorous breeches and neat black gaiters showing so admirably that well-turned leg, betokened the decency, the outward beauty, and grace of our church establishment".  - The Warden

"...for whom I confess that I have all a parent's fond affection." - An Autobiography

Character criticism:

"There is no finer moment in all fiction, more deserving or less appreciated, than that at the opening of Barchester Towers, when the beloved Grantly, Bishop of Barchester, lies dying in his palace. His son the Archdeacon, meditates upon the realization that if his aged father passes away in the lifetime of the expiring Ministry, the present Prime Minister will select him to succeed his father; if not, another will take his place. For a moment worldly motives claim him and he almost wishes that his father might be taken. But for a moment, then his own piety and love for his father prevail, and in his sorrow he falls upon his knee in prayer, asking forgiveness and that his father may he spared to him, even a few days more. He is; the Ministry fails and a new Prime Minister appoints Proudie, not Grantly!" - Nichols