Sir Malcolm Reid Character Analysis in Lady Chatterley’s Lover

Sir Malcolm Reid is a prominent R.A. and painter, the father of both Hilda and Constance. Though Sir Malcolm has earned great social status and wealth by the time the novel begins, he still frets that his working-class, Scottish roots will prevent him from joining the highest echelons of English society. For that reason, Sir Malcolm at first disapproves of Connie’s affair with Mellors—though once he actually meets Mellors, the two bond over their shared love of vigorous sex and old-fashioned masculinity. Sir Malcolm favors Connie over Hilda (and often goes to great lengths to ensure Connie’s happiness), largely because he admires his younger daughter for being so in touch with her sexual desires.

Sir Malcolm Reid Character Timeline in Lady Chatterley’s Lover

The timeline below shows where the character Sir Malcolm Reid appears in Lady Chatterley’s Lover. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...looks like a country girl and has a soft voice, though in actuality, her father, Sir Malcolm Reid , is a prominent R.A.; while Constance’s mother was alive, she traveled in prominent socialist... (full context)

Sir Malcolm and his wife knew their daughters were having sex—it made the women look softer and... (full context)

Intellect vs. Bodily Experience Theme Icon

When Sir Malcolm comes, he points out that Clifford’s stories are empty of emotion or real weight, which... (full context)

...of Wragby, though she feels “no connection” with nature—or with anything, for that matter. Concerned, Sir Malcolm suggests that Connie should take a lover. (full context)

...back to the Midlands, where Hilda threatens that she will send Connie to live with Sir Malcolm if Clifford does not get some new help. (full context)

Connie tells Clifford that Sir Malcolm has invited her to a three-week trip in Venice. Clifford is nervous about letting Connie... (full context)

When they get to London, Connie is glad to reunite with Sir Malcolm , who has recently gotten remarried to a rich young woman. Connie has always been... (full context)

...staying at the villa, Hilda and Connie think that most of them are very boring. Sir Malcolm takes his daughters to restaurants and plays, and to the Lido—but through it all, Connie... (full context)

...a plan: she will leave Venice to meet Mellors in London. Connie travels back with Sir Malcolm , revealing on the trip that she no longer intends to return to Wragby. She... (full context)

Catastrophe, Continuity, and Tradition Theme Icon

Sir Malcolm councils his daughter to go back to Wragby, despite her lack of love for Clifford... (full context)

Class, Consumerism, and Money Theme Icon

Connie finally tells Sir Malcolm that her affair has been with Clifford’s game-keeper. Sir Malcolm, having fought for his family’s... (full context)

Though neither Mellors nor Sir Malcolm particularly wants to meet, both agree it is necessary. After the men have a couple... (full context)