Analyzing characters can be fun but challenging. When I think of Alexander Colbourne in season two of Sanditon, my initial reaction is, “it’s complicated.” There are multiple layers to examine, based on the information we have received from the screenplay. We do not have a novel written to dissect every word and nuance of who this man is as a character. What we do have is a script and screen time, with Ben Lloyd-Hughes bringing to life Alexander.
Each of us will view him through a different lens. We will analyze him based upon what we know, what we speculate to be, and no doubt compare him with our own life experiences and emotions. We may even draw comparisons from people we know. What I’m about to write, is from my lens. Your lens may be a bit more rose-colored or a shade darker. I tend to view things as they are and work from the facts. Of course, it would be helpful if I had Justin Young’s background sketch that he gave to Ben Lloyd-Hughes regarding Colbourne before I deep dive. Nevertheless, I’ll give it my best shot. Hang on, as I peel back the layers of this complex man. This isn’t going to be easy.
Alexander Colbourne’s Childhood
What have we gathered about Alexander’s past? We know this much.
- He and his brother had a governess that met independence of spirit with a leather belt. Ouch! We know that (a) he has at least one sibling – a brother; (b) that his parents were minimally involved with their upbringing, leaving discipline in the hands of their governess.
- Alexander is nothing like his father, who apparently loved to drink thanks to Lady Denham’s comment, “That’s a relief. It will save me a fortune in wine.” Colbourne refuses alcohol at the garden party.
- He grew up on the estate and knows all the best hiding places (no doubt hiding from the governess and his father).
Let’s talk about the first obvious pain point. It’s the long-term consequences of child abuse and neglect that can carry into adulthood. Rather than being able to express himself with “independence of spirit” that Charlotte spoke about, Alexander and his brother were punished and silenced for such behavior. Expression of thought resulted in punishment, which carried into Alexander’s adulthood in his inability to communicate effectively. It’s bad enough to be beaten by your parents, but to be left in the care of someone who is not a parent who is given the authority to physically abuse you, contributed to feelings of abandonment. There are plenty of articles on psychology websites that speak about the lasting effects of abuse and neglect, including low self-esteem, depression, and trouble forming and maintaining relationships, among others.
What I find curious is that Alexander tells Charlotte that what his daughter and niece need is discipline. He is of the opinion that is what is lacking, obviously blind to the detrimental effects his childhood discipline had on him. Charlotte’s idea of childrearing is far different in method. From the time she left his office and the moment he caught up with her on the cliffs, Alexander must have considered the possibility of a different path. He was willing to give Charlotte the opportunity to try another means.
To add to Alexander’s challenges, it’s inferred that his father was an alcoholic. No doubt his father’s condition contributed to the neglect that he and his brother suffered, and perhaps exposed them to even more physical and mental abuse if their father turned into an “angry” drunk when inebriated. It’s fortunate that we see Alexander shun alcoholic beverages at Lady Denham’s garden party, rather than succumbing to his father’s legacy himself which is often a danger for children of alcoholics. Frankly, given all that he has suffered would give him ample justification to turn toward drink. Thankfully, his integrity has conquered those temptations, and he has determined not to follow the destructive path of his father.
We hear nothing about Alexander’s mother, but I think it’s fair to say that she was overwhelmed, being married to an alcoholic. A woman in such a situation is focused on her own survival and probably did not have the ability to cope or protect her children from their father’s drinking. She may have been abused by her husband as well during his drunken state. For whatever reason, she too relied upon a governess to discipline the boys.
Alexander Colbourne and Marriage to Lucy
Alexander admits that he and Lucy married young. My first thought is that Alexander perhaps did so as a means of escaping a dysfunctional home. Did he love Lucy or was she just a means to an end? Of course, it could have been an arranged marriage as well, but we know nothing of how it came about. My thoughts are that Alexander had no concept of giving love or receiving love at a young age. It’s clear that he and Lucy were a mismatch from the beginning. Lucy loved society and being around people, while Alexander did not. Already, we see Alexander’s childhood having formed his adult personality by preferring isolation rather than stimulation. He experiences anxiety in social situations. Even Augusta said to Charlotte, “He rarely came to London. He’s always been solitary.“
Now that Alexander’s parents are dead, and as the eldest son he inherited the estate, Lucy and he separates. She preferred London society, and he wished to return to the country. Perhaps the land upon which he grew up is the location that grounds him, although it may not be filled with happy childhood memories. What Alexander does know is that he’s safe there from the pressures of social activity, and behind its walls, he finds solace staring out the window.
Lennox accuses Colbourne of abandoning Lucy in London, and that is why he was able to give his wife the comfort she needed. Colbourne believes Lennox preyed upon her vulnerabilities. The outcome, as we know, is that Lucy is pregnant with Lennox’s child, and is too afraid to face her husband. Colbourne admits he showed her no pity or compassion for her failings, and we can only assume that his personality trait of integrity caused him to lash out at her for her unfaithfulness. Now, he has even more reason to hide behind the walls of his estate – scandal. To make matters worse, Lucy takes that ill-fated walk into the night rain that leads to her death. The aftermath leaves Colbourne riddled with guilt and shame that he is responsible for the outcome.
The entire affair has a ripple effect on Colbourne’s life, compounding his low self-esteem born from his childhood. He has now failed as a husband like his father. Alone with his self-recrimination, the end result is his home becomes a prison, and his emotions are bottled up in the depths of his soul. Even though Colbourne says he is nothing like his father when it comes to drinking, there is a haunting aspect of identical failure that clings to him. He has difficulty being the father Leonora needs and the understanding uncle Augusta needs. It’s easier to hire a governess to handle it, rather than figuring it out for himself, so he can hide in his office behind a closed door. Of course, it doesn’t help that Leonora isn’t his daughter, and Augusta looks like his departed wife.
Alexander Colbourne and Charlotte
Charlotte has now entered Alexander’s life. From their very first meeting, she has challenged him. As I wrote about in my mid-season analysis of Alexander Colbourne, he is forced to examine himself through Charlotte’s eyes. She encourages them all to be a family rather than a mausoleum of secrets and pain. With each encounter, Colbourne is forced to make a decision. Should I take a minute for a picnic? Should I take Augusta to the garden party? Do I take my niece to attend the ball, meaning that I might have to dance myself? He’s falling in love with Charlotte and wants to please her, no matter how painful stepping out from behind the prison of his anxiety might be. However, feeling affection for Charlotte doesn’t necessarily equate to suddenly having the ability to express emotions. He admitted he worried about what she would think of him, once the truth about Lucy and Leonora was revealed. When he discovers that she does not judge him for it, he drops his defenses and kisses her with obvious need.
I talked about what happened in Episode 6 as well, attempting to unpack the ending where we find Colbourne tongue-tied (Unpacking E6 – What Happened). Though much of it is rooted in his integrity, it’s also exacerbated by the trauma endured during his youth. Lennox played a pivotal role in creating doubt and uncertainty in his life, laying the blame for failure square at his feet. I can relate to Colbourne on that point, that expressing yourself can be difficult and almost impossible under certain circumstances, especially when you are chained to the past. As we see, he often needs space to process and reflect before he can articulate his emotions. I’m the same way.
Colbourne at the end of season two is in love with Charlotte, but he is by no means ready for a relationship. There are more layers to peel back – more baggage to unpack – more healing to occur – and more growth to be had. We all want Charlotte and Colbourne to be together in a healthy relationship, rather than a dysfunctional one. Even our dear Charlotte is still dealing with unresolved pain and disappointment.
I’m hopeful that in season three, Colbourne will have vanquished the demons that keep him bound. Frankly, I can’t wait to hear him declare his love for Charlotte verbally, although he does quite well showing it with passionate kisses. He just needs to get the words out. Ironically, he thanks Charlotte for making her feelings clear, when he is unable to do so himself.
At the end of season two, we see that Colbourne leaves the confines of his estate. He realizes they all need a change. It’s time for reflection and renewal, seeking out perhaps his brother and friends to help him make sense of the past and forge a new path for himself. Without the Regency resident therapist with offices in downtown Sanditon, our hero is left to figure it out on his own.
Like any good writer knows, characters have an arc as well, taking their flaws and eventually seeing them grow and resolve their inner conflicts. Season three will bring us to that place with Colbourne, and I’m excited to see it unfold.
What are your thoughts on this complicated man?
Thanks for this thoughtful analysis. I’ve been surprised how engrossed I still am in this story. After much mulling, I’ve come to many of the same ideas. Charlotte and Alex need to get a handle on own their lives and priorities before they can be truly right for each other. I love that Alex is wearing a green coat at the end of Season 2. I think that’s a good sign of his continuing growth.
Thank you! I would agree with you about that both Charlotte and Colbourne still have to deal with their pasts. He needs to follow Charlotte’s advise and forgive himself.
Nice analysis! I found it interesting when AC and Charlotte discussed Chiron the centaur at the picnic. I have wondered if Chiron informs the character of AC: descendant of centaurs who were wild and carousing yet Chiron was intelligent and scientific/medical; Chiron exchanged his immortality so that Prometheus could live; Chiron was killed by a poison arrow…he could heal others but not himself (that is why AC needs Charlotte!). Just a thought:) In Season 3 I am thinking AC needs Capt. Frazier to come work on his estate and teach him how to properly court a Heywood lady:)
Very interesting!
Well done !! I agree, Charlotte and Alexander have “ hurdles “ to overcome.
You are so right AC needs a therapist! Even the few kinds, sympathetic words from Charlotte have done him the world of good.
We get frustrating little back story for him and it’s amazing how much you’ve been able to tease out from the few clues we got–the belt-in-hand governess, the tippling father, the absent mother. Unfortunately AC had no confidant, no friend or family member he can talk to–other than Mrs. Wheatley, and eventually Charlotte.
There are a couple other lines that might be clues in addition to what you’ve analyzed. When AC says he knows all too well what happens to a woman who “doesn’t live up to society’s expectations”, who do you think he’s referring to? At first I thought he must mean Lucy, but now I wonder if it could be his mother? Looks like we’ll get a new Colbourne character in S3; maybe they will shed some light.
And then the really intriguing comment from Mrs. W–“there is more to AC that you could possibly imagine.” That’s a pretty strong statement. At this point C doesn’t know that Leo is not his own child but that’s he raising her anyway–could that be it? Doesn’t seem like enough to warrant Mrs. W’s statement. We don’t see him involved in anything off the estate, so what could it be? One possibility might be that’s he’s somehow involved in the anti-slave trade campaign, contributing funds, writing letters–and through that we might even see Otis again. Far-fetched, for sure, but I’m expecting to come from Mrs. W’s remark. She knows him better than anyone.
Finally, what do you make of Tom’s comment that, beyond being reclusive, AC opposed Tom’s plans for developing Sanditon. Is he just a NIMBY? An early environmentalist? Or is that just Tom being ticked AC refused to invest, unlike Lady Denham.
I really appreciated this analysis. I much prefer the character of Alexander to that of Sidney in Season 1. I keep thinking about him and how the scenes in the story play out. One thing I noticed is the close relationship he has with his housekeeper. When they are alone after AC dismisses Charlotte, Mrs. Wheatley calls him by the nickname of Xander. It is likely she was a younger servant, or even a nursemaid, when he was a boy, and feels very protective of him. I was glad he left his estate at the end of Season 2, because I also imagined he might seek out his brother or, at least, expose himself more to society. He was so uncomfortable and uneasy at the Garden Party. It was as if he came out of the darkness into the blinding light. I do find it difficult to imagine how he can achieve the change he needs; so, I’m really looking forward to see what the writers do with his character.
I agree! I think Mrs. Wheatley has a maternal love for Xander. I also caught her nod at him when he was leaving his estate. Is it lossible he goes to visit his mother? Or someone who may help him heal and recall what happened in his childhood so he can make peace with it.
Your analysis was detailed and full of many points I missed. I came to the Sanditon party just recently and actually binge watched it in one night.
My thot about the ending was that Alexander & Charlotte could have grown and healed together. He told her his deep sorrow, and the kisses showed a vulnerability and willingness to expose himself. Charlotte was receptive to him, but he needed more encouragement from her. With a little time and openness on her part he could of had the confidence to put his whole self out there. It seemed that Charlotte wanted him to take all the chances of rejection. Of course, in those days marriages were arranged and often only for finances (Sidney) or heirs. But C&A’s story is different. Alexander has told his past shame, in total truth, and has been genuine with her. I have not seen Charlotte do the same..Sidney and her broken heart? But still, the story could have shown what a healing salve to each other, and the girls, love can be. That would have been a sweet journey too. We don’t come with all problems resolved and maturity in place when we have abuse and hurt in the past. The journey of couplehood comes with growing together and supporting each other in that growth. Leaving the situation the way the season did would normally end in heartache and regret for opportunities lost if they had not runaway. It seemed like C had to hear his words just so to be satisfied. She should have known by now he is a man of few words, but plenty of display. And he should have known she was”fishing” for those perfect words, but he was just coming out of the dark.
Beautifully done. Feeling is that his mother died when the 2 boys are very young. His fathers drawing in his sorrows, not there for the boys….
I loved these analyzes and thank the authors. If this season wasn’t limited to 6 episodes, I can see the events of the story pertaining to Alexander and Rose developing differently because they were making progress and both knew that each cared for the other, but there wasn’t time and other story lines had to be finished. So I dearly hope that this S3 dwells on Charlotte and of course Georgiana’s happiness. The actors are excellent as is the writing, given the timetable. All of the characters have their own complexities, which is life! And little “bullet” items, like “there is more to Alexander Colbourne than you could possibly imagine”, keep the audience interested, wondering, and wanting more!!
I am a person of few words, when few words are required. Spot on.
Your analysis is well done and detailed. One case in point: Alexander becoming a father to Leonora, when he’s not the biological father, is very telling. He could have easily put her in a foundling home and not accepted any parental responsibility. I think that since Leo was his wife’s baby, he felt responsible for the baby’s welfare and upbringing. He felt he failed his wife. He didn’t want to fail with the baby, so he kept her.
~ Alexander Colbourne is played brilliantly by southpaw Ben Lloyd-Hughes (I’m left-handed too). I was surprised to learn that BLH didn’t watch Sanditon Season 1 b/c he didn’t get the part he wanted. When he accepted the role of Alex Colbourne, BLH brought the role to life. There are lots of layers to peel back on this complicated man; his inability to love and be loved, sending the wrong signals (to Charlotte) then apologising for them, being reclusive, not knowing how to raise a daughter and niece. He hasn’t learnt to deal with his emotions or come to grips with his past. He exacerbated the problem skillfully by placing blame on Charlotte for the way Augusta and Leo turned out; expecting her to turn them into civilised young ladies overnight. Young Stringer and Charlotte would have been better suited since they have similar temperaments. Running away won’t solve Colbourne’s problems, he has to deal with them head on. Looking forward to what Season 3 will bring and that Colbourne exorcises the demons that keep him from the happiness he desires. ~
Think it would fun to update this to account for new information from S3. For instance we learn AC is the younger brother and was left with all the responsibility when his older brother took off after their father died. We further learn that AC’s sense of duty and responsibility for the estate and family fortunes is pretty high and that, per Samuel, those things contributed to his failed marriage. I’d probably take a rosier view about his childhood and say that (a) his father may or may not have been an alcoholic but he clearly was a big drinker at social functions, (b) most upper class parents at the time left the children to the nannies in varying degrees so that isn’t unusual, however, the fact that his governess was rigidly strict could indicate a lack of parental involvement and/or care, (c) because he and Samuel shared the same upbringing (nurture) yet made such vastly different choices goes to personality (nature) which indicates that AC’s sense of responsibility, duty, AND his sense of compassion are innately who he is. So it’s possible he would have made similar choices albeit with a softer edge, and (d) His inability to articulate and express his feelings seems to come from a general shyness or introverted disposition that was compounded by his first marriage’s events and outcome. At no time does AC ever express love for Lucy. Whether that’s an indication of a lack of love or just something we aren’t privy to is anyone’s guess. More telling is that it was his pride that kept him from going to London earlier to check in the situation. Would’ve loved unpacking that tidbit. I think his statement in S3 that he’s increasingly of the belief we aren’t meant to walk through life alone is some indication of a loner (by choice or abandonment) realizing he needs other people. Or at least one other person. So much could be sad but I’ll leave it there.