Sidney Fitzgilbert in Gwen & Art Are Not in Love: Character Analysis

Overview of Sidney Fitzgilbert in Gwen & Art Are Not in Love

Sidney Fitzgilbert is Arthur Delacey's loyal manservant, closest friend, and constant accomplice. He appears in nearly every chapter, providing comic relief, practical support, and emotional grounding for Arthur. While he occupies a servant's role, Sidney is treated by Arthur as an equal—a witty, sharp-tongued companion who is never afraid to tease his master. Over the course of the novel, Sidney's devotion is tested through schemes, battles, and political upheaval, and he emerges as a key figure in the story's climax. His romance with Agnes, Gwen's lady-in-waiting, adds a tender counterpoint to the central plot and highlights his capacity for genuine affection. Sidney's arc moves from a sidekick who enables Arthur's mischief to a brave fighter who risks his life for his friend and ultimately helps save the kingdom—though not without personal cost.

Plot Role

Sidney is Arthur's right hand from the opening chapters. He escapes inn brawls with Arthur, helps dig up Gwen's diary, scouts drinking establishments, and assists in sneaking out of Camelot. He is present at key moments: he waits outside the Morgan's Day gathering, he brings Arthur back after a brutal beating, and he stands between Arthur and his father's armed men. In the final battle, Sidney wounds Sir Marlin and then kills him after Marlin stabs the king, making Sidney directly responsible for avenging the king's death. Throughout, Sidney acts as Arthur's protector, advisor, and moral compass, often urging caution while still following Arthur into danger.

Motivations and Traits

Sidney's primary motivation is loyalty to Arthur. This is shown repeatedly through actions: he resigns from Lord Delacey's service rather than stand aside, he shields Arthur with his own body, and he refuses to abandon him even when Arthur announces a plan likely to end in death. Sidney is also motivated by his love for Agnes, which drives him to wait outside a chapel all night and to defy Gwen's orders to cut contact.

His traits include wit, practicality, and bravery. His humor is evident in banter with Arthur—he jokes about marrying him, calls Camelot a “shithole,” and dryly comments on Arthur's decisions. He is practical, often suggesting sensible alternatives (like using the competitors' entrance) and trying to keep Arthur out of trouble. His bravery is physical and moral: he draws a sword against armed men, and he tells Arthur hard truths about his behavior. Sidney also shows vulnerability, particularly when he blames himself for Arthur's injuries, kicking a chair in frustration and admitting, “I messed up.”

Chronological Arc

Sidney's arc follows Arthur's journey from reckless youth to reluctant hero. Early on, Sidney is a willing partner in mischief—escaping brawls, digging up diaries, and sneaking into inns. At Camelot, he becomes Arthur's confidant, listening to his troubles and offering sardonic advice. His relationship with Agnes develops quietly, with Sidney pining after her and eventually winning her affection. As the political conspiracy unfolds, Sidney's role shifts from comic sidekick to protector. He is barred from the royal wing, separated from Agnes, and forced to watch Arthur's father seize Arthur. In the climactic battle, Sidney fights alongside Arthur, kills Marlin, and witnesses the king's death. By the end, Sidney has proven himself a true friend and a capable warrior, though the cost of the summer's events lingers.

Relationships

Arthur Delacey: Sidney's bond with Arthur is the novel's emotional core. They share a deep friendship built on trust and mutual teasing. Sidney is Arthur's only confidant, learning about his kiss with Gabriel and his feelings for Gwen. He supports Arthur through his father's cruelty and the coup, and he is willing to die for him. Their banter reveals a genuine affection that transcends class boundaries.

Agnes: Sidney's romance with Agnes is a subplot that mirrors the main couples. He is smitten from early on, pelting her with sugared buns and waiting outside the chapel for her. Their relationship grows through stolen moments, and by the end they are openly kissing. When Gwen orders Agnes to cut contact, Agnes refuses, showing that their bond is strong enough to defy authority.

Gwen and Gabriel: Sidney interacts with the royal siblings mainly through Arthur. He is present when Arthur and Gwen make their pact, and he helps Arthur sneak into Gabriel's library. He is wary of the political dangers but remains supportive of Arthur's relationships with them.

Key Decisions and Consequences

• Resigning from Lord Delacey's service: When Lord Delacey orders his men to seize Arthur, Sidney draws his sword and declares, “I resign. In disgrace.” This act of defiance puts him directly in danger but also signals his absolute loyalty to Arthur over his employer. The consequence is that Sidney is knocked down and held at swordpoint, forcing Arthur to surrender to save him.

• Fighting in the final battle: Sidney chooses to follow Arthur into the melee despite the odds. He wounds Sir Marlin and then kills him after Marlin stabs the king. This decision makes Sidney a hero but also leaves him traumatized by the king's death.

• Staying with Arthur after the coup: When Arthur announces his plan to make “a series of poor decisions,” Sidney refuses to abandon him, saying, “Good of you to announce it this time.” This choice cements his role as Arthur's steadfast companion, even at the risk of death.

Themes and Symbol Connections

Sidney embodies the theme of loyalty and friendship (though that link is for queer identity, we can link to relevant themes). More accurately, he connects to duty versus personal desire by choosing his own loyalty to Arthur over his duty to Lord Delacey. His relationship with Agnes touches on self-worth and parental expectations as he defies Gwen's orders to be with her. Sidney also represents the performance of identity as a servant who acts like a friend, blurring class lines. His actions in the battle tie to political conspiracy and the abuse of power, as he fights against the coup.

Questions and Answers

1. Why does Sidney resign from Lord Delacey's service?

Sidney resigns because Lord Delacey orders his men to seize Arthur. Sidney draws his sword and declares, “I resign. In disgrace,” choosing to protect Arthur over obeying his employer. This act shows his loyalty to Arthur above all else.

2. What is Sidney's role in the final battle?

Sidney fights alongside Arthur, wounds Sir Marlin, and then kills Marlin after Marlin stabs the king. He also shields Arthur from arrows and helps him stay upright during the chaos. His actions are crucial to the battle's outcome, though the king dies.

3. How does Sidney's relationship with Agnes develop?

Sidney is smitten with Agnes from early on, pining after her and waiting outside the chapel for her. They share moments at dinners and secret gatherings, and by the end they are openly kissing. When Gwen orders Agnes to cut contact, Agnes refuses, showing their bond is strong.

4. What does Sidney's reaction to Arthur's kiss with Gabriel reveal about his character?

Sidney reacts with concern, asking if it was a one-time thing and joking about treason. This shows his protective nature and his awareness of the political dangers. He is supportive but also practical, wanting Arthur to be safe.

5. How does Sidney's humor serve the story?

Sidney's wit provides comic relief and balances the darker themes. His banter with Arthur lightens tense moments, and his dry comments (like calling Camelot a “shithole”) humanize the characters. His humor also masks his deeper loyalty and care, making his serious moments more impactful.