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Reverend Obidah Slope (Richard Lumsden)

Reverend Obidah Slope is newly arrived in Barchester

Reverend Obidah Slope (Richard Lumsden)

Slope is a man who does not trouble himself with thoughts for nothing. Newly arrived in Barchester as Chaplain to Bishop Proudie, he quickly takes up the challenge of what he sees as the dyed-in-the-wool traditionalists of the village. Despite the challenges of an unprepossessing countenance (lank hair, a face the colour of beef and a problem with perspiration), he seems to have a powerful way with the opposite sex. His power as an orator in the pulpit divides Barchester – the women seem to be thrilled, the men less so. Slope is ambitious – in Trollope’s words he can "stoop to fawn and stoop low indeed". But will it ultimately bring him success?