Gilbert Clandon

Gilbert Clandon is the main character of the short story “The Legacy” by Virginia Woolf. He is a recently widowed politician in his fifties. He considers himself “a very distinguished-looking man”.

Gilbert is self-centered and a narcissist. For example, when reading his wife’s diary, which is supposed to be about her, he only thinks about himself: “He skipped on. His own name occurred less frequently. His interest slackened”. Moreover, when Sissy offers Gilbert help, he assumes the woman must be in love with him, which further proves his narcissism. 

He is also materialistic and does not appear to empathize with people. When Sissy Miller suggests that he should not be worried about her since her friend died, Gilbert assumes she means she does not need ...