Crushworthy Characters: Lord John Grey

Art by Kath-13

Last week’s list reminded me of some characters that I haven’t written about yet. I decided to get on that this week. It’s no secret that I’m a huge Outlander fan. One of my favorite characters from the book is Lord John Grey. He is an amazing character and fits in well with the heroes and heroines from the book. After I started reading the Outlander books years ago, I was excited to learn that John Grey had his own book series. Today John is the star of the crushworthy show.

CONTAINS SPOILERS!

Who is He?

Lord John Grey is a supporting character in Diana Gabaldon’s series Outlander and the star of his own novel spin-off series. He is also in some novellas written by Gabaldon. These books included Lord John and the Hellfire Club and The Scottish Prisoner. Lord John is a soldier and wealthy British gentleman, as well as an expert with information. Take that as you will. Lord John made his first appearance in Dragonfly in Amber as a sixteen-year-old soldier trying to rescue Claire, who he thought Jamie held captive. This began his career of gallantry and noble deeds.

Fun Fact:

John Grey has a metal plate in his head.

“Do you ever wish that you were…not as you are?”

The question took him by surprise — and yet he was somewhat more surprised to realize that he did not need to think about the answer.

“No,” he said. He hesitated for a moment, but Percy’s asking of the question was enough. “You do?”

– Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade

Why So Crushworthy?

John Grey is the epitome of a chivalrous hero. He is very self-sacrificing as well. John Grey is endlessly devoted to doing the right thing and protecting those he loves. And there is no one he loves more than Jamie Fraser. He raises Jamie’s son as his, marries Claire to save her, and has him freed from prison in the early years of their acquaintance. That love and respect for Jamie also prevents him from making further advances on Jamie. He values their friendship more than just giving in to his lust. He sacrifices his personal desires to hold onto something precious to him. John walks a thin line with grace and dignity.

John Grey lives in a world where being homosexual is not acceptable. He is discreet about his affairs because he is aware of the danger of being found out. It’s heartbreaking that he can’t truly be himself in public. Lord John Grey is a British gentleman, but that doesn’t stop him from seeking adventure. His investigations have taken him to dangerous places and put his life in danger many times. John Grey is a survivor, though. His sense of humor remains intact as well. He lives his life mostly without regrets. I’m always rooting for a happy ending for John Grey. He is a quiet man with a fiery personality underneath his genteel upbringing.