The character of Vernon Whitford was drawn from Leslie Stephen, while Dr. Middleton was based on Thomas Love Peacock.  
"The Racing Cutter" and "Phoebus Apollo turned fasting friar" are just two of the nicknames for people in this novel invented by the title character's neighbor, Mrs. Mountstuart Jackson.  The character of Vernon Whitford was drawn from Leslie Stephen, while Dr. Middleton was based on Thomas Love Peacock.  Having already been rejected by Constantia Durham, the title character pursues Clara Middleton by winning her father's support with his family port.  However, through the intervention of Crossjay, the titular nobleman is jilted again and must settle for Laetitia Dale.  Sir Willoughby Patterne is, FTP, the "self-interested" title character of what George Meredith novel?
"The Racing Cutter" and "Phoebus Apollo turned fasting friar" are just two of the nicknames for people in this novel invented by the title character's neighbor, Mrs. Mountstuart Jackson.  
The Egoist