Summary of The Castle of Otranto, by Horace Walpole, Chapter -3

Manfred is terrified to see the plumage on the miraculous casque shaking by the vibration of the trumpet’s sound. Father Jerome, formerly known as the count of Falconara is still standing by Manfred’s side, begging for his son’s life. In his bewildered state, Manfred asks Father Jerome, whether he has offended God by his deeds. Jerome replies that the heaven is no doubt displeased with his mockery of his servants .He should submit himself to the Church and stop the persecution of the innocent youth, Theodore. Manfred orders Jerome to  go and see who is at the gate. Meanwhile, Jerome confirms whether Manfred granted the release of Theodore. When Theodore is released, the father and his son are reconciled with tears in their eyes. Immediately, after Jerome goes to the gate to look into the matter. When Father Jerome returns, he informs that a herald from the knight of the Giagantic Sabre wants to speak with the usurper of Otranto. Though Manfred is terrified, he allows the emissary of the knight to engage in a formal conversation. The emissary calls Manfred the usurper of the castle which makes Manfred furious. Later he instructs Father Jerome to make preparations for the Princess Isabella’s immediate return, reminding him that his son Theodore’s life depends on it.

 Theodore is held captive in the dark tower. After Father Jerome comes to know this, he is surprised that Manfred has contradicted his own words. But later, he understands that if Jerome betrays and refuses to return princess Isabella, Manfred will kill his son. Meanwhile, the herald informs Manfred that Frederic, Marquis of Vicenza, demands his daughter Isabella. He accused Manfred of bribing her false guardians to take Isabella in his captivity during Frederic’s absence. As Frederic is the nearest of blood to the last rightful Lord Alfonso the Good, he also demands Manfred's resignation from the lordship of Otranto. If he refuses to resign, Frederic will challenge him in a duel. Manfred decides not to provoke the Marquis, considering the gravity of the situation. Instead, he concocts a plan to invite Frederic and his friends to his castle and convince him to give consent to his marriage to Isabella.He also strictly orders his servants not to disclose anything about Isabella’s escape. Meanwhile, Father Jerome’s mind was agitated because of the responsibilities Manfred imposed on him. The return of Princess Isabella and to convince Lady Hippolita for a divorce. At that moment a monk informs him about the rumour that lady Hippolita is dead. He also informs that on hearing the news Lady Isabella is devastated. Father Jerome goes in search of Isabella but, she is not found in the chapel. He concludes that on hearing the news of Hippolita’s death, she has escaped .Frederic arrives at the castle with his pompous party of numerous attendants and footmen. Manfred recapitulates how valiant warrior Frederic was, and how it was beyond his grandfather’s capacity to overthrow Frederic. He was married with a beautiful young lady. She died during childbirth. Her death devastated Frederic. He went to the battle of the Holy Land where he was wounded and imprisoned. Later, It was reported that Frederic was dead. That was a golden opportunity for Manfred to bribe Isabella’s false guardians for her alliance with Conrad. On Manfred’s invitation, Frederic and his Knights come to his castle to have some rest and refreshment. The plumes of the broken helmet start moving. The knight observes the helmet and kneels down before it to offer a prayer.Manfred is terrified at the sight of the huge sabre of Frederic. He tries to persuade him to disarm himself, but Frederic refuses. . Meanwhile, another supernatural incident occurs .The gigantic sword burst from the supporters and falls on the opposite side of the helmet and remained unmovable During the feast, Manfred tries to make a conversation with the knights, but they were clearly not interested. After a grand welcome of the knights, Manfred gradually informs them about the mysterious death of his son Conrad. He also cunningly places a proposal to marry Lady Isabella. At the time, Father Jerome comes and informs Manfred about Lady Isabella’s escape. Manfred desperately tries to suppress the news of Isabella’s escapade, but all in vain. A confused and frightened friar disclosed the secret before the knights. The knights are furious to hear that. They accused Manfred as a traitor and taking Jerome and his friars to guide them, they leave in search of the princess. Matilda comes to know that a huge number of attendants were engaged in the quest to find Lady Isabella. Using this opportunity, she goes to the black tower to meet Theodore. She sets Theodore free from the prison and he is indebted to Matilda. Theodore, initially thinks that Matilda is the lady whom he helped to escape the captivity of Manfred, in the vault of the castle. Assuming Theodore and Isabella are having an affair, Matilda mentions about Isabella. Theodore replies that he doesn’t know her. Theodore realizes that the women he had met in the secret vault wasn’t Matilda, but someone else. A deep and hollow groan, which seems to come from above startles them both. Matilda secretly takes Theodore to Manfred’s armoury to equip him with a complete suit and a sword. Matilda tells how to escape from the guards and where to hide. Before his departure, Theodore proclaimed his love for Matilda, down on his knees. They both reciprocate their feelings for each other. On his way Theodore finds Isabella and protects her. Meanwhile Frederic comes there in search of Isabella, who engages in a fight with Theodore and gets seriously injured. Isabella recognizes her father Frederic. In order to save Frederic’s life, they take him to the castle.