Was Fleance a Real Person?

The figure of Fleance, son of the legendary Scottish king Banquo, has long captivated the imaginations of historians and literature enthusiasts alike. However, when delving into the origins of these characters, we find that the evidence for their existence as actual historical figures is quite slender.

The Historical Roots of Fleance and Banquo

The earliest reference to Banquo and Fleance appears in Historia Gentis Scotorum, which was authored by the Scottish philosopher and "historian" Hector Boece between 1526-1527. Boece's narrative of Banquo and Fleance is largely based on a poem composed by Scottish poet Alexander Garden. Garden, known for his works on Scottish kings, seems to have fabricated these characters to create a lineage for the Stuart dynasty, which was a significant political and royal family in early modern Britain. There is no tangible historical evidence to support the existence of either Banquo or Fleance outside of this literary context.

A Critique of Historical Evidence

Boece's portrayal of Banquo and Fleance is a testament to the creative liberties taken by historians and novelists alike in crafting narratives. Alexander Garden's poems, while they may contain elements of real Scottish history, appear to have been embellished with fictional characters to serve the political and cultural purposes of the time. The lack of concrete evidence for the existence of Fleance or Banquo in historical records underscores the fact that they are likely the product of literary invention rather than historical truth.

Was Fleance Based on Real Characters?

While Banquo and Fleance remain figures of intrigue and speculation, another literary work raises questions about the origins of characters. The novel Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe, notorious for authoring Robinson Crusoe, presents a complex narrative that blurs the lines between fact and fiction. Defoe used Moll King, a real person he met in Newgate Prison, as the basis for his fictional character. Moll King's life, marked by crime and transformation, provided Defoe with rich material to explore themes of morality and redemption. The novel's narrative, while based on real experiences, is enhanced with fictional elements, making it difficult to separate historical truth from literary creation.

The Reality of Moll Flanders

Many scholars argue that Moll Flanders was at least partly based on real events and individuals. However, the decision to publish the novel anonymously, along with Defoe's initial failure to sign his name to the work, has led some to view it as a "spiritual autobiography." This approach is reminiscent of modernist and postmodernist literary techniques, which often employ the blurring of the line between autobiography and fiction.

Fictitious Characters and Literary Techniques

The character of Moll Flanders and her possible real-life counterparts serve as a fascinating example of how historical figures can be reimagined and reinterpreted through the lens of literature. This practice is not unique to Defoe; the use of characters based on real people, real-life experiences, and literary invention has permeated the historical and literary traditions throughout history.

While Fleance and Banquo remain enigmatic figures, their existence in the realm of historical fiction invites us to reflect on the boundaries between fact and fiction, and the importance of literary context in shaping our understanding of historical events and figures. Ultimately, the study of these fictional characters offers valuable insights into the cultural and political narratives of their time.

Keywords: Fleance, Banquo, Daniel Defoe, Moll Flanders, Historical Fiction