The Earl of Dorincourt is a fictional character from the novel *The Little Lord Fauntleroy* by Frances Hodgson Burnett. He is portrayed as a wealthy and somewhat gruff aristocrat who initially has a distant relationship with his grandson, Cedric Errol. The Earl's character evolves throughout the story as he learns to embrace love and family. As the story unfolds, the Earl's transformation highlights themes of kindness and the importance of familial bonds. His interactions with Cedric, who is characterized by his innocence and goodness, ultimately lead to a change in the Earl's perspective on life and relationships.