The second of two prequels to The Scarlet Pimpernel, The First Sir Percy could be called The Laughing Cavalier, Part II because it takes up where the previous book leaves off. The cast of characters in the two novels is almost identical, except that we get to know Mynheer Berensteyn (Gilda's father) and the Stadtholder (Maurice of Nassau, Prince of Orange) by actions more than mere reference. We also become reacquainted with the Stadtholder's sworn enemy the Lord Stoutenburg, who has grown more dastardly and despicable since his defeat at the hands of Diogenes at the end of The Laughing Cavalier.