A Bid for Fortune · Character

Dr. Nikola

A soft-spoken mastermind who commands subordinates, forges letters, and reaches across hemispheres to claim what he wants before anyone knows he is moving.

major

Also known as Prologue Dr. Nikola, this Dr. Nikola, Nikola, IX Dr. Nikola Permits

First appearance: Prologue

As a major figure in A Bid for Fortune, Dr. Nikola is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The orchestrator of the mysterious dinner and the plot against Wetherell; he gives orders to his agents from the Imperial Restaurant.

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He operates through intermediaries like Eastover and Draper, receiving reports and issuing orders with the calm of a man who has already won. His signature is in the paper he buys at an ordinary stationer's shop, in letters that arrive as threats and instructions, and in the fear he inspires even in those who have never met him. The early investigation into a missing girl keeps circling back to him, making him the shadow the whole plot is measured against.

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See Dr. Nikola in Prologue

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt represents the dramatic climax because it reaches the emotional and psychological peak of the pri…

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In the story

Dr. Nikola appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Prologue
The orchestrator of the mysterious dinner and the plot against Wetherell; he gives orders to his agents from the Imperial Restaurant.
II: London
The mysterious man at the restaurant who performs conjuring tricks and reveals knowledge of Hatteras's cards.
I Meet Dr. Nikola Again
Mentioned as the mysterious individual Hatteras suspects is involved in a conspiracy with Baxter.
VII: Port Said, and What Befell Us There
Mentioned as the antagonist Hatteras fears meeting; Hatteras avoids hotels and delays boarding to evade him.
Our Imprisonment and Attempt at Escape
Mentioned as the mastermind behind the plot against them.
Dr. Nikola Permits Us a Free Passage
Outwits Hatteras and Beckenham by revealing he intercepted their messages, then surprisingly grants them freedom.
I: We Reach Australia, and the Result
Nikola is mentioned as the mastermind behind the impostor plot; his face haunts Beckenham.
II: On the Trail
Identified by Hatteras as the man who drugged Thompson; described as tall, slim, sallow, with dark eyes and a snake ring.
Lord Beckenham's Story
Mesmerizes and holds Beckenham captive; orchestrates the abduction.
V: The Islands and What We Found There
Visits Wetherell to purchase the black stick; described as having a deadly white complexion and dark eyes and hair.
Conclusion
Sends a diamond necklace as a wedding gift; last seen with the Chinese stick, planning a coup.

Chapter companion notes

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See Dr. Nikola in Prologue