Ashenden · Character

R.

Ashenden's chief, a man of quick, intent looks and a squint that turns sinister when he is asked to authorize something he would rather not know about.

supporting

Also known as R. who missed little, Presently R.

First appearance: R.

See R. in R.Book page

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R. presides over the intelligence service with a gentleman's code and a taste for deniability: he desires the end but recoils from the means, and prefers that someone else shoulder the responsibility. His exchanges with Ashenden expose the moral contortions of an agency that wants dirty work done without dirtying its own hands. He matters because he embodies the institutional hypocrisy Ashenden must navigate in nearly every assignment.

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See R. in R.

Character Web

16 connections

A slice of how R. sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Espionage network core
Russian Revolution pawns
Protagonist

+11 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

Ashenden’s decision to write to Anastasia Alexandrovna marks the emotional and psychological peak because it f…

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Relationships

Ashenden
professional · ambivalent
Anastasia Alexandrovna Leonidov
professional · positive
Ashenden
professional · ambivalent
Anastasia Alexandrovna Leonidov
professional · positive
Ashenden
professional · ambivalent
Anastasia Alexandrovna Leonidov
professional · positive

Ashenden
R is Ashenden's superior in British intelligence, giving him orders and assignments throughout the war.
Anastasia Alexandrovna Leonidov
Anastasia Alexandrovna Leonidov is a Russian agent working under R's direction in the intelligence network.
Ashenden
R is Ashenden's superior in British intelligence, giving him orders and assignments throughout the war.
Anastasia Alexandrovna Leonidov
Anastasia Alexandrovna Leonidov is a Russian agent working under R's direction in the intelligence network.
Ashenden
R is Ashenden's superior in British intelligence, giving him orders and assignments throughout the war.
Anastasia Alexandrovna Leonidov
Anastasia Alexandrovna Leonidov is a Russian agent working under R's direction in the intelligence network.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See R. in R.

In the story

R. appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Ashenden
Ashenden's superior in the intelligence service, who recruits him.
R.
A middle-aged Colonel in the Intelligence Department, known by the letter R. He recruits Ashenden and warns him of the harsh realities of the job.
II: A Domiciliary Visit
Ashenden's chief; mentioned as someone who would call Ashenden a damned fool if he got arrested.
IV: The Hairless Mexican
Briefs Ashenden on the mission to intercept Constantine Andreadi; provides funds and introduces the Hairless Mexican; displays a sardonic and pragmatic attitude.
The Dark Woman
Mentioned as the colonel who chose the Hairless Mexican for the mission.
VII: A Trip to Paris
Summons Ashenden to Paris, outlines the plan to capture an Indian revolutionary, and shows a fascination with the luxury of the restaurant.
IX: Gustav
Gives Ashenden Gustav's reports as models; suspects something is amiss and sends Ashenden to investigate.
Behind the Scenes
Mentioned as the one who sent Ashenden on this mission, though not directly present in the chapter.
XIII: The Flip of a Coin
Recalled in Ashenden's memory for his refusal to countenance the assassination of King B., despite its strategic value, citing gentlemanly conduct.
XIV: A Chance Acquaintance
Mentioned as the one who gave Ashenden his orders for the mission; not physically present in the chapter.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for R. unlock in the free preview.

See R. in R.