At the Back of the North Wind · Character

Joseph

Diamond's father, a hardworking cabman who loves his family and his horses, and who keeps his dignity even when the household is squeezed into a single room.

supporting

Also known as Joe

First appearance: i the hayloft

As a supporting figure in At the Back of the North Wind, Joseph is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Struggles with financial hardship due to Ruby's lameness and business depression; tries to keep hope alive.

In the storyThe North Wind Doth BlowOpen this moment free

See Joseph in The North Wind Doth Blow Book page

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Joseph drives his cab through London weather and brings home what he can, and he takes quiet pride in his son and in the old horse also called Diamond. He is not a man of visions like his boy, but he is honest, steady, and slow to complain, and the family's fortunes rise and fall with the fares he can find. His labor and his decency give the story its grounding in ordinary life, and the losses that befall the household are felt through him as much as through anyone.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Joseph sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Joseph in i the hayloft

Character Web

10 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Professional
Other

Character groups

Diamond's social circle
Protagonist

+5 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
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Diamond’s i…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Diamond
friendship · positive
Joseph is a stableman and friend to Diamond, sharing a simple, loyal companionship. How this plays out →
Mr. Raymond
professional · positive
Diamond
friendship · positive
Joseph is a stableman and friend to Diamond, sharing a simple, loyal companionship. How this plays out →
Mr. Raymond
professional · positive
Mr. Raymond
professional · positive

Diamond
Joseph is a stableman and friend to Diamond, sharing a simple, loyal companionship.
Mr. Raymond
Joseph works as a stableman for Mr. Raymond, serving him with respect and reliability.
Diamond
Joseph is a stableman and friend to Diamond, sharing a simple, loyal companionship.
Mr. Raymond
Joseph works as a stableman for Mr. Raymond, serving him with respect and reliability.
Mr. Raymond
Joseph works as a stableman for Mr. Raymond, serving him with respect and reliability.

Relationship notes

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

See Joseph in i the hayloft

In the story

Joseph appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The North Wind Doth Blow
Struggles with financial hardship due to Ruby's lameness and business depression; tries to keep hope alive.
Diamond and Ruby
Mentioned as the master who feeds and spares Ruby, and whose family is struggling.
The Prospect Brightens
Anxious about finances and Ruby's care, but eventually relieved and grateful when Mr. Raymond returns.
In the Country
Father of Diamond; prepares for migration; returns to town after settling the family; drives Ruby and Diamond with the carriage.
XXXV: I Make Diamond’s Acquaintance
Diamond's father; lives with his wife in a cottage near The Mound.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Joseph in i the hayloft

See Joseph in The North Wind Doth Blow