At the Back of the North Wind · Character

Mr. Raymond

A wealthy gentleman who takes an interest in Diamond, offers the family help, and tells the story of Princess Daylight that lingers in the boy's imagination.

supporting

Also known as Meantime Mr. Raymond, Presently Mr. Raymond, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond, Mrs. Raymond

First appearance: xx diamond learns to read

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

Kindly responds to Diamond's plea, arranges for Nanny's admission to the Children's Hospital.

In the storySal’s NannyOpen this moment free

Mr. Raymond moves easily among the comfortable classes, but he notices the small cabman's son and treats him with a courtesy that surprises everyone. He is generous without being showy, and his tale of Princess Daylight becomes one of the threads that ties Diamond's dream-life to the waking world. His friendship matters because it shows that the boy's strange gifts are recognized by people of standing as well as by the poor, and it gives the family a foothold when things grow hard.

See Mr. Raymond in Sal’s Nanny Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Character Web

18 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Diamond's social circle
Minor and story characters
Nanny's caregivers

+13 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

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
professional · positive
Father
professional · positive
Nanny
professional · positive
Diamond
friendship · positive
Diamond
friendship · positive
Joseph
professional · positive
Nanny
professional · positive
Father
professional · positive
Joseph
professional · positive
Father
professional · positive
Nanny
professional · positive

Diamond
Mr. Raymond is a kind, wealthy gentleman who becomes Diamond's friend and benefactor, often telling him stories.
Joseph
Joseph works as a stableman for Mr. Raymond, serving him with respect and reliability.
Father
Diamond's father works as a cab driver for Mr. Raymond, who employs him and shows him kindness.
Nanny
Mr. Raymond employs Nanny as a servant in his household, treating her with respect.
Diamond
Mr. Raymond is a kind, wealthy gentleman who becomes Diamond's friend and benefactor, often telling him stories.
Diamond
Mr. Raymond is a kind, wealthy gentleman who becomes Diamond's friend and benefactor, often telling him stories.
Joseph
Joseph works as a stableman for Mr. Raymond, serving him with respect and reliability.
Nanny
Mr. Raymond employs Nanny as a servant in his household, treating her with respect.
Father
Diamond's father works as a cab driver for Mr. Raymond, who employs him and shows him kindness.
Joseph
Joseph works as a stableman for Mr. Raymond, serving him with respect and reliability.
Father
Diamond's father works as a cab driver for Mr. Raymond, who employs him and shows him kindness.
Nanny
Mr. Raymond employs Nanny as a servant in his household, treating her with respect.

Relationship notes

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

See Mr. Raymond in xx diamond learns to read

In the story

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

Sal’s Nanny
Kindly responds to Diamond's plea, arranges for Nanny's admission to the Children's Hospital.
Mr. Raymond’s Riddle
Mr. Raymond interprets the poem for Diamond, gives him a sixpence and a book of his own, and presents a riddle.
Another Early Bird
Referenced as the author of the riddle and the song Diamond sings.
XXV: Diamond's Dream
Diamond wonders if Mr. Raymond would take him to see Nanny.
XXVII: The Children’s Hospital
Takes Diamond to the hospital and tells a story to the children.
XXIX: Ruby
Mr. Raymond proposes a test for Diamond's family, offering the use of his horse Ruby if they take in Nanny and care for her.
The North Wind Doth Blow
Does not return as expected; Joseph waits for him to get rid of Ruby.
The Prospect Brightens
Returns to resolve the horse situation, tests Joseph's character, and offers generous terms.
In the Country
Returns to town; agrees to employ Jim; brings his new wife to live at The Mound; advises Joseph to give Diamond liberty.
XXXV: I Make Diamond’s Acquaintance
Mentioned as the author of the story Diamond is reading and as Diamond's master; the narrator visits him and Mrs. Raymond at The Mound.
At the Back of the North Wind
Mrs. Raymond is mentioned as having been crying; the narrator visits the Raymonds' home.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Mr. Raymond in xx diamond learns to read

See Mr. Raymond in Sal’s Nanny