# Mr. Raymond — At the Back of the North Wind character guide > Mr. Raymond in At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Meantime Mr. Raymond, Presently Mr. Raymond, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond, Mrs. Raymond **First appearance:** 0019-xx-diamond-learns-to-read ## Snapshot 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. ## Who they are 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. ## Relationships ### [Diamond](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/characters/diamond) _friendship_ Mr. Raymond is a kind, wealthy gentleman who becomes Diamond's friend and benefactor, often telling him stories. ### [Joseph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/characters/joseph) _professional_ Joseph works as a stableman for Mr. Raymond, serving him with respect and reliability. ### [Father](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/characters/father) _professional_ Diamond's father works as a cab driver for Mr. Raymond, who employs him and shows him kindness. ### [Nanny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/characters/nanny) _professional_ Mr. Raymond employs Nanny as a servant in his household, treating her with respect. ### [Diamond](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/characters/diamond) _friendship_ Mr. Raymond is a kind, wealthy gentleman who becomes Diamond's friend and benefactor, often telling him stories. ### [Diamond](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/characters/diamond) _friendship_ Mr. Raymond is a kind, wealthy gentleman who becomes Diamond's friend and benefactor, often telling him stories. ### [Joseph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/characters/joseph) _professional_ Joseph works as a stableman for Mr. Raymond, serving him with respect and reliability. ### [Nanny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/characters/nanny) _professional_ Mr. Raymond employs Nanny as a servant in his household, treating her with respect. ### [Father](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/characters/father) _professional_ Diamond's father works as a cab driver for Mr. Raymond, who employs him and shows him kindness. ### [Joseph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/characters/joseph) _professional_ Joseph works as a stableman for Mr. Raymond, serving him with respect and reliability. ### [Father](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/characters/father) _professional_ Diamond's father works as a cab driver for Mr. Raymond, who employs him and shows him kindness. ### [Nanny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/characters/nanny) _professional_ Mr. Raymond employs Nanny as a servant in his household, treating her with respect. ## In the story ### [Sal’s Nanny](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/xxi-sal-s-nanny) Kindly responds to Diamond's plea, arranges for Nanny's admission to the Children's Hospital. ### [Mr. Raymond’s Riddle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/xxii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/xxiv-another-early-bird) Referenced as the author of the riddle and the song Diamond sings. ### [XXV: Diamond's Dream](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/xxv-diamond-s-dream) Diamond wonders if Mr. Raymond would take him to see Nanny. ### [XXVII: The Children’s Hospital](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/xxvii-the-children-s-hospital) Takes Diamond to the hospital and tells a story to the children. ### [XXIX: Ruby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/xxxi-the-north-wind-doth-blow) Does not return as expected; Joseph waits for him to get rid of Ruby. ### [The Prospect Brightens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/xxxiii-the-prospect-brightens) Returns to resolve the horse situation, tests Joseph's character, and offers generous terms. ### [In the Country](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/xxxiv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/xxxviii-at-the-back-of-the-north-wind) Mrs. Raymond is mentioned as having been crying; the narrator visits the Raymonds' home. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/characters/mr_raymond - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/characters