Robert Mannion

Mr. Sherwin

Mr. Sherwin employs Robert Mannion as his confidential clerk, but their relationship is fraught with hidden tension and manipulation.

Margaret Sherwin

Margaret is both drawn to and repelled by Mannion, who exerts a strange, obsessive influence over her emotions and actions.

Basil

Basil and Mannion are bitter rivals, with Mannion seeking to destroy Basil's reputation and happiness out of revenge.

Mrs. Sherwin

Mrs. Sherwin is manipulated by Mannion, who uses her naivety and loneliness to gain access to the Sherwin household.

Ralph

Ralph distrusts Mannion and actively works against him, viewing him as a dangerous influence on Basil and the Sherwins.

Mr. Sherwin

Mr. Sherwin employs Robert Mannion as his confidential clerk, but their relationship is fraught with hidden tension and manipulation.

Margaret Sherwin

Margaret is both drawn to and repelled by Mannion, who exerts a strange, obsessive influence over her emotions and actions.

Basil

Basil and Mannion are bitter rivals, with Mannion seeking to destroy Basil's reputation and happiness out of revenge.

Ralph

Ralph distrusts Mannion and actively works against him, viewing him as a dangerous influence on Basil and the Sherwins.

Mr. Sherwin

Mr. Sherwin employs Robert Mannion as his confidential clerk, but their relationship is fraught with hidden tension and manipulation.

Margaret Sherwin

Margaret is both drawn to and repelled by Mannion, who exerts a strange, obsessive influence over her emotions and actions.

Mrs. Sherwin

Mrs. Sherwin is manipulated by Mannion, who uses her naivety and loneliness to gain access to the Sherwin household.

Basil Part I

A man introduced to Basil, who becomes involved in the betrayal.

The Proposal

Mentioned as Mr. Sherwin's confidential clerk, who has been tutoring Margaret in languages.

II

Described as having an impenetrable face and a gentlemanly manner that suggests he has descended from a higher station.

III

Hosts Basil during a storm, shows refined tastes in tea and books, offers his services, appears momentarily fiendish in lightning.

IV

Secretly manipulates Mr. Sherwin to benefit Basil; maintains a reserved demeanor.

V

Greets Basil with a deadly cold hand and a changed voice, claiming illness from hard work during Basil's absence.

VI

Continues to be a reliable friend to Basil but is an altered man, showing signs of illness with sudden attacks of spasm and giddiness. He is accompanying Margaret to the party.

Chapter VII

Accompanies Margaret to a hotel, provoking Basil's violent attack.

I

The man Basil suspects and later knows as his betrayer, appearing as a demon in his fever dreams.

II

Survives the struggle but loses sight in one eye; his secrecy and coolness are noted in the newspaper.

IV

His handwriting is identified by Basil on the letter from the servant, linking him to the secret correspondence.

V

Writes a long letter from the hospital, confessing his past and his plot against Basil. He reveals his family's history and his intention to ruin Basil.

Chapter VII

Mentioned as a dangerous monomaniac; his presence worsens Margaret's condition.

VIII

Appears at the grave, disfigured, and vows relentless revenge on Basil.

Journal

Mentioned as a living threat and a figure in Basil's feverish dreams, contributing to his torment.