# Robert Mannion — Basil character guide > Robert Mannion in Basil by Wilkie Collins. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Mr. Mannion, Mannion, this Mr. Mannion **First appearance:** 0002-part-i-i ## Snapshot Mr. Sherwin's eerily composed clerk, whose hard grey eyes and impenetrable reserve turn Basil's casual curiosity into an obsession that will not let go. ## Who they are Mannion serves Mr. Sherwin in business and, oddly, in Margaret's education, yet he reveals nothing of his history or intentions. His stillness, his watchful attention to the ailing Mrs. Sherwin, and his refusal to be drawn out make him a labyrinth Basil cannot stop trying to solve. His quiet presence haunts the Sherwin household and quietly reshapes the marriage at its center, making him the story's most unnerving figure. ## Relationships ### [Mr. Sherwin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/mr_sherwin) _professional_ Mr. Sherwin employs Robert Mannion as his confidential clerk, but their relationship is fraught with hidden tension and manipulation. ### [Margaret Sherwin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/margaret_sherwin) _psychological_ Margaret is both drawn to and repelled by Mannion, who exerts a strange, obsessive influence over her emotions and actions. ### [Basil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/basil) _rivalry_ Basil and Mannion are bitter rivals, with Mannion seeking to destroy Basil's reputation and happiness out of revenge. ### [Mrs. Sherwin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/mrs_sherwin) _psychological_ Mrs. Sherwin is manipulated by Mannion, who uses her naivety and loneliness to gain access to the Sherwin household. ### [Ralph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/ralph) _rivalry_ Ralph distrusts Mannion and actively works against him, viewing him as a dangerous influence on Basil and the Sherwins. ### [Mr. Sherwin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/mr_sherwin) _professional_ Mr. Sherwin employs Robert Mannion as his confidential clerk, but their relationship is fraught with hidden tension and manipulation. ### [Margaret Sherwin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/margaret_sherwin) _psychological_ Margaret is both drawn to and repelled by Mannion, who exerts a strange, obsessive influence over her emotions and actions. ### [Basil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/basil) _rivalry_ Basil and Mannion are bitter rivals, with Mannion seeking to destroy Basil's reputation and happiness out of revenge. ### [Ralph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/ralph) _rivalry_ Ralph distrusts Mannion and actively works against him, viewing him as a dangerous influence on Basil and the Sherwins. ### [Mr. Sherwin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/mr_sherwin) _professional_ Mr. Sherwin employs Robert Mannion as his confidential clerk, but their relationship is fraught with hidden tension and manipulation. ### [Margaret Sherwin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/margaret_sherwin) _psychological_ Margaret is both drawn to and repelled by Mannion, who exerts a strange, obsessive influence over her emotions and actions. ### [Mrs. Sherwin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/mrs_sherwin) _psychological_ Mrs. Sherwin is manipulated by Mannion, who uses her naivety and loneliness to gain access to the Sherwin household. ## In the story ### [Basil Part I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/basil) A man introduced to Basil, who becomes involved in the betrayal. ### [The Proposal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-i-x) Mentioned as Mr. Sherwin's confidential clerk, who has been tutoring Margaret in languages. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-ii-ii) Described as having an impenetrable face and a gentlemanly manner that suggests he has descended from a higher station. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-ii-iii) Hosts Basil during a storm, shows refined tastes in tea and books, offers his services, appears momentarily fiendish in lightning. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-ii-iv) Secretly manipulates Mr. Sherwin to benefit Basil; maintains a reserved demeanor. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-ii-v) Greets Basil with a deadly cold hand and a changed voice, claiming illness from hard work during Basil's absence. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-ii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-ii-vii) Accompanies Margaret to a hotel, provoking Basil's violent attack. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-iii-i) The man Basil suspects and later knows as his betrayer, appearing as a demon in his fever dreams. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-iii-ii) Survives the struggle but loses sight in one eye; his secrecy and coolness are noted in the newspaper. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-iii-iv) His handwriting is identified by Basil on the letter from the servant, linking him to the secret correspondence. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-iii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-iii-vii) Mentioned as a dangerous monomaniac; his presence worsens Margaret's condition. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-iii-viii) Appears at the grave, disfigured, and vows relentless revenge on Basil. ### [Journal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/chapters/part-iii-journal) Mentioned as a living threat and a figure in Basil's feverish dreams, contributing to his torment. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters/robert_mannion - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/basil_se/characters