Can You Forgive Her? · Character

Mr. Scruby

George Vavasor's election agent, a family man who never runs any risks and never goes a yard further than he can see his way back.

supporting

Also known as Scruby, Oh Mr. Scruby, This Mr. Scruby

First appearance: The Election for the Chelsea Districts

As a supporting figure in Can You Forgive Her?, Mr. Scruby is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

See Mr. Scruby in The Election for the Chelsea Districts Book page

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Mr. Scruby manages the gritty business of George Vavasor's Chelsea election, inventing the cry 'Vote for Vavasor and the River Bank' and pestering his candidate about Father Thames and the embanking question. He refuses George's note of hand for expenses, declaring himself a family man who never runs any risks, and he has heard with accuracy all the particulars of the old Squire's will. His cautious, transactional dealings expose the financial desperation and moral shabbiness beneath George's political ambitions, making him a key instrument of the novel's early–middle arc.

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See Mr. Scruby in The Election for the Chelsea Districts

Character Web

19 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Main love and political triangle
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this passage, the emotional and psychological peak occurs as the narrative shifts from personal drama to th…

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In the story

Mr. Scruby appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Mr. Grimes Gets His Odd Money
Mr. Scruby is George's attorney, experienced in metropolitan elections. He advises George to pay Grimes's 'odd money' to keep him from joining the opposition.
XLI: A Noble Lord Dies
George's election attorney who informs him of the Marquis's illness and pressures him to start the campaign immediately.
The Election for the Chelsea Districts
Election agent who devises the 'Vavasor and the River Bank' slogan and manages the campaign, demanding further funds.
Bold Speculations on Murder
George's election agent, inadvertently reveals Mr. Tombe's name in conversation about funds.
The Will
The attorney who reads the will; insulted by George's accusations but defends the document's validity.
Alice Vavasor's Name Gets Into the Money Market
George's lawyer, who refuses to discount the bills signed by a lady and advises George to collect through his own banker.
Showing How George Vavasor Received a Visit
Election agent who abandons George's cause after receiving only part of the demanded funds.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. Scruby in The Election for the Chelsea Districts