Catriona · Character
Mr. Balfour of Pilrig
A respected Edinburgh lawyer and David's cousin, whose dry wit and inside knowledge of the Advocate's business make him both a shield and a puzzle.
supporting
Also known as Mr. Balfour, Pilrig, Balfour
First appearance: I Go to Pilrig
As a supporting figure in Catriona, Mr. Balfour of Pilrig is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
David's kinsman, whom he intends to visit as a noncommittal call.
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Pilrig moves easily between the law courts and the private chambers where Jacobite bargains are struck, and he is candid enough to tell David that Catriona's imprisonment is serious in a sense. His loyalty to family is…
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See Mr. Balfour of Pilrig in I Go to PilrigCharacter Web
15 connectionsA slice of how Mr. Balfour of Pilrig sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Earlier Adventure Ties
- Main Edinburgh Plot
- Protagonist
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Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it forces David Balfour to confront the emotional and psychologica…
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Mr. Balfour of Pilrig appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
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See Mr. Balfour of Pilrig in I Go to Pilrig