# Bunter — Clouds of Witness character guide

> Bunter in Clouds of Witness by Dorothy L. Sayers.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Bunter

**First appearance:** 0002-clouds-of-witness

## Snapshot

Lord Peter's imperturbable valet and assistant sleuth, whose photographic memory, smelling salts, and perfectly timed brandy keep both his master and the investigation running.

## Who they are

Bunter is the quiet engine of the Wimsey household — laying out bath-salts and flesh-brushes in Paris, producing a phial of ammonia for a hysterical Lady Mary, and later appearing with arms full of scarlet and ermine at the exact moment his master needs them. He is a valet who has turned his camera from fingerprints to craggy scenery and back again, and whose respectful impertinence is one of the book's great pleasures. His loyalty is absolute, his competence total, and his presence gives the amateur detective a professional's infrastructure.

## Relationships

### [Lord Peter Wimsey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clouds_of_witness_se/characters/lord_peter_wimsey)

_professional_

Master-servant relationship with deep loyalty and mutual respect, Bunter acting as valet and investigative assistant.

### [Lord Peter Wimsey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clouds_of_witness_se/characters/lord_peter_wimsey)

_professional_

Master-servant relationship with deep loyalty and mutual respect, Bunter acting as valet and investigative assistant.

### [Lord Peter Wimsey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clouds_of_witness_se/characters/lord_peter_wimsey)

_professional_

Master-servant relationship with deep loyalty and mutual respect, Bunter acting as valet and investigative assistant.

## In the story

### [I: Of His Malice Aforethought](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clouds_of_witness_se/chapters/i-of-his-malice-aforethought)

Lord Peter's valet; has already packed for Riddlesdale after reading the news in The Times; booked seats on the airplane Victoria.

### [IV: —And His Daughter Much-Afraid](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clouds_of_witness_se/chapters/iv-and-his-daughter-much-afraid)

Brings Parker's letter, discusses his mother, and advises against pressing Lady Mary.

### [VI: Mary Quite Contrary](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clouds_of_witness_se/chapters/vi-mary-quite-contrary)

Opens the door for Parker and offers tea; later delivers a telegram to Wimsey.

### [The Club and the Bullet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clouds_of_witness_se/chapters/vii-the-club-and-the-bullet)

Attends to Lady Mary upon her arrival, offering brandy and an omelette.

### [Mr. Parker Takes Notes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clouds_of_witness_se/chapters/viii-mr-parker-takes-notes)

Accompanies Parker and Lady Mary to the hospital.

### [XI: Meribah](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clouds_of_witness_se/chapters/xi-meribah)

Accompanies Lord Peter, helps him evade a reporter in York Cathedral, and later investigates at the Bridge and Bottle, learning about Grimethorpe's acquaintance with Zedekiah Bone.

### [XII: The Alibi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clouds_of_witness_se/chapters/xii-the-alibi)

Assists Wimsey after the bog incident, using string and a stick to keep them afloat until rescue.

### [XIV: The Edge of the Axe Towards Him](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clouds_of_witness_se/chapters/xiv-the-edge-of-the-axe-towards-him)

Accommodated in the witnesses' seats, to be called if the defense needs to establish an alibi.

### [Bar Falling](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clouds_of_witness_se/chapters/xv-bar-falling)

Returns to 110 Piccadilly, listens to the weather forecast, and prepares a fire for Lord Peter's return.

### [XVI: The Second String](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clouds_of_witness_se/chapters/xvi-the-second-string)

Efficiently assists the party at Lord Peter's home; rang up Lady Mary about Mrs. Grimethorpe.

### [XIX: Who Goes Home?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clouds_of_witness_se/chapters/xix-who-goes-home)

Appears with scarlet and ermine robes to congratulate the Duke, showing his loyalty and efficiency.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clouds_of_witness_se/characters/bunter
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clouds_of_witness_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clouds_of_witness_se/characters