Clouds of Witness · Character

Mr. Murbles

The Wimseys' venerable solicitor, who has known the family for decades and now must defend its head against a charge of murder while managing his client's infuriating pride.

supporting

Also known as Old Mr. Murbles, Murbles, old Murbles, Tell Murbles

First appearance: i of his malice aforethought

As a supporting figure in Clouds of Witness, Mr. Murbles is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The elderly solicitor who traveled up in a hurry; he is eating dry toast and trying to contact Sir Impey Biggs.

In the storyII: The Green-Eyed CatOpen this moment free

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Old Mr. Murbles is the family's legal anchor, a cautious, well-connected solicitor who has secured Sir Impey Biggs for the defense and who despairs of the Duke's refusal to disclose his alibi. He moves between the Wimseys' drawing room and the corridors of the House of Lords, gathering evidence and smoothing feathers. His long acquaintance with the family makes the Duke's evasions personally painful, and his steady competence is the quiet machinery behind Peter's more flamboyant sleuthing.

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See Mr. Murbles in i of his malice aforethought

Character Web

27 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central characters and suspects
Protagonist
Minor legal and local figures
Extended cast and background figures

+22 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional peak occurs when the Duke’s stubborn refusal to speak is overridden by the sudden, disruptive ar…

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In the story

Mr. Murbles appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

II: The Green-Eyed Cat
The elderly solicitor who traveled up in a hurry; he is eating dry toast and trying to contact Sir Impey Biggs.
X: Nothing Abides at the Noon
Conducts the interview with Goyles in a dry, formal manner; warns Goyles about the consequences of refusing to answer; encourages further positive evidence gathering.
XIV: The Edge of the Axe Towards Him
In close consultation with Parker, preoccupied with the defense strategy.
XVI: The Second String
Aroused at midnight by Lady Mary; discusses the legal risks of Mrs. Grimethorpe's testimony with Sir Impey Biggs.
XVII: The Eloquent Dead
Solicitor for the defense, advises the Duke to remain silent to make a good impression.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mr. Murbles unlock in the free preview.

See Mr. Murbles in i of his malice aforethought

See Mr. Murbles in II: The Green-Eyed Cat