# Mr. Murbles — Clouds of Witness character guide

> Mr. Murbles in Clouds of Witness by Dorothy L. Sayers.

**Role:** supporting

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

**First appearance:** 0004-i-of-his-malice-aforethought

## Snapshot

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.

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [II: The Green-Eyed Cat](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clouds_of_witness_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clouds_of_witness_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clouds_of_witness_se/chapters/xiv-the-edge-of-the-axe-towards-him)

In close consultation with Parker, preoccupied with the defense strategy.

### [XVI: The Second String](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clouds_of_witness_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/clouds_of_witness_se/chapters/xvii-the-eloquent-dead)

Solicitor for the defense, advises the Duke to remain silent to make a good impression.

## Links

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