David Harum · Character

Chet Timson

A talkative, self-important bank clerk whose bluster hides a helplessness that David Harum quietly works to remedy.

supporting

Also known as Timson, Chet, Chester ) Timson, Mr. Timson, Whereupon Mr. Timson

First appearance: i

As a supporting figure in David Harum, Chet Timson is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The displaced bank clerk who warns that John will find David Harum's work difficult.

In the storyXIIOpen this moment free

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Chet Timson runs the routine of Harum's bank with an unceasing flow of words, instructing newcomer John Lenox while boasting of grievances and imagined slights. David calls him a helpless critter for all his bragging, and has already written to Syracuse friends to find him other work. His looming displacement gives John's first days their quiet stakes, and his loud self-regard makes him both comic and faintly pitiable.

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The fuller portrait of Chet Timson sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Chet Timson in i

Character Web

13 connections

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

Relationship types

Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Romantic and social circle
Central community figures
Minor transaction participants
Extended community and background characters
Protagonist

+8 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

This excerpt marks the climax because it reveals the emotional and psychological turning point where John Leno…

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Relationships

John Lenox
rivalry · negative
Chet Timson is a local rival to John Lenox, competing for business or social standing. How this plays out →
David Harum
rivalry · negative
John Lenox
rivalry · negative
Chet Timson is a local rival to John Lenox, competing for business or social standing. How this plays out →
David Harum
rivalry · negative
David Harum
rivalry · negative
John Lenox
rivalry · negative
Chet Timson is a local rival to John Lenox, competing for business or social standing. How this plays out →

John Lenox
Chet Timson is a local rival to John Lenox, competing for business or social standing.
David Harum
Chet Timson is a business rival of David Harum, often clashing over deals and influence.
John Lenox
Chet Timson is a local rival to John Lenox, competing for business or social standing.
David Harum
Chet Timson is a business rival of David Harum, often clashing over deals and influence.
David Harum
Chet Timson is a business rival of David Harum, often clashing over deals and influence.
John Lenox
Chet Timson is a local rival to John Lenox, competing for business or social standing.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Chet Timson in i

In the story

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

XII
The displaced bank clerk who warns that John will find David Harum's work difficult.
XIII
The former bank clerk who complains about David Harum and warns John about the job.
XIV
Mentioned as the one to show John the ropes; seen in animated controversy with a man at the counter.
XV
Chet announces he is leaving for a new job with a big concern, avoids giving John the balance sheets, and plans to take the morning train.
XVI
Mentioned as having neglected bank work, requiring John to straighten things out.
Chapter XXI
Criticized by David for his loose talk that caused Purse's trouble; described as a 'dum'd chuckle-head' and a 'clackin' ole he-hen'.
XLIV
Mentioned as available to help at the bank while John is away; David has received a letter from him.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Chet Timson unlock in the free preview.

See Chet Timson in i

See Chet Timson in XII