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Decline and Fall · Character

Sir Humphrey Maltravers

A cynical lawyer and politician involved in Paul's case.

minor

Also known as Maltravers, old Maltravers

First appearance: part ii vi a hitch in the wedding preparations

Sir Humphrey Maltravers shows up with force in Pervigilium Veneris. The page is where that presence becomes real.

A guest who invites himself, plays cards, and shares his rags-to-riches story.
In the storyPervigilium VenerisOpen this moment free
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In Pervigilium Veneris: A guest who invites himself, plays cards, and shares his rags-to-riches story. Later, in Stone Walls Do Not a Prison Make: Home Secretary who offers to secure Paul's release if Margot marries…

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See Sir Humphrey Maltravers in part ii vi a hitch in the wedding preparations

Character Web

10 connections

A slice of how Sir Humphrey Maltravers sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

PPPaul Pennyfeat…PBPeter Beste-Ch…MBMargot Beste-C…PSProfessor Sile…MMMiles Malpract…SHSir Humphrey Maltrav…

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Society and Legal Figures
  • Protagonist
  • Llanabba School Circle

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs when Sir Wilfred Lucas-Dockery, in his deluded optimism, treats th…

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In the story

Sir Humphrey Maltravers appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

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See Sir Humphrey Maltravers in part ii vi a hitch in the wedding preparations
See Sir Humphrey Maltravers in Pervigilium Veneris