# Duncan — Freckles character guide

> Duncan in Freckles by Gene Stratton-Porter.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mrs. Duncan, big Duncan, poor Mrs. Duncan, old fool Duncan, Mr. Duncan, Mother Duncan, the Duncans

**First appearance:** 0001-freckles

## Snapshot

The Scottish head teamster and his wife who board Freckles at the swamp's edge, offering rough food, blunt counsel, and the first real home he has known.

## Who they are

Duncan and his wife Sarah keep a small clearing between the swamp and the corduroy, where Freckles boards and learns to handle his revolver under Duncan's patient instruction. Mrs. Duncan's earnest faith that honest work keeps the heart happy, and her willingness to walk the trail despite her fear of snakes, show the household's plain decency. Their bairns, their brogue, and their matter-of-fact kindness anchor Freckles' new life and make his loneliness bearable.

## Relationships

### [Freckles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/characters/freckles)

_friendship_

Duncan is a loyal friend and protector to Freckles, often acting as a mentor and ally in the swamp.

### [The Angel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/characters/the_angel)

_friendship_

Duncan is a friendly and protective figure toward The Angel, often helping her in the swamp.

### [Freckles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/characters/freckles)

_friendship_

Duncan is a loyal friend and protector to Freckles, often acting as a mentor and ally in the swamp.

### [Freckles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/characters/freckles)

_friendship_

Duncan is a loyal friend and protector to Freckles, often acting as a mentor and ally in the swamp.

### [The Angel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/characters/the_angel)

_friendship_

Duncan is a friendly and protective figure toward The Angel, often helping her in the swamp.

### [The Angel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/characters/the_angel)

_friendship_

Duncan is a friendly and protective figure toward The Angel, often helping her in the swamp.

## In the story

### [Freckles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/chapters/freckles)

Mentioned as part of the logging crew, providing context for Freckles' new environment.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/chapters/i)

The brawny Scotch head-teamster, seen lovingly caring for his horses and whistling as the camp prepares for supper.

### [Wherein Freckles proves his mettle and finds friends](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/chapters/ii)

Head teamster who watches over Freckles, teaches him to use his revolver, and later comforts his wife.

### [Wherein a feather falls and a soul is born](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/chapters/iii)

Mentioned as accepting his wife's theory that Freckles has spring fever.

### [Wherein Freckles Faces Trouble Bravely and Opens the Way for New Experiences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/chapters/iv)

Builds Freckles a study box in the swamp; reveals McLean's trust in Freckles; helps locate and load the valuable tree.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/chapters/v)

Mrs. Duncan provides Freckles with water and a basket of food for the Angel, including pickles which she says are 'cooling.'

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/chapters/vii)

Hugs Freckles and praises him after the gang's celebration.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/chapters/ix)

Mrs. Duncan is terrorized by the Limberlost's wildlife, including birds, bees, and a rattlesnake, and collapses from fear. Freckles rescues and nurses her.

### [Wherein Freckles Strives Mightily and the Swamp Angel Rewards Him](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/chapters/x)

Mrs. Duncan comforts Freckles by explaining that kisses from loved ones never wash off.

### [Wherein the butterflies go on a spree and Freckles informs the Bird Woman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/chapters/xi)

Watches the swamp for Freckles so Freckles can go to town; later hears about Freckles' evening.

### [Wherein the butterflies go on a spree and Freckles informs the Bird Woman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/chapters/xi)

Listens to Freckles' description of the insect spectacle; receives food from the Angel's party.

### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/chapters/xiii)

Finds the Angel after her crash, carries her to safety, and later helps search for Black Jack.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/chapters/xiv)

Mrs. Duncan reports Freckles' condition to McLean.

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/chapters/xvi)

Directs the camp construction and follows the Angel's advice on tent placement.

### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/chapters/xvii)

Helps dig the Angel out from under the fallen tree.

### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/chapters/xx)

Mentioned as part of the Limberlost community Freckles asks about.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/characters/duncan
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/freckles_se/characters