Greenmantle · Character

Sandy Arbuthnot

A brilliant, high-strung adventurer who can pass as a native of half the East, Sandy is the mission's most gifted and most dangerously imaginative agent.

major

Also known as Sandy, Ali Wad Helu, the bold and unshakeable Sandy, dimly Sandy

First appearance: The Gathering of the Missionaries

As a major figure in Greenmantle, Sandy Arbuthnot is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Last heard of at Basra, occupying the post that once was Harry Bullivant’s.

In the storyDedicationOpen this moment free

See Sandy Arbuthnot in Dedication Book page

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With John S. Blenkiron (friendship): Close allies and comrades working together on a dangerous mission, sharing mutual respect and trust. With Peter Pienaar (friendship): Fellow members of the same intelligence network,…

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

See Sandy Arbuthnot in The Gathering of the Missionaries

Character Web

20 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Professional
Other

Character groups

Central conspirators and agents
Protagonist

+15 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

This is the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of the protagonis…

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Relationships

John S. Blenkiron
friendship · positive
Close allies and comrades working together on a dangerous mission, sharing mutual respect… How this plays out →
Peter Pienaar
friendship · positive
Sir Walter Bullivant
professional · positive
Peter Pienaar
friendship · positive
Sir Walter Bullivant
professional · positive
Sir Walter Bullivant
professional · positive
John S. Blenkiron
friendship · positive
Close allies and comrades working together on a dangerous mission, sharing mutual respect… How this plays out →
John S. Blenkiron
friendship · positive
Close allies and comrades working together on a dangerous mission, sharing mutual respect… How this plays out →

John S. Blenkiron
Close allies and comrades working together on a dangerous mission, sharing mutual respect and trust.
Peter Pienaar
Fellow members of the same intelligence network, united by a common cause and deep mutual reliance.
Sir Walter Bullivant
Sandy takes orders from Sir Walter, who is his superior in British intelligence.
Peter Pienaar
Fellow members of the same intelligence network, united by a common cause and deep mutual reliance.
Sir Walter Bullivant
Sandy takes orders from Sir Walter, who is his superior in British intelligence.
Sir Walter Bullivant
Sandy takes orders from Sir Walter, who is his superior in British intelligence.
John S. Blenkiron
Close allies and comrades working together on a dangerous mission, sharing mutual respect and trust.
John S. Blenkiron
Close allies and comrades working together on a dangerous mission, sharing mutual respect and trust.

Relationship notes

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

See Sandy Arbuthnot in The Gathering of the Missionaries

In the story

Sandy Arbuthnot appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Dedication
Last heard of at Basra, occupying the post that once was Harry Bullivant’s.
Greenmantle
Disguised as a holy man, Sandy provides critical intelligence about Greenmantle.
A Mission Is Proposed
Hannay's fellow officer and friend, convalescing with him at Furling, who jokes about the summons.
The Gathering of the Missionaries
Experienced Eastern traveler recruited by Hannay; will enter Turkey via Asia Minor.
Peter Pienaar
Departs as a King's Messenger for Cairo, where he will assume a disguise; Hannay notes his professionalism.
The Essen Barges
Mentioned as having provided intelligence on German munition barges via the Danube.
XII: Four Missionaries See Light in Their Mission
Mastermind of the rescue; reveals his deep cover in the Company of the Rosy Hours and his journey from Smyrna.
XIV: The Lady of the Mantilla
Absent for most of the chapter; appears briefly as a servant in Hilda von Einem's car, later sends a message to meet at midnight.
An Embarrassed Toilet
Reveals that Greenmantle is dying and explains the true nature of the prophet's message and Hilda von Einem's manipulation.
The Battered Caravanserai
Mentioned as part of the group but not present in this chapter; impressed by Hilda von Einem.
XIX: Greenmantle
Returns haggard and traumatized after witnessing Hilda von Einem's murders; agrees to impersonate Greenmantle.
XX: Peter Pienaar Goes to the Wars
Mentioned as having helped clear sentries from the outbuilding, enabling Peter's escape.
The Little Hill
Key ally; rejects von Einem's offer, leads the group in the escape, and prepares for a final fight.
The Guns of the North
Quotes a Scots ballad; expresses contentment with the prospect of death in battle; rejoices at the Russian charge.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Sandy Arbuthnot unlock in the free preview.

See Sandy Arbuthnot in The Gathering of the Missionaries

See Sandy Arbuthnot in Dedication