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Hay Fever · Character

Richard Greatham

A distinguished diplomat invited down by Sorel, whose polished composure is about to be tested by the least diplomatic household in England.

supporting

Also known as Richard, Richard Who, Richard Rising, Richard Mrs. Arundel, Richard Alarmed, Mr. Greatham

First appearance: act i

As a supporting figure in Hay Fever, Richard Greatham is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

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Richard arrives as Sorel's guest, a well-known diplomatist expected to be impressed by the Blisses and to impress them in turn. Instead he is drafted into Judith's parlour games, mishears the word, and gets scolded for…

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See Richard Greatham in act i

Character Web

8 connections

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

DBDavid BlissMBMr. BlissSBSorel BlissJCJackie CorytonSBSimon BlissRGRichard Greatham

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Main House Party Guests
  • Minor Offstage Characters
  • Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

SetupBreaking pointClimax
  • Setup
  • Breaking point

This is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological breaking point for Jackie, who op…

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Who is Richard Greatham in Hay Fever?