# Dickson McCunn — Huntingtower character guide > Dickson McCunn in Huntingtower by John Buchan. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Dickson, Mr. McCunn, Spring Mr. Dickson McCunn, auld McCunn, Mister McCunn, nevoy Dickson, Maister McCunn **First appearance:** 0003-i-how-a-retired-provision-merchant-felt-the-impulse-of-spring ## Snapshot A retired Glasgow provision merchant who trades his counter for a walking tour of Galloway and stumbles into a conspiracy worth more than any bargain he ever struck. ## Who they are Dickson McCunn has spent forty years weighing out sugar and tea, and now, at fifty-five, he is loose in the world with a knapsack and a taste for romance he never admitted to himself. His wife has gone to the hydropathic, his business is sold, and he is quietly terrified that adventure will prove as disappointing as a bad consignment of cheese. What makes him matter is that he brings a merchant's caution and a boy's hunger for glory to a fight that needs both. ## Relationships ### [John Heritage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/characters/john_heritage) _friendship_ Dickson and John form a strong bond of mutual respect and camaraderie as they embark on adventures together. ### [Dougal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/characters/dougal) _friendship_ Dickson and Dougal share a loyal and trusting friendship, with Dougal often acting as a resourceful ally. ### [James Loudon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/characters/james_loudon) _friendship_ Dickson and James are friendly companions, united by their involvement in the local community and shared endeavors. ### [Mrs. Morran](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/characters/mrs_morran) _friendship_ Dickson and Mrs. Morran have a warm, neighborly friendship built on mutual support and domestic cooperation. ### [Dobson](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/characters/dobson) _rivalry_ Dickson and Dobson are adversaries, with Dobson often opposing Dickson's plans and representing a threat. ### [Saskia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/characters/saskia) _friendship_ Dickson develops a protective and chivalrous friendship with Saskia, aiding her in her plight. ### [Mackintosh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/characters/mackintosh) _friendship_ Dickson and Mackintosh are friendly acquaintances, cooperating in their local community activities. ### [Léon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/characters/leon) _friendship_ Dickson and Léon share a bond of friendship, with Léon being a young ally in their adventures. ### [Wee Jaikie](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/characters/wee_jaikie) _friendship_ Dickson has a friendly, almost paternal bond with Wee Jaikie, guiding and protecting the young boy. ### [Mem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/characters/mem) _friendship_ Dickson and Mem share a friendly and supportive relationship, with Mem being a kind local figure. ### [Tibby](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/characters/tibby) _friendship_ Dickson and Tibby share a friendly, neighborly relationship, with Tibby being a local acquaintance. ### [John Heritage](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/characters/john_heritage) _friendship_ Dickson and John form a strong bond of mutual respect and camaraderie as they embark on adventures together. ## In the story ### [Dedication](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/chapters/dedication) The hero whose ancestry is traced in the dedication. ### [Huntingtower](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/chapters/huntingtower) The protagonist, a retired grocer who seeks adventure and becomes the leader of the group defending Huntingtower. ### [I: How a Retired Provision Merchant Felt the Impulse of Spring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/chapters/i-how-a-retired-provision-merchant-felt-the-impulse-of-spring) The retired provision merchant who feels the impulse of spring and decides to go on a walking holiday. ### [II: Of Mr. John Heritage and the Difference in Points of View](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/chapters/ii-of-mr-john-heritage-and-the-difference-in-points-of-view) Engages in ideological debate with Heritage, then embarks on a walking journey, experiencing both disillusionment and renewed spirits. ### [III: How Childe Roland and Another Came to the Dark Tower](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/chapters/iii-how-childe-roland-and-another-came-to-the-dark-tower) Wakes irritated by Heritage, resolves to travel alone, chooses a new route, discovers Huntingtower, hears the singing, and secures lodging with Mrs. Morran. ### [IV: Dougal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/chapters/iv-dougal) Torn between prudence and a desire to be loyal to romance; seeks Mrs. Morran's advice but is irked by her counsel to go home. ### [V: Of the Princess in the Tower](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/chapters/v-of-the-princess-in-the-tower) Reluctantly participates in Heritage's deception, feels ashamed of his earlier desire to flee, and later covers for Dougal and Heritage when confronted by Dobson. ### [VI: How Mr. McCunn Departed with Relief and Returned with Resolution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/chapters/vi-how-mr-mccunn-departed-with-relief-and-returned-with-resolution) Departs Dalquharter with a feigned exit, executes a clever ruse in Glasgow, then undergoes a moral crisis and resolves to return to Huntingtower. ### [VII: Sundry Doings in the Mirk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/chapters/vii-sundry-doings-in-the-mirk) Travels to Auchenlochan, meets Mr. Loudon, and learns of the Die-Hards' battle with tinklers. ### [VIII: How a Middle-Aged Crusader Accepted a Challenge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/chapters/viii-how-a-middle-aged-crusader-accepted-a-challenge) Returns to Mrs. Morran's, struggles with fear and doubt, decides to join the Die-Hards at Huntingtower, and makes a perilous crossing to reach them. ### [IX: The First Battle of the Cruives](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/chapters/ix-the-first-battle-of-the-cruives) Takes charge of the defense, retrieves supplies, and accidentally shoots the factor. ### [X: Deals with an Escape and a Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/chapters/x-deals-with-an-escape-and-a-journey) Leads the group to the Tower, proposes seeking help, and sets off with Saskia across the moor. ### [XI: Gravity Out of Bed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/chapters/xi-gravity-out-of-bed) Reflects on Heritage's love for Saskia, is ambushed and captured, then escapes and coordinates with Sir Archie for defense. ### [How Mr. McCunn Committed an Assault Upon an Ally](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/chapters/xii-how-mr-mccunn-committed-an-assault-upon-an-ally) Escapes captivity, mistakenly attacks Alexis, then collaborates with him; later captured and tied to a tree, facing death before being rescued by Wee Jaikie. ### [XV: The Gorbals Die-Hards Go Into Action](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/chapters/xv-the-gorbals-die-hards-go-into-action) Arrives at Mrs. Morran's henhouse, exhausted and aching, but resolute. He drinks tea and whiskey, then prepares to lead a diversion despite feeling hopeless. ### [XVI: In Which a Princess Leaves a Dark Tower and a Provision Merchant Returns to His Family](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/chapters/xvi-in-which-a-princess-leaves-a-dark-tower-and-a-provision-merchant-returns-to-his-family) Reflects on his adventure, feels transformed, and decides to adopt the Gorbals Die-Hards as his own children. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/characters/dickson_mccunn - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/huntingtower_se/characters