Kidnapped · Character

Ebenezer Balfour

The miser of Shaws, who stares from his own doorstep like a man turned to stone when the nephew he sold to kidnappers comes home to collect.

supporting

Also known as Uncle Ebenezer, Ebenezer, Shaws, Mr. Ebenezer, Mr. Balfour of Shaws

First appearance: II: I Come to My Journey’s End

As a supporting figure in Kidnapped, Ebenezer Balfour is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

David's miserly and suspicious uncle, who lives at the House of Shaws.

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In Kidnapped: David's miserly and suspicious uncle, who lives at the House of Shaws. Later, in II: I Come to My Journey’s End: Appears at a window with a blunderbuss, suspicious and reluctant to admit David, but…

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See Ebenezer Balfour in II: I Come to My Journey’s End

Character Web

9 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Highland allies and family
Covenant crew and antagonists
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This chapter marks the dramatic climax because it is the emotional and psychological peak of Alan and David's…

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In the story

Ebenezer Balfour appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Kidnapped
David's miserly and suspicious uncle, who lives at the House of Shaws.
II: I Come to My Journey’s End
Appears at a window with a blunderbuss, suspicious and reluctant to admit David, but eventually lets him in after learning his identity.
I Make Acquaintance of My Uncle
Revealed as David's miserly and secretive uncle; he locks David in a damp room and forbids him from contacting anyone.
IV: I Run a Great Danger in the House of Shaws
Ebenezer behaves nervously and deceitfully, feigning generosity by giving David money before sending him into a dangerous stairway without light, hoping he will fall to his death.
I Go to the Queen’s Ferry
Ebenezer is cornered by David's accusations, receives a letter from Captain Hoseason, and proposes a trip to the Hawes Inn, appearing to cooperate but with hidden motives.
What Befell at the Queen’s Ferry
Ebenezer conspires with Captain Hoseason to have David kidnapped, revealing his cruelty and greed.
VII: I Go to Sea in the Brig Covenant of Dysart
David's wicked uncle, who arranged the kidnapping and condemned David to be sold into slavery in the Carolinas.
I Come to Mr. Rankeillor
Ebenezer is mentioned as having lied to Mr. Rankeillor about David's whereabouts and finances.
I Go in Quest of My Inheritance
Ebenezer is the target of the scheme; his past selfishness and the kidnapping are central to the plan to reclaim the estate.
I Come Into My Kingdom
Ebenezer is confronted by Alan and ultimately agrees to pay for David's keep and later signs a formal agreement.
Goodbye
Ebenezer is glimpsed at a top window, watching David leave the House of Shaws.

Chapter companion notes

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See Ebenezer Balfour in II: I Come to My Journey’s End

See Ebenezer Balfour in Kidnapped