# Percy Harrigan — King Coal character guide

> Percy Harrigan in King Coal by Upton Sinclair.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mr. Percy Harrigan, young Harrigan, Harrigan

**First appearance:** 0004-i

## Who they are

The owner's son, groomed to run the mines, whose easy charm masks how little he questions the machinery of profit beneath his feet.

## Relationships

### [Hal Warner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/characters/hal_warner)

_friendship_

Percy is Hal's loyal friend and fellow investigator, often accompanying him in navigating the mining community and its politics.

### [Hal Warner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/characters/hal_warner)

_friendship_

Percy is Hal's loyal friend and fellow investigator, often accompanying him in navigating the mining community and its politics.

### [Hal Warner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/characters/hal_warner)

_friendship_

Percy is Hal's loyal friend and fellow investigator, often accompanying him in navigating the mining community and its politics.

## In the story

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

The Coal King's son, traveling with a luxurious private train; snubs Billy Keating when asked about the mine disaster.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xii)

Young socialite dining with guests; initially imperious, he is confronted by Hal about the mine disaster.

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

The Coal King's son, initially magnanimous but ultimately refuses to intervene, citing his father's authority and lack of personal knowledge.

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

The Coal King's son, initially defensive but eventually asks Cotton for his opinion, siding with the company.

### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xv)

The Coal King's son, weak and self-indulgent, is pressured by Hal to use his authority to order the mine opened despite fear of his father's anger.

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

Emerges from a consultation with Cartwright, announcing that the mine will be opened; Hal suspects he may be lying but pretends to believe him.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xix)

Dismisses Hal's plea, citing the party's engagements and the impropriety of exposing ladies to the disaster.

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

Urges Hal to leave, reveals his father is handling the situation, and expresses anger at Hal's threat to expose the story.

### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xxi)

Mentioned as Hal's ally, whose involvement protects Hal from being killed.

### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xxii)

Percy is Jessie's host, and she is concerned about his opinion of her walking with Hal. He is mentioned but does not appear in the chapter.

### [Chapter XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/xxv)

Mentioned as the owner of the train Hal despises; part of the departing social circle.

### [The Confrontation Between Brothers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/chapters/x)

Mentioned as the one who telephoned Edward late at night, painting Hal's actions in lurid colors and triggering Edward's frantic journey.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/characters/percy_harrigan
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/king_coal_se/characters