King Coal · Character

Peter Harrigan

The absentee magnate whose coal empire feeds on cheap labor, ruling Pedro's camps from afar while his payrolls and profits dictate who eats and who starves.

supporting

Also known as Pete, Harrigan, old Peter Harrigan, Mr. Peter Harrigan

First appearance: i

As a supporting figure in King Coal, Peter Harrigan is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Implicated by Cotton as the source of corruption and money for Hal's college.

In the storyXXIIOpen this moment free

See Peter Harrigan in XXII Book page

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With Hal Warner (friendship): Peter Harrigan is Percy's father and a local union leader, working with Hal to organize the miners for better conditions. With Hal Warner (friendship): Peter Harrigan is Percy's father and a local union leader, working with Hal to organize the miners for better conditions. With Hal Warner (friendship): Peter Harrigan is Percy's father and a local union leader, working with Hal to organize the miners for better conditions.

Continue beside the text

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

See Peter Harrigan in i

Character Web

42 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Mine management and antagonists
Minor miners and community members
Union activists and allies

+37 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
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because Mary reaches an emotional and psychological peak by confronting her own je…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Hal Warner
friendship · positive
Peter Harrigan is Percy's father and a local union leader, working with Hal to organize… How this plays out →
Hal Warner
friendship · positive
Peter Harrigan is Percy's father and a local union leader, working with Hal to organize… How this plays out →
Hal Warner
friendship · positive
Peter Harrigan is Percy's father and a local union leader, working with Hal to organize… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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

See Peter Harrigan in i

In the story

Peter Harrigan appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XXII
Implicated by Cotton as the source of corruption and money for Hal's college.
XXIV
Referenced as the powerful figure who bought politicians and acquired coal lands cheaply.
Chapter XXI
Referenced as a wealthy mine owner who passes the collection plate at church but is blamed for oppression.
The Confrontation Between Brothers
Mentioned as the powerful figure returning from the East whose displeasure could threaten the Warner family's interests.
XI
Mentioned as a looming threat who will rage upon returning from the East.
XII
Hal accuses Peter Harrigan of wronging the Rafferty family.
XV
Referenced as the source of telegraph instructions that Cartwright follows, representing corporate control.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Peter Harrigan unlock in the free preview.

See Peter Harrigan in i

See Peter Harrigan in XXII