Lavengro · Character

The Postillion

A coach driver who briefly interacts with Lavengro during his journey.

minor

Also known as postillion

First appearance: Chapter I

The Postillion shows up with force in XCVI. The page is where that presence becomes real.

His chaise is overturned by a fireball; he is injured but accepts Lavengro's help and shelter.

In the storyXCVIOpen this moment free

See The Postillion in XCVI Book page

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In XCVI: His chaise is overturned by a fireball; he is injured but accepts Lavengro's help and shelter. Later, in XCVII: A well-made fellow of about thirty, initially suspicious but now friendly; he smokes a pipe,…

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See The Postillion in Chapter I

Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because it reveals the protagonist’s hidden linguistic ability—his sudden de…

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In the story

The Postillion appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XCVI
His chaise is overturned by a fireball; he is injured but accepts Lavengro's help and shelter.
XCVII
A well-made fellow of about thirty, initially suspicious but now friendly; he smokes a pipe, shares his theories about Lavengro and Belle being runaway gentry, and reveals he learned rhetoric from listening to his master's elocution lessons.
XCVIII
Narrates his personal story of serving an English family in Italy, describing the priest's manipulation and his own observations of religious hypocrisy.
XCIX
Narrates his experiences in Rome, resists conversion, and assists the young master.
The Servant's Tale
The former servant who narrates his life story, now working as a postillion.
Chapter I
Sleeps through the hammering, awakens to find the chaise repaired, enjoys breakfast, and departs with gratitude.
XXIII
Recognizes the narrator, offers comfort and assistance, and arranges for him to work at the inn.
XXIV
The postillion joins the conversation, offering opinions on highwaymen and modern policing.
XXVIII
Drives the man in black and Mr. Platitude to a mysterious house and recounts the gathering of clergymen and others.
XXIX
Expresses sorrow at the narrator's departure, invites him to his wedding, and drinks with him in the taproom.
The Spirit of Youth and the Road
The postillion leads the assembled people at the inn in giving the narrator three cheers as he departs.
Subject of Gentility Continued
Cited among those who can prize a gentleman despite seedy raiment, along with the young Irishman and his employer.

Chapter companion notes

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See The Postillion in Chapter I

See The Postillion in XCVI