Lorna Doone · Character

Uncle Reuben Huckaback

John Ridd's prosperous, God-fearing uncle, a shrewd merchant whose journeys and money draw the family into the Doones' orbit.

supporting

Also known as Uncle Reuben, Reuben, good Uncle Reuben, old Uncle Reuben, XIII Master Huckaback Comes In Mr. Reuben Huckaback, Mr. Huckaback, Mr. Reuben Huckaback, Master Huckaback, Master Reuben Huckaback, rich Master Huckaback, Old Master Huckaback, Master Huckaback, And Master Huckaback, Uncle Huckaback, your worthy Uncle Huckaback, Master Huckaback 's Secret Knowing Master Huckaback, Huckaback, Master Huckaback

First appearance: Master Huckaback Comes In

As a supporting figure in Lorna Doone, Uncle Reuben Huckaback is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Wealthy shopkeeper from Dulverton, robbed and tormented by the Doones; brought to Plover's Barrows and cared for.

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Uncle Reuben Huckaback is a wealthy Dulverton merchant whose godliness and thrift make him both respected and faintly comic to his Exmoor relatives. His disappearance on the road near Watchett sets the household into a fluster and pulls John into the wider dangers of the region. Proud, cautious, and fond of a snug inn, he embodies the sober commercial world that keeps brushing against the wild lawlessness of the Doone valley.

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Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents John Ridd’s psychological peak of tension and respo…

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In the story

Uncle Reuben Huckaback appears across 16 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Master Huckaback Comes In
Wealthy shopkeeper from Dulverton, robbed and tormented by the Doones; brought to Plover's Barrows and cared for.
A Motion Which Ends in a Mull
Furious over his robbery, he demands punishment for the Doones and insults the parish and John Ridd before eventually calming down.
Quo Warranto?
Uncle Reuben seeks a warrant against the Doones but is rebuffed; he then plans to scout their dwelling.
Lorna Growing Formidable
Cross-examines John on the homeward road, noting his confusion and eager gaze. He tries to learn about John's visit to the Doone valley but is misled by John's silence and his own overconfidence.
John Fry's Errand
Mysterious visitor; his secretive behavior and unexplained journey across Black Barrow Down prompt the family to spy on him.
Feeding of the Pigs
Departs suddenly, leaving his granddaughter Ruth at the farm; his political leanings are uncertain.
Ruth Is Not Like Lorna
Uncle Reuben is mentioned as the grandfather of Ruth, whose schemes Mistress Ridd criticizes.
John Returns to Business
Mentioned as plotting something unknown, contributing to John's sense of gathering trouble.
A Troubled State and a Foolish Joke
Stickles mentions that Uncle Reuben will be forced to lead the assault on Doone Castle due to his past boasts.
L: A Merry Meeting a Sad One
Ruth's grandfather, acting strangely and neglecting his business.
Jeremy Finds Out Something
Mentioned as a townsman of Dulverton whom Jeremy investigated.
Master Huckaback's Secret
Uncle Reuben reveals the secret mine to John, leads him through the treacherous marsh, and demonstrates the crushing engine, showing his pride in Somerset.
Lorna Gone Away
Involved in the mining venture, pressing John to join as a partner.
LXI: Therefore He Seeks Comfort
Ruth's grandfather; initially sulky with John but becomes gracious after learning John saved Ruth.
Compelled to Volunteer
Brings a band of warehousemen from Dulverton and promises miners to aid the assault, motivated by past grievances.
A Long Account Settled
Provides counsel, influence, and warehousemen for the attack, though he does not expose himself to danger due to his age.

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