William Knollys

Lucetta

Lucetta and William are deeply entangled in a romantic relationship, though it is fraught with secrecy and potential danger.

Deacon Spear

Deacon Spear and William Knollys are antagonists, with Spear likely suspecting William of wrongdoing or opposing his relationship with Lucetta.

Mr. Trohm

Mr. Trohm and William Knollys are in conflict, possibly over Lucetta or hidden family secrets.

Mr. Gryce

Mr. Gryce questions William Knollys as a person of interest in the investigation, creating a formal but tense dynamic.

Saracen

Saracen is a loyal dog who accompanies William Knollys, indicating a bond of companionship.

Mother Jane

Mother Jane and William Knollys have a distant, wary acquaintance, with Mother Jane possibly knowing his secrets.

Lucetta

Lucetta and William are deeply entangled in a romantic relationship, though it is fraught with secrecy and potential danger.

Lucetta

Lucetta and William are deeply entangled in a romantic relationship, though it is fraught with secrecy and potential danger.

Deacon Spear

Deacon Spear and William Knollys are antagonists, with Spear likely suspecting William of wrongdoing or opposing his relationship with Lucetta.

Saracen

Saracen is a loyal dog who accompanies William Knollys, indicating a bond of companionship.

Mr. Trohm

Mr. Trohm and William Knollys are in conflict, possibly over Lucetta or hidden family secrets.

Deacon Spear

Deacon Spear and William Knollys are antagonists, with Spear likely suspecting William of wrongdoing or opposing his relationship with Lucetta.

Book I: The Knollys Family

The young son of the Knollys family, who first draws Miss Butterworth's attention.

A Strange Household

Stolid and indifferent, he makes crude remarks about Mr. Trohm and refuses to work, causing Lucetta visible distress.

The First Night

Heard swearing in the hallway, confirming his presence and rough demeanor during the nighttime disturbance.

On the Stairs

Heard speaking roughly with the coachman about keeping 'the old girl' out of the house.

A New Acquaintance

Shows selfishness and resentment toward his sisters; expresses desire to have the house to himself; laughs rudely at the lane's reputation.

Secret Instructions

Carries Lucetta inside, criticizes her fears, and argues with her about Mr. Trohm.

XIII: Gossip

Described as stupid and brutal, holding a third share in the house, and lacking heart and brains.

XIV: I Forget My Age, or, Rather, Remember It

William appears at the gate, interrupting Mr. Trohm's warning to Miss Butterworth.

XV: Lucetta Fulfils My Expectation of Her

Displays brutish behavior, seizing Lucetta's wrist and cursing, yet reveals a conflicted nature.

XVI: Loreen

William is boorish at dinner until a warning glance from Loreen silences him; his earlier rude question about 'the old girl' reinforces Amelia's suspicions.

The Flower Parlor

Referenced as the owner of the Flower Parlor and seen from the window in the courtyard with a dog.

The Second Night

Mentioned as being well and feeding the dogs in the morning.

A Knot of Crape

Whistles cheerfully in the window; reluctantly accompanies Amelia on her garden tour, grumbling at her botanical interests.

Questions

Mentioned as having left Miss Butterworth at the gate after she refused to drag her skirts through the briers.

Mother Jane

Suspicious of Mr. Trohm's motives; asks Amelia to help communicate with Mother Jane; shows irritation and anger.

The Third Night

Participates in carrying the body; his stolid tones are heard.

Room 3, Hotel Carter

Surly brother of Lucetta; he drives Miss Butterworth to the village and is dismissive of her, but she manages to shake him off at the hotel.

The Enigma of Numbers

Mentioned as having a secret passion for vivisection, and his room contains a knot of crape and an open Bible.

A Point Gained

His room is the site of the discovered evidence, and his character is questioned.

The Text Witnesseth

Drives Miss Butterworth home, expresses bitterness toward the neighborhood and hints at an imminent change in the family's circumstances.

Strategy

Shows impatience and anger at the investigation; Miss Butterworth plants tacks in his boots.

Relief

Unwittingly reveals the location of hidden evidence by his footsteps; later returns angry, blaming his sisters for exposing his vivisection and declaring he will play detective.

XXXIII: Lucetta

Bursts in with news about the police searches at Deacon Spear's and Mr. Trohm's houses, expressing glee over the former.

An Hour of Startling Experiences

Accompanies Miss Butterworth to Deacon Spear's house, displaying a mischievous and mocking attitude.

I Astonish Mr. Gryce and He Astonishes Me

Drives Miss Butterworth; expresses his belief that Deacon Spear is responsible for the disappearances and defends Mr. Trohm.

Explanations

Agrees to fix the grounds using his own money and expresses his intention to live and die in the house.