Mr. Standfast · Character

Abel Gresson

A suspicious American businessman with hidden loyalties.

supporting

Also known as This Gresson, Mr. Gresson, old man Gresson

First appearance: part i ii the village named morality

As a supporting figure in Mr. Standfast, Abel Gresson is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Gresson is identified by Blenkiron as a key figure in the spy network; Hannay is to get close to him in Glasgow.

In the storyThe Reflections of a Cured DyspepticOpen this moment free

See Abel Gresson in The Reflections of a Cured Dyspeptic Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

With Moxon Ivery (professional): Gresson is a subordinate and accomplice to Ivery, carrying out his orders in the spy network. With Cornelius Brand (professional): Gresson and Brand are co-conspirators in Ivery's spy…

Continue beside the text

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

See Abel Gresson in part i ii the village named morality

Character Web

31 connections

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

Relationship types

Professional
Psychological
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Core Intelligence Team
Protagonist

+26 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the psychological and identity crisis point where Richard…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Moxon Ivery
professional · negative
Gresson is a subordinate and accomplice to Ivery, carrying out his orders in the spy… How this plays out →
Cornelius Brand
professional · negative
Mary Lamington
psychological · negative
Launcelot Wake
rivalry · negative
Andrew Amos
rivalry · negative
Cornelius Brand
professional · negative
Andrew Amos
rivalry · negative
Launcelot Wake
rivalry · negative
Mary Lamington
psychological · negative
Launcelot Wake
rivalry · negative
Moxon Ivery
professional · negative
Gresson is a subordinate and accomplice to Ivery, carrying out his orders in the spy… How this plays out →
Moxon Ivery
professional · negative
Gresson is a subordinate and accomplice to Ivery, carrying out his orders in the spy… How this plays out →

Moxon Ivery
Gresson is a subordinate and accomplice to Ivery, carrying out his orders in the spy network.
Cornelius Brand
Gresson and Brand are co-conspirators in Ivery's spy ring, working together on covert operations.
Mary Lamington
Gresson attempts to manipulate and intimidate Mary, recognizing her as a threat to his plans.
Launcelot Wake
Gresson and Wake are antagonists, with Wake suspicious of Gresson's true loyalties.
Andrew Amos
Gresson and Amos are on opposite sides, with Amos being a loyal British agent opposing Gresson.
Cornelius Brand
Gresson and Brand are co-conspirators in Ivery's spy ring, working together on covert operations.
Andrew Amos
Gresson and Amos are on opposite sides, with Amos being a loyal British agent opposing Gresson.
Launcelot Wake
Gresson and Wake are antagonists, with Wake suspicious of Gresson's true loyalties.
Mary Lamington
Gresson attempts to manipulate and intimidate Mary, recognizing her as a threat to his plans.
Launcelot Wake
Gresson and Wake are antagonists, with Wake suspicious of Gresson's true loyalties.
Moxon Ivery
Gresson is a subordinate and accomplice to Ivery, carrying out his orders in the spy network.
Moxon Ivery
Gresson is a subordinate and accomplice to Ivery, carrying out his orders in the spy network.

Relationship notes

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

See Abel Gresson in part i ii the village named morality

In the story

Abel Gresson appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Reflections of a Cured Dyspeptic
Gresson is identified by Blenkiron as a key figure in the spy network; Hannay is to get close to him in Glasgow.
IV: Andrew Amos
American speaker at a political meeting who incites a riot. Hannay protects him during a subsequent street fight. Amos reveals Gresson is sailing as purser on the Tobermory.
Various Doings in the West
Suspicious fellow passenger; Hannay follows him; possibly involved in Hannay's near-fall overboard.
VI: The Skirts of the Coolin
Mentioned by Amos as a stirring lad, indicating he is a potential threat.
I Hear of the Wild Birds
The Portuguese Jew who meets the German naval officer at the platform, exchanging passwords and hiding messages in the stones.
The Adventures of a Bagman
Mentioned as having left Tobermory and being connected to Linklater; a potential threat to Hannay.
X: The Advantages of an Air Raid
Mentioned as part of Ivery's gang; Hannay believes Gresson tried to drown him and set the police on him.
XII: I Become a Combatant Once More
Suspected enemy agent; visited France as part of a Labour delegation and had a suspicious illness at Eaucourt Sainte-Anne.
The Adventure of the Picardy Château
Mentioned as a suspect; Hamilton saw him, and his sudden illness is one of Hannay's clues.
Mr. Blenkiron Discourses on Love and War
Mentioned as the backer of the 'Deep-breathing' syndicate; Blenkiron confirms he has been dealt with.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Abel Gresson unlock in the free preview.

See Abel Gresson in part i ii the village named morality

See Abel Gresson in The Reflections of a Cured Dyspeptic