Murder in the Maze · Character

Arthur Hawkhurst

A hot-headed young man who calls his uncle's caution cowardice and storms off into the dark to prove he is not afraid.

supporting

Also known as Arthur, young Arthur, young Hawkhurst, Hawkhurst

First appearance: ii the affair in the maze

As a supporting figure in Murder in the Maze, Arthur Hawkhurst is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Hostile to Wendover and Ardsley; expert with airguns; examines the darts and admits to owning many airguns.

In the storyVII: The Pot of CurareOpen this moment free

See Arthur Hawkhurst in VII: The Pot of Curare Book page

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Arthur Hawkhurst watches Ernest Shandon's display of self-preservation with open contempt and cannot resist the taunt that his uncle has cold feet. When Ernest forbids him to fetch the cigar-case, Arthur goes anyway, half bravado and half genuine nerve, with Sir Clinton watching him closely. His reckless need to be seen as brave makes him a volatile piece on a board where nobody's motives are clean.

Continue beside the text

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

See Arthur Hawkhurst in ii the affair in the maze

Character Web

19 connections

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

Relationship types

Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Main suspects and victims
Protagonist

+14 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 it marks the psychological peak of Sir Clinton’s calculated deception, whe…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Sir Clinton Driffield
rivalry · negative
Arthur Hawkhurst is a hostile figure who opposes Sir Clinton's inquiries and harbors… How this plays out →
Ernest Shandon
rivalry · negative
Wendover
rivalry · negative
Sir Clinton Driffield
rivalry · negative
Arthur Hawkhurst is a hostile figure who opposes Sir Clinton's inquiries and harbors… How this plays out →
Wendover
rivalry · negative
Sir Clinton Driffield
rivalry · negative
Arthur Hawkhurst is a hostile figure who opposes Sir Clinton's inquiries and harbors… How this plays out →
Ernest Shandon
rivalry · negative
Wendover
rivalry · negative
Ernest Shandon
rivalry · negative

Sir Clinton Driffield
Arthur Hawkhurst is a hostile figure who opposes Sir Clinton's inquiries and harbors secrets.
Ernest Shandon
Arthur Hawkhurst and Ernest Shandon are bitter rivals, each suspecting the other of wrongdoing.
Wendover
Arthur Hawkhurst and Wendover are antagonists, frequently exchanging hostile words and accusations.
Sir Clinton Driffield
Arthur Hawkhurst is a hostile figure who opposes Sir Clinton's inquiries and harbors secrets.
Wendover
Arthur Hawkhurst and Wendover are antagonists, frequently exchanging hostile words and accusations.
Sir Clinton Driffield
Arthur Hawkhurst is a hostile figure who opposes Sir Clinton's inquiries and harbors secrets.
Ernest Shandon
Arthur Hawkhurst and Ernest Shandon are bitter rivals, each suspecting the other of wrongdoing.
Wendover
Arthur Hawkhurst and Wendover are antagonists, frequently exchanging hostile words and accusations.
Ernest Shandon
Arthur Hawkhurst and Ernest Shandon are bitter rivals, each suspecting the other of wrongdoing.

Relationship notes

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

See Arthur Hawkhurst in ii the affair in the maze

In the story

Arthur Hawkhurst appears across 6 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

VII: The Pot of Curare
Hostile to Wendover and Ardsley; expert with airguns; examines the darts and admits to owning many airguns.
VIII: Opportunity, Method, and Motive
Considered a suspect due to his knowledge of the Maze, access to curare, interest in airguns, and strained relationship with Roger Shandon. His alibi of shooting rabbits is questioned.
The Fourth Attack
Angry and anxious about his sister; claims the airgun is his best one.
The Dart
Wendover suggests Arthur Hawkhurst as a possible suspect due to his erratic behavior and the use of his airgun, though Sir Clinton notes he is a 'difficulty' in the case.
XVI: The Last Attack in the Maze
Contemptuous of his uncle's fear, volunteers to retrieve the cigar-case from the Maze, driven by pride and a desire to prove himself.
XVII: The Siege in the Maze
Guards the Maze, fires warning shots, and reports seeing Ernest's body in Helen's Bower.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Arthur Hawkhurst unlock in the free preview.

See Arthur Hawkhurst in ii the affair in the maze

See Arthur Hawkhurst in VII: The Pot of Curare