Our American Cousin · Character

Abel Murcott

Mr. Coyle's clerk, a drunkard with a conscience, who helps Asa expose his master's schemes and vows to conquer the demon drink or die trying.

supporting

Also known as Abel Murcott Mr. Coyle, Abel Murcott As frank, Murcott, Abel, Abel Murcott Key, Abel⁠—his, Abel Murcott Florence, Abel Murcott , R. 1 E. Sir Edward Trenchard

First appearance: act i

As a supporting figure in Our American Cousin, Abel Murcott is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

See Abel Murcott in act i Book page

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Abel Murcott works in Mr. Coyle's office and knows exactly how the steward's accounts have been cooked, which makes him both a liability and a weapon. In the wine cellar he lifts the keys from his unconscious master's pocket, then refuses to take the watch for fear of being called a thief, showing a scruple that survives his drinking. When Asa forces Coyle to resign, Abel is named his successor, and his pledge at the first pump he comes to turns the play's revenge into something close to redemption.

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

See Abel Murcott in act i

Character Web

12 connections

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

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Trenchard family and associates
Protagonist

+7 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Asa Trenchard’s vul…

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Relationships

Asa Trenchard
friendship · positive
Abel Murcott is a loyal friend and ally to Asa, often assisting him in his schemes. How this plays out →
Florence Trenchard
friendship · positive
Florence Trenchard
friendship · positive
Asa Trenchard
friendship · positive
Abel Murcott is a loyal friend and ally to Asa, often assisting him in his schemes. How this plays out →

Asa Trenchard
Abel Murcott is a loyal friend and ally to Asa, often assisting him in his schemes.
Florence Trenchard
Abel Murcott is a trusted friend to Florence, often acting as a go-between for her and Asa.
Florence Trenchard
Abel Murcott is a trusted friend to Florence, often acting as a go-between for her and Asa.
Asa Trenchard
Abel Murcott is a loyal friend and ally to Asa, often assisting him in his schemes.

Relationship notes

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

See Abel Murcott in act i