# Abel Murcott — Our American Cousin character guide

> Abel Murcott in Our American Cousin by Tom Taylor.

**Role:** 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:** 0002-act-i

## Snapshot

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.

## Who they are

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.

## Relationships

### [Asa Trenchard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_american_cousin_se/characters/asa_trenchard)

_friendship_

Abel Murcott is a loyal friend and ally to Asa, often assisting him in his schemes.

### [Florence Trenchard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_american_cousin_se/characters/florence_trenchard)

_friendship_

Abel Murcott is a trusted friend to Florence, often acting as a go-between for her and Asa.

### [Florence Trenchard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_american_cousin_se/characters/florence_trenchard)

_friendship_

Abel Murcott is a trusted friend to Florence, often acting as a go-between for her and Asa.

### [Asa Trenchard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_american_cousin_se/characters/asa_trenchard)

_friendship_

Abel Murcott is a loyal friend and ally to Asa, often assisting him in his schemes.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_american_cousin_se/characters/abel_murcott
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_american_cousin_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/our_american_cousin_se/characters