Our Mutual Friend · Character

Roger Riderhood

A thieving waterman and informer known as Rogue Riderhood, who trades in other people's secrets and lives by threatening anyone he can corner.

supporting

Also known as Riderhood, Mr. Riderhood, Rogue Riderhood, the Rogue

First appearance: XIII: Tracking the Bird of Prey

As a supporting figure in Our Mutual Friend, Roger Riderhood is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A squinting, opportunistic river scavenger who tries to ingratiate himself with Gaffer as a 'pardner,' but is angrily dismissed.

In the storyOn the Look OutOpen this moment free

Riderhood haunts the riverside pubs and lock-houses where watermen drink, cadging pints and picking up the scraps of gossip that he can sell or use. He is the kind of man who accuses others of crimes he has committed himself, and his feud with Gaffer Hexam and later with Bradley Headstone gives the novel its most poisonous strand of blackmail. His menace is small-scale and relentless, the human face of the river's criminal underside.

See Roger Riderhood in On the Look Out Book page

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Character Web

32 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central characters and rivals
Minor characters and background figures

+27 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 scene is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Betty Higden’s life…

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Relationships

Bradley Headstone
rivalry · negative
Bradley Headstone, a jealous schoolmaster, and Roger Riderhood, a river rat, become… How this plays out →
Bradley Headstone
rivalry · negative
Bradley Headstone, a jealous schoolmaster, and Roger Riderhood, a river rat, become… How this plays out →
Bradley Headstone
rivalry · negative
Bradley Headstone, a jealous schoolmaster, and Roger Riderhood, a river rat, become… How this plays out →

Bradley Headstone
Bradley Headstone, a jealous schoolmaster, and Roger Riderhood, a river rat, become deadly enemies after Riderhood discovers Headstone's murderous secret.
Bradley Headstone
Bradley Headstone, a jealous schoolmaster, and Roger Riderhood, a river rat, become deadly enemies after Riderhood discovers Headstone's murderous secret.
Bradley Headstone
Bradley Headstone, a jealous schoolmaster, and Roger Riderhood, a river rat, become deadly enemies after Riderhood discovers Headstone's murderous secret.

Relationship notes

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

See Roger Riderhood in XIII: Tracking the Bird of Prey

In the story

Roger Riderhood appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

On the Look Out
A squinting, opportunistic river scavenger who tries to ingratiate himself with Gaffer as a 'pardner,' but is angrily dismissed.
Cut Adrift
Mentioned as the source of accusations against Gaffer Hexam; Lizzie suspects he may have committed the Harmon murder.
The Sweat of an Honest Man's Brow
Informs on Gaffer Hexam, claiming Hexam confessed to murder; seeks the reward money.
XIII: Tracking the Bird of Prey
Acts as the informant and guide for the stakeout; reports finding his own boat adrift with signs of struggle.
The Bird of Prey Brought Down
Leads the search; discovers Gaffer's boat and later reacts with shock when the body is identified.
More Birds of Prey
Dwells in Limehouse Hole; confronted by a mysterious visitor about his false accusation against Gaffer Hexam.
The Same Respected Friend in More Aspects Than One
Rescued from drowning after a steamer accident; initially unconscious, then revives with a surly and unrepentant demeanor.
In the Dark
Encountered by Bradley; he has grievances against Wrayburn and Lightwood and agrees to spy for Bradley.
I: Setting Traps
Sets a trap for Bradley Headstone by wearing a red neckerchief; observes Headstone's obsessive behavior and collaborates with him.
Better to Be Abel Than Cain
Harbors Bradley at the lock-house, observes his torn clothes and spots, and deduces his involvement in an attack; later releases him but remains a lurking threat.
XV: What Was Caught in the Traps That Were Set
Confronts Bradley with evidence of the attack; blackmails him; insists on a full settlement.
Postscript
Mentioned as inspecting Bradley Headstone's red neckerchief while he lay asleep, unharmed in the accident.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Roger Riderhood unlock in the free preview.

See Roger Riderhood in XIII: Tracking the Bird of Prey

See Roger Riderhood in On the Look Out