Passages from the Life of a Philosopher · Character
Mr. Turnstile
A philosopher-MP who wants to be a man of the world, Turnstile lets Lady Flumm's flattery and Lord Flumm's dinners pull him from his Shoreditch constituents and his unfinished book.
supporting
Also known as Turnstile, Griskin Mr. Turnstile, poor Turnstile, Footman Mr. Turnstile
First appearance: xxii scene from a new afterpiece called politics and poetry or the decline of science
As a supporting figure in Passages from the Life of a Philosopher, Mr. Turnstile is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
A philosopher and politician, torn between science and politics, courted by the Flumms but betrayed by his supposed allies.
Mr. Turnstile first appears in 0040 xxii scene from a new afterpiece called politics and poetry or the decline of science.
In Act I: A philosopher and politician, torn between science and politics, courted by the Flumms but betrayed by his supposed allies.
Later, in Act II: A man of science who loses his political seat and the Presidency of the Board of Manufactures to MacLeech, leading him to abandon politics.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Character Web
26 connectionsA slice of how Mr. Turnstile sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Professional
- Rivalry
Character groups
- Satirical play characters
+21 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This passage marks the dramatic climax because it represents the peak of Babbage's intellectual and emotional…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Lord Flumm
professional · ambivalent
- Byeways
professional · ambivalent
- Mr. Tripes
professional · ambivalent
- Smooth
professional · ambivalent
- MacLeech
rivalry · negative
- Closewind
professional · ambivalent
- Lord Flumm
professional · ambivalent
- Smooth
professional · ambivalent
- MacLeech
rivalry · negative
- Mr. Tripes
professional · ambivalent
- Byeways
professional · ambivalent
- Lord Flumm
professional · ambivalent
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Mr. Turnstile in xxii scene from a new afterpiece called politics and poetry or the decline of scienceIn the story
Mr. Turnstile appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Mr. Turnstile unlock in the free preview.
See Mr. Turnstile in xxii scene from a new afterpiece called politics and poetry or the decline of science