Phineas Redux · Character

Mr. Chaffanbrass

The Old Bailey's most feared cross-examiner, a shabby, sharp-eyed barrister whose brutal courtroom skill becomes Phineas Finn's last line of defence.

supporting

Also known as Chaffanbrass, old Chaffanbrass

First appearance: Mr. Chaffanbrass for the Defence

As a supporting figure in Phineas Redux, Mr. Chaffanbrass is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Defense counsel who interviews Phineas and reflects on the nature of criminal law and evidence.

In the storyTwo Days Before the TrialOpen this moment free

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Chaffanbrass is a legend of the criminal courts — a man who has spent decades dismantling witnesses and whose very name makes the guilty and the innocent alike uneasy. He is not a gentleman in the drawing-room sense, but he is a master of the only arena that matters when a life is on the line. When Phineas stands accused, the old barrister's merciless technique is the difference between the gallows and freedom.

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See Mr. Chaffanbrass in Mr. Chaffanbrass for the Defence

Character Web

24 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Legal and criminal figures
Political and social circle
Minor characters and background figures

+19 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene represents the dramatic climax because it depicts the emotional and psychological peak of Mr. Kenne…

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In the story

Mr. Chaffanbrass appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Two Days Before the Trial
Defense counsel who interviews Phineas and reflects on the nature of criminal law and evidence.
Lord Fawn's Evidence
Defense barrister; cross-examines Lord Fawn aggressively, exposing weaknesses in the identification.
Mr. Chaffanbrass for the Defence
The defense barrister who delivers a powerful, lengthy speech attacking the prosecution's circumstantial evidence.
Confusion in the Court
Argues vigorously in court for the telegrams to be considered, insisting that justice and mercy demand the prisoner be informed.
The Verdict
Collects his papers after the verdict, disregarding his junior counsel.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. Chaffanbrass in Mr. Chaffanbrass for the Defence

See Mr. Chaffanbrass in Two Days Before the Trial