School Stories · Character

Richard Venables

An elder schoolboy whose amused authority turns a lost sovereign into a lesson in detection for the hapless Pillingshot.

supporting

Also known as Venables, The elder Venables

First appearance: now talking about cricket

As a supporting figure in School Stories, Richard Venables is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

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Venables presides over the study where Evans's missing quid becomes a case, assigning the baffled Pillingshot the role of detective and feeding him clues with mock-serious relish. His interrogation of Evans — cricket bags, the wash, the hours between ten and seven-thirty — shows a mind that enjoys the game of deduction more than the crime. He embodies the older-boy culture of playful mentorship that shapes the younger set's adventures.

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Character Web

23 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Schoolboys and Masters
Protagonist
Masters and Relatives

+18 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

In this excerpt, the narrative climax occurs as the tension surrounding the impending Greek examination reache…

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In the story

Richard Venables appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

How Pillingshot Scored
Captain of the St. Austin's cricket team who agrees to let Pillingshot score.
L'Affaire Uncle John
The narrator and protagonist, captain of the school cricket team, who mistakenly insults his Uncle John and later secures a promising future through cricket.
I
The narrator and captain of the school cricket team, who confronts a stranger damaging the wicket.
Telegram from Major-General Sir Everard Venables, V.C., K.C.M.G., to his son Richard Venables
Recipient of his father's telegram regarding the incident with Uncle John.
Letter from Mrs. James Anthony to Richard Venables
The recipient of the letter, being asked about his insolence toward Uncle John.
IV
Writes a letter to his father defending his confrontation with Uncle John over the cricket wicket.
V
Writes a letter to his sister describing a cricket match and referencing the Uncle John affair.
VI
Recipient of the letter; his earlier confrontation with Uncle John is mentioned.
VIII
Writes to his father, recounting Uncle John's rejection and a new opportunity from the Duke of Twistleton.
IX
Recipient of the telegram from his father.
X
Author of the letter to his father; later noted as a St. Austin's freshman at Trinity, Oxford, who scores 57 in the 'Varsity match.
Harrison's Slight Error
Head of Merevale's House; his study is targeted by Harrison's prank.
The Manoeuvres of Charteris
Confronts Uncle John, highlighting family and authority tensions.

Chapter companion notes

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