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Short Fiction · Character

the Faun

A mythical creature glimpsed in a Wiltshire chalk down, who unsettles a clergyman's carefully managed life of sermons and self-deception.

supporting

First appearance: the story of a panic

As a supporting figure in Short Fiction, the Faun is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The supernatural being who appears to the curate on the downs, guiding him toward authenticity and joy.
In the storyThe Curate's FriendOpen this moment free

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

The Faun haunts the beech copse and Roman earthworks above a village where the narrator, a facetious clergyman, has arranged a tea outing for his fiancee Emily and her mother. The narrator admits he has been a fool,…

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of the Faun sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See the Faun in the story of a panic

Character Web

10 connections

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

EMEmilyMPMildred PeaslakeMFMrs. FormanHAHaroldCLColonel LeylandTFthe Faun

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Mythical encounter
  • Social circle characters
  • Machine Stops core

+5 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

SetupEscalationClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Michael's grie…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

In the story

the Faun 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 the Faun unlock in the free preview.

See the Faun in the story of a panic