# Ralph N. Prestonby — Short Fiction character guide

> Ralph N. Prestonby in Short Fiction by H. Beam Piper.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Prestonby, Ralph, Literate First Class Prestonby

**First appearance:** 0028-lone-star-planet

## Snapshot

A Confederate cavalry officer with blued-pistol eyes and a scarlet-lined cloak, hunting an independent command in the enemy's rear.

## Who they are

Ralph N. Prestonby is a Literate First Class operating under the guise of a dashing Southern cavalryman, a man whose impudent audacity and ruthless self-confidence mask a deeper mission. He carries twin Colt .44s and a taste for the theatrical, but his real weapon is his ability to read a room—or a general—and seize the opportunity others overlook. His hunger for an independent command behind enemy lines puts him at the center of the story's military intrigue, and his dual identity makes every encounter a performance.

## In the story

### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_24_se/chapters/i)

A Literate teacher at Mineola High School, struggling to maintain order in a violent environment, carrying weapons for self-defense.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_24_se/chapters/ii)

Mentioned as one of the younger Literates who can help carry out the Plan.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_24_se/characters/ralph_prestonby
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_24_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_24_se/characters