# Bob Martin — Short Fiction character guide

> Bob Martin in Short Fiction by J. Sheridan Le Fanu.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Bob, Bobby, honest Bob Martin, a Bob Martin

**First appearance:** 0018-the-village-bully

## Snapshot

A Chapelizod sexton and reformed drinker whose promise to his wife is tested by every open public-house between him and the churchyard.

## Who they are

Bob Martin holds the humble but necessary office of sexton, the man the curate summons when a funeral needs arranging and a grave needs siting. Shaken by a colleague's suicide and threatened with dismissal, he has sworn off drink and become the neighbourhood's edifying prodigal, though his wife still watches him with anxious eyes. On a lowering autumn night, walking past the reeking publics, his resolution becomes the story's whole trembling hinge.

## In the story

### [The Sexton’s Adventure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/the-sexton-s-adventure)

The sexton of Chapelizod, known for his love of drink and storytelling; reforms after his friend's suicide but is tempted by a supernatural visitor.

### [Some Gossip About Chapelizod](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/chapters/some-gossip-about-chapelizod)

Central figure in the gossip; known for his ghost-seeing and rich store of traditionary anecdotes, including tales of Luttrell and Dean Swift.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/characters/bob_martin
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_31_se/characters